Common Dog Illnesses and Diseases
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More
Common dog diseases and illnesses, such as ringworm, kennel cough, and parvovirus, can be spread through shared brushes, collars, or bedding, or by petting or handling an infected dog.
Preventing these illnesses is crucial to save your dog’s comfort and reduce veterinary bills. Consult your veterinarian for specific risks in your area.
Here is a list of common dog illnesses, symptoms, and treatments, which can help you catch it in the early stages.
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint-related condition causing swelling, pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving in dogs. It is diagnosed through physical examination, palpation, and imaging technology like X-rays.
Osteoarthritis in dogs can manifest as limping, lameness, stiffness, difficulty moving, yelping, avoiding activities, swollen joints, decreased activity, and weight gain.
Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements, weight management, and physical therapy. Managing OA is complex, requiring a combination of multiple modalities, as it is a complex disease process that requires careful management.
2. Obesity
Weight management in dogs is challenging due to difficulty in identifying overweight pets. Obesity can lead to various health issues like high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, arthritis, liver disease, low thyroid hormone production, diabetes, and cancer.
Symptoms include excess body fat, difficulty exercising, lethargy, and increased risk of other health issues.
Treatment involves a controlled diet, regular exercise, avoiding overfeeding, and monitoring portion sizes.
3. Dental Disease
Dental diseases in dogs, typically identified after three years old, include gingivitis, tartar buildup, and abscesses.
Symptoms include difficulty with hard food, bad breath, discolored teeth or gums, loose teeth, and lumps on the gums or under the tongue. Regular vet visits and dental cleanings can help prevent dental issues in dogs.
Treatment involves regular dental cleanings, brushing teeth, dental chews, and professional dental care.
4. Canine Diabetes
Dogs can develop Type I and Type 2 diabetes, similar to humans, requiring insulin therapy and dietary changes.
Signs of diabetes include excessive thirst, weight loss, sweet breath, cataract formation, chronic skin or urinary tract infections, and lethargy. Some breeds are more susceptible to these conditions.
Treatment includes working with a knowledgeable veterinarian, which is crucial for maintaining a dog’s health, as treatment involves insulin therapy, dietary changes, and regular blood glucose monitoring, especially for Type I diabetes in dogs.
5. Ear Infections
Ear infections in dogs can be caused by scratching, head shaking, redness, swelling, discharge, and odor.
Symptoms include loss of fur, odor, and swelling of the ear canal. Recurring infections may also indicate allergies. To prevent ear infections, dry dogs’ ears after watering, use a dog cleaning solution, and manage allergies appropriately.
Treatment options include ear cleaning, antibiotics, regular checks, and avoiding water in the ears. Regular ear checks and cleaning are essential for maintaining healthy ear health.
6. Heartworm Disease
Heartworm is a parasitic worm that lives in the heart and arteries of infected animals, transmitted by mosquitoes. These parasites damage arteries and organs, spreading after six months to the heart and lungs.
Symptoms include coughing, fatigue, weight loss, difficulty breathing, and decreased appetite.
Treatment involves preventative medications, veterinary treatment to kill adult worms, and supportive care. Screening for heartworm should be done annually through blood testing.
7. Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a term for respiratory infections affecting the windpipe and voice box, often caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus.
Symptoms to look for are a persistent cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy, and loss of appetite. To prevent further spread, it is essential to keep your pet isolated from other animals and consult your veterinarian.
Treatment includes rest, hydration, antibiotics if bacterial, and avoiding exposure to other dogs. It is crucial to keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date to prevent further spread.
8. Parvovirus
This text describes a highly contagious viral disease that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy, and loss of appetite. It is transmitted through contaminated feces and requires intensive treatment, including intravenous fluids and medications. The disease is more common in unvaccinated puppies and dogs, with younger pups more susceptible.
Canine parvovirus (parvo) symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, hypothermia, dehydration, and rapid weight loss due to lack of appetite and gastrointestinal issues.
Treatment includes hospitalization, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and supportive care. However, many dogs can be saved with immediate treatment.
9. Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Persistent scratching in dogs can indicate skin conditions, infections, or allergies. Food items like soy, wheat, and corn can cause skin allergies, while bacterial or yeast infections can cause hot spots or painful sores.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) is characterized by intense itching, scratching, red, inflamed skin, hair loss, hot spots, scabs, crusts, thickened skin, and restlessness. The condition affects dogs’ skin around the tail, abdomen, and inner thighs, leading to swollen, red, and painful patches. Over time, the skin may thicken or darken.
Treatment includes flea prevention, topical or oral medications, regular grooming, and soothing shampoos.Veterinarians can help treat these conditions with antibiotics, diet changes, or specialized shampoos.
10. Gastrointestinal Issues (e.g., Diarrhea)
Diarrhea is a condition characterized by loose stools, frequent bowel movements, vomiting, and dehydration in dogs. It can be caused by changes in diet, bacterial infections, poisonous chemicals, or digestive system damage. A diet of chicken and rice should improve in 1-2 days.
Gastrointestinal issues in dogs can cause diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, flatulence, constipation, lethargy, dehydration, bad breath, and behavioral changes. These symptoms can lead to weight loss, decreased energy levels, and changes in behavior.
Treatment includes dietary changes, probiotics, hydration, stress avoidance, and veterinary care if severe. If symptoms persist after 24 hours, a vet visit is recommended.
11. Cancer
Of the approximate 65 million dogs living in the United States, about 6 million of them received a cancer diagnosis each year. Cancer, however, is not always a fatal condition, though it can be one of the most challenging conditions to identify.
Dog cancer can manifest in various ways, including unusual lumps and bumps, persistent sores, weight loss or loss of appetite, unusual discharge from openings, bad odor, lack of interest in exercise or play, mobility issues, breathing problems, persistent bad breath, and behavioral changes.
Once confirmed, though, many of the same treatment options that are available to people are used for dogs as well. For example, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. There is a full spectrum of different types of cancers that can impact dogs, and some are very treatable in contrast to others.
12. Blocked Anal Glands
Anal glands are small pockets on either side of a dog’s bottom that produce a fishy-smelling substance that coats feces, leaving a territorial scent. Blocked anal glands occur when the sacs fail to empty, often due to loose feces or narrow gland ducts.
Symptoms in affected dogs may show up as excessively licking the area, dragging their bottom, and clamping their tail.
Treatment can be done by vets or owners who can manually empty the glands, but chronic blockages require draining, flushing, and antibiotic treatment.
13. Ringworm
Ringworm is a highly contagious fungus that can infect skin, hair, and nails, leading to hair loss in dogs. It can also spread easily from a canine to a human.
The condition is identified by symptoms of circular spots, often red in the center, and skin lesions on the head, ears, paws, and forelimbs. Dogs under a year old, malnourished, or immunocompromised are at a higher risk of contracting ringworm.
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection and should be diagnosed by a professional.
Final Thoughts
Common dog illnesses and symptoms are diverse and should be consulted with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Each breed and region of the country has its own unique health conditions and susceptibilities, making it essential to consider the varying health conditions that dogs can experience throughout their lifetime. This article provides a brief overview of these common health conditions.
