No one wants to see a family member get ill, and our dogs are our family members. While dogs can experience a variety of health problems, and it is not possible to make an exhaustive list of these ailments, some of these are more common than others. Today, we have brought you a list of some of the most common health ailments along with potential signs with which you can identify such problems. You must learn to identify them as the dog itself won’t be able to communicate them to you.
Common dog ailments and how to identify them
Let’s get started:
1. Ear Infections
Dog ears are prone to infections from various sources. A dog with an ear infection may show symptoms like head shaking, ear scratching, redness or swelling of the ear, odor or discharge from the ear, and unusual sensitivity when the ears are touched.
2. Dental Diseases
Much like humans, dogs are liable to build dental problems over the years. Dental issues can manifest in signs like bad breath, inflamed gums, tartar buildup, loose teeth, pawing at the mouth, difficulty eating, and reduced appetite. Regular toothbrushing can help mitigate these risks.
3. Skin Allergies
Some dogs may have more sensitive skin than others and may be prone to skin allergies. The allergies may manifest in signs like itching, redness, hot spots, hair loss, skin infections, excessive licking or biting at the skin, and ear inflammation.
4. Obesity
Obesity is one of the most common health problems in humans and dogs alike and leads to severe health complications, including increased vulnerability to various health problems. Obesity is more likely to occur in dog breeds that require higher exercise levels. The problem is generally avoidable with proper care. Some signs of obesity in dogs may include excessive weight gain, difficulty moving or exercising, loss of stamina, difficulty breathing, and excessive hunger. Generally, it is a sign that the dog is not getting regular exercise or is being fed too much.
5. Urinary Tract Infections
Some dog breeds may be more vulnerable to urinary tract problems than others. Some of the common symptoms displayed by dogs with such infections can include frequent urination, accidents in the house, straining or discomfort during urination, blood in the urine, and increased water consumption.
6. Arthritis
Arthritis is a painful health problem that plagues humans and dogs alike. Some signs that might mean that your dog is suffering from arthritis include stiffness, reluctance to move, limping, difficulty rising or going up stairs, decreased activity levels, and changes in gait. You must consult a vet to get a proper diagnosis.
7. Gastrointestinal Issues
Dogs tend to eat almost anything and thus are naturally liable to various gastrointestinal issues. Common signs of such issues shown by dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and changes in stool consistency or color.
8. Eye Problems
Apart from eye inflections, dogs may also suffer other eye problems, such as a loss of vision. Some common Indications may include redness, discharge, excessive tearing, cloudiness, squinting, pawing at the eyes, changes in behavior, or vision problems.
9. Heartworm Disease
Many dog breeds are prone to the heartworm disease. Some common signs of this disease shown by dogs include coughing, difficulty breathing, reduced exercise tolerance, weight loss, fatigue, and a distended abdomen. Take your dog to a doctor for a professional diagnosis if you notice any of these signs.
10. Parasites
The fur coat of dogs can easily make them vulnerable to parasites of all types. Common parasites that can infest your dogs include fleas, ticks, and worms. Signs that your dog was infested can vary depending on the parasite but typically include itching, hair loss, visible parasites, changes in appetite, weight loss, and lethargy.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)
There are several questions that the readers may have about common dog health issues, their signs, and how to avoid and deal with them. The following are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s):
Question: What are some other common health issues dogs may face?
Answer: As mentioned above, the list of health issues listed above is hardly exhaustive. The following, for example, are some other health issues your dog may face:
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart conditions
- Deafness
- Depression and mood issues
Question: What are some things I should keep in mind while looking for the above signs for various common dog health issues?
Answer: The following are some of the things to be kept in mind while keeping a lookout for the above signs for various common dog health issues:
- Periodic visits to a veterinarian are highly recommended, even if you are looking for such signs yourself.
- Take the dog to the veterinarian for treatment and for a caring strategy if you think your dog is facing any of these issues.
- If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, we highly recommend consulting a vet.
- Remember, this is just a general overview, and symptoms can vary depending on the individual dog and the severity of the condition.
- Apart from the signs mentioned above, keep a lookout for any sudden changes in your dog’s behavior.
- Create a balanced diet chart for your dog with the help of your vet.
- Regular grooming can prove helpful in avoiding many of these common health issues.
- Spend some quality time with your dogs, or consider getting companion dogs; they just love company. Socialization is made necessary either because dogs are social and need friends or because they are not and thus need to learn to socialize.
- Routine exercise and physical and mental stimulation may be necessary, depending on the breed of your dog.
If the reader has any other questions, they should feel free to ask them here.
The Bottom Line
One can easily wrap up the above discussion by concluding that keeping a lookout for the signs of these common dog health issues can help catch them in time and make your dog’s life long and painless.
