Most Common Health Problems in Dogs

A major part of caring for your dog is keeping them healthy. This includes feeding them the right food, giving them the right environment, getting them vaccinated, noticing signs of any sort of sickness, and vet consultation for any ailment.

There are certain health issues that a dog usually has to face if they belong to a certain breed or fall into a category by size as it is passed on to them in their genetics. There is some common sickness that any dog is prone to in their life. Thus, you should be extra cautious about those medical conditions while looking out for your little one.

Let Us Begin By Discussing All The Common Sicknesses That Any Dog Might Catch:

1. Obesity

Obesity in dogs is widespread. 60% of dogs have to face this issue in their lives. The reason behind it is simple. Dog parents generally tend to overfeed their pets or spend a less-than-required amount of time on the pet’s workout. This leads to a pet getting overweight.

Obesity can be the cause of many major health issues, such as a few types of cancer, cardiac arrest, diabetes, and hypertension.

2. Arthritis

Arthritis causes inflammation in a dog’s joints. It is usually found in older dogs. Due to arthritis, a dog’s ability to exercise reduces due to stiffness and pain in the body. It is a good thing that there has been a great deal of research put into ways to treat Canine Arthritis. There are many options available in the market which include physical therapy, medication, and homeopathic remedies.

3. Oral Issues

According to surveys and reports, about 80% of dogs face some sort of dental problem by the time they are 2 years old. The most common among various oral ailments is Periodontal disease. The only way that you can help your dog in the prevention of any sort of dental problem is by taking care of their oral hygiene on a regular basis.

4. Skin Infections and Hot Spots

Scratches in dogs lead to skin infections which, later, result in the creation of “hot spots” where the pet scratches due to bacteria. This can be harmful to your pet in the near future and it can cause physical injuries. You can prevent it by keeping your dog clean, giving them regular baths, and using anti-bacterial products.

5. Parasites

Fleas, ticks, heartworms, ringworms, and hookworms are the common type of parasites in dogs. These can be treated by simply consulting with a vet.

6. Ear Infection

Ear infections can be brought about by a few natural and innate variables, including sensitivities, immune system problems, wax development in the ear, and, surprisingly, unnecessary cleaning. Dogs give indications of an ear infection when they scratch or shake their heads unnecessarily. Smell, dim releases, and redness or expansion in the ear channel can likewise be indications of ear contamination.

Now that all the major common health issues in dogs are covered, let us understand all the health issues that particular and famous dog breeds face. These health issues passed down in in these breeds generation after generation.

Beagles

Beagles are more likely to acquire epilepsy than some other canine varieties. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that results in an explosion of electrical energy in the brain. This makes the dog’s body seize or breakdown.

Boston Terriers

Boston Terriers might be more inclined to cherry eye, an ophthalmological condition that happens when a portion of the canine’s eye tissue juts from the eye attachment and grows. Furthermore, the endocrine problem known as Cushing’s disease is viewed as more pervasive in Boston Terriers.

Bulldogs

French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are more helpless to different medical conditions, including heart issues, respiratory disease, hip dysplasia, and cherry eye.

Cocker Spaniels

English Cocker Spaniels and American Cocker Spaniels have a higher gamble for muscular issues than other canine varieties. They can likewise be more inclined to ear infections because of their floppy ears, which trap dampness in their bristly ear trenches.

Dachshunds

English Cocker Spaniels and American Cocker Spaniels have a higher gamble for muscular issues than other canine varieties. They can likewise be more inclined to ear infections because of their floppy ears, which trap dampness in their bristly ear trenches.

Skin Infections and Hot Spots

Obesity in dogs is widespread. 60% of dogs have to face this issue in their lives. The reason behind it is simple. Dog parents generally tend to overfeed their pets or spend a less-than-required amount of time on the pet’s workout. This leads to a pet getting overweight.

Obesity can be the cause of many major health issues, such as a few types of cancer, cardiac arrest, diabetes, and hypertension.

Common Health Issues in Dogs by Age

As dogs age, they tend to develop weakness and are more exposed to certain medical conditions. Even little puppies who are yet to develop immunity towards some diseases are prone to catching them easily. Let us see what are the medical conditions that any dog faces at different age in life.

1. Prevalent Illnesses in Puppies

Many of the diseases that were common in puppies years ago, such as Distemper and Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis) are rarely seen thanks to the effectiveness of vaccines. But it’s important to ensure your puppy has had all their shots before you can rule them out.

Here are a few of the most common health concerns for puppies:

• Canine Parvovirus (CPV, or “Parvo”)
• Distemper
• Adenovirus
• Leptospirosis (bacterial disease of the kidneys)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Whelping (birthing) Complications

2. Senior Dog Health Issues

Older dogs suffer from many of the same ailments as older humans, such as arthritis and cataracts. Here are a few of the most common health problems in senior dogs:

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Eye Cataracts and Blindness
• Deafness
• Incontinence
• Kidney Disease
• Obesity

Cancer is a challenging illness that is often expensive to treat unless you have pet insurance. It is more prevalent in older dogs and is the leading cause of death in dogs over the age of 10.

Common Medical Conditions by Size of a Breed

There are some health conditions that are more commonly found in large dogs than in small dogs, and vice versa.

1. Health Issues in Small Dogs:

• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (upper airway abnormalities)
• Ectropion (outward-turning eyelid)
• Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)
• Mitral Valve Disease
• Patellar Luxation
• Tracheal Collapse

2. Health Issues in Large Dogs:

• Aortic Stenosis
• Bloat
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (Heart Weakness)
• Gastric Torsion
• Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Osteoarthritis
• Wobbler Syndrome

How to Keep Your Doggo Healthy?

There is a famous saying that prevention is better than cure. You can always take preventive measures to help your dog lead a healthy life.

Grooming and Oral Hygiene

Keeping your dog well-groomed as per the climatic conditions and giving special attention to their oral health is a must. Grooming covers all the aspects of a pet’s body, be it their ears, legs, paws, or any other part that is visible.

Regular Health Checkups

This plays a very important role in keeping your pet healthy. By visiting a vet on a regular basis, you will be able to keep your dog’s health in check. Not only this, if there are any ailments, you will be able to catch them in the early stages.

Healthy Diet

Not every food is suitable for every dog. Everybody is different and so are the needs. You need to identify what all food suits your pet and create a healthy and balanced diet accordingly. You know what they say, “you are what you eat”.

Workout Routines

Not every dog is born athletic. Some can handle more exercise, some can take less. You need to figure out the optimal amount of exercise for your dog. From there, you can track the progress easily.

Now, only knowing these ailments will not prove to be helpful to you. However, you can keep all the precautions in mind while taking care of your furry baby. A pet parent plays a major role in keeping their doggo healthy. A good diet, an exercise routine, and regular health check-ups are mandatory for any doggo to lead a healthy life.

Getting experts involved in time of need is of utmost importance.