Dogs are our loyal, faithful companions - which is why it’s so important to be aware of common health problems they may face. Knowing the warning signs of common health issues can help you get your dog the help they need quickly if a problem arises. Here’s what every dog parent should know about some of the most common health problems in dogs and how to best prevent them.
Skin Issues in Dogs
Skin issues such as allergies, flea infestations, hot spots, dry skin, and mange are some of the most common ailments seen in dogs. Allergies are often caused by environmental allergens such as pollen or dust mites. Flea infestations can cause itching, redness, and hair loss.
Hot spots are areas of raw or inflamed skin that require treatment with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications. Dry skin may be caused by poor nutrition or inadequate grooming habits - regular brushing will help prevent this problem. Mange is an inflammatory skin condition caused by mites, and it can be treated with special shampoos or topical medications.
With skin issues, unless you have seen the issue before and know what it is, it is best practice to visit your veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Joint Pain in Dogs
Joint pain is another common issue seen in dogs due to arthritis or injury. Signs of joint pain include limping, reluctance to move, stiffness when standing up after lying down for a long period of time, swollen joints, decreased range of motion in affected joints, and difficulty climbing stairs or jumping onto furniture.
Treatment for joint pain may include special diets formulated for joint health or supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Also helpful are physical therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and surgery if needed.
Digestive Problems in Dogs
Digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloating, constipation, and lack of appetite are also commonly seen in dogs due to poor diet choices or underlying medical conditions like pancreatitis or food sensitivities/intolerances.
Treatment may involve dietary changes such as switching to a high-quality food made with natural ingredients, supplements containing probiotics, medications prescribed by a veterinarian, fasting followed by gradual reintroduction of small amounts of food at meals over several days, fluid therapy if necessary due to dehydration from diarrhea/vomiting, or administering antacids if necessary due to acid reflux/heartburn symptoms. Stool testing may be needed to rule out parasites or other infections as causes of digestive upset.
Obesity
Obesity is one of the most common health problems plaguing dogs today, and owners are often unaware that their friend is carrying too much weight until it becomes a serious issue. Unfortunately, being overweight can lead to more serious illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, joint pain, and even cancer. To prevent obesity in your pup, make sure they get plenty of exercise (at least 30 minutes per day) and feed them an appropriate calorie-controlled diet based on their age and activity level. You can also track their progress with regular weigh-ins at the vet's office.
Parasites
Parasites like fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms, heartworms, and whipworms are all unfortunately common in dogs - but thankfully they’re preventable with routine parasite prevention treatments from your veterinarian or pet store.
Be sure to use a trusted brand that covers your pup for multiple parasites (flea/tick combo products are popular) and follow the dosage instructions carefully for optimal protection against parasites year-round. If you suspect your pup has been exposed to parasites or notice any symptoms (like itchiness), contact your vet immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Allergies & Skin Diseases
Dogs can suffer from allergies just like humans do - but instead of sneezing or coughing up congestion, more likely symptoms will include skin issues like hives, hot spots, and redness and irritation. Allergies can be caused by anything from food sensitivities to environmental factors such as pollen or dust mites.
Consult with your vet if you suspect allergies may be causing discomfort or symptoms. You should also keep an eye out for other skin diseases such as mange (caused by mites) which will require special medications prescribed by a veterinarian to heal properly.
No matter what type of dog you have in your life, knowing how to spot the warning signs of common health problems is essential for keeping them safe and healthy for years to come! While these problems may seem daunting at first glance, taking proactive steps like providing adequate nutrition & exercise along with routine preventive care from your vet can go a long way towards ensuring good overall wellness for your four-legged family member(s). So don't hesitate. Take action today!
