Although you may spend every day with your dog, it’s likely that you don’t always know how your dog feels. Even the most loving dog is often very stoic when it comes to pain. A dog may hide an injury or fail to let you know that something hurts. Even if your dog has a fever or an illness, you might not realize it until your dog is very sick.
Common Health Problems in Dogs
Cancer
The single biggest killer of dogs is cancer. The issue with cancer in dogs, as with humans, is that it can take many different forms, making it difficult to spot or identify symptoms. However, you should always be on the lookout for lumps that don’t go away, hard spots that suddenly appear, strange swellings, signs that your dog is limping or feeling pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, loss of energy, vomiting and diarrhea, black, tarry stools, or any other indication that your dog is unwell. When in doubt, take your dog to the veterinarian and describe the symptoms. Some forms of cancer can be fast-moving, so do not delay if you think something is wrong with your dog. In many cases, your vet can check a lump or run a simple test to reassure you that there’s nothing seriously wrong. If there is a problem, the sooner your vet diagnoses it, the quicker your dog can be treated and start healing. Skin tumors that turn out to be benign are a leading cause of vet visits.
Ear Infections
According to pet health insurer VPI, ear infections are the number one most common health problem in dogs, causing more vet visits than any other issue. Ear infections can be caused by ear mites or by bacterial or yeast infections. Ear mites are easy to treat with simple ear miticides, but yeast infections are more challenging to eliminate and often follow a bacterial infection. In both cases, infections may develop if a dog’s ears aren’t cleaned regularly or if their immune system is compromised. For instance, if your dog has an allergic reaction to their food or something in their environment, their immune system may be under stress. Normally, the immune system keeps the ears healthy, but under stress, even a small amount of bacteria or yeast can trigger an infection. Yeast is naturally present on your dog’s skin, but when the immune system is challenged, it can overgrow and lead to more ear infections. Ear infections can become chronic and even lead to hearing loss, so they should be taken seriously. Clean your dog’s ears regularly and consult your veterinarian if you notice any issues.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are another common health issue in dogs. Allergies can result from various factors: food, inhalants, contact allergens (things your dog touches), flea allergies, and even an allergy to some types of staphylococcus bacteria on your dog’s skin. Regardless of the cause, your dog may show symptoms like itching, scratching, hives, pustules, and other skin problems. Even a single flea bite can cause your dog to react as if they have a hundred fleas, leading to intense itching. Skin allergies can make your dog miserable, so if you notice your dog displaying allergy symptoms, consult your veterinarian. Don’t wait—such allergies often worsen with age.
Pyoderma/Hot Spots
Hot spots, also known as pyoderma, are red, irritated areas that can develop on your dog’s skin, often almost overnight. They may be caused by bacteria, stress, or environmental factors like rubbing against wet grass. While not fully understood, hot spots tend to flare up in many different situations for various dogs. They are usually not serious as long as they are treated promptly. Treatment typically involves removing the hair around the affected area and applying an antiseptic solution, followed by drying powder to aid healing. The key is to prevent your dog from licking or gnawing at the spot while it heals. In some cases, your dog may need to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent further irritation.
Gastritis/Vomiting and Enteritis/Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are frequent issues for dogs. When dogs eat something they shouldn’t, they often vomit it up, sometimes followed by a one-time case of diarrhea. Since dogs frequently ingest things they shouldn’t, this happens fairly often. As long as the vomiting or diarrhea is a one-time occurrence, it’s usually not a cause for concern, especially if you know the reason behind it (such as eating a dead mouse or stealing food from the counter). However, if your dog has multiple episodes, or if you notice bright blood in their vomit or stool, or see black, tarry stool, you should take them to the vet. There could be a more serious issue at play.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are fairly common in dogs. While they’re usually not difficult to treat, UTIs can sometimes signal a more serious underlying issue. Some UTIs affect the lower urinary tract, while others affect the upper tract. Symptoms may include painful or difficult urination, increased frequency or volume of urination, excessive thirst, pus or crystals in the urine, and lower back pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet for treatment. UTIs are typically treated with a course of prescription antibiotics.
Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common health problems in dogs. It often occurs as dogs age or in younger dogs with joint issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or luxating patellas. As dogs get older, the cartilage between their bones, which acts as a cushion, starts to break down. Connective tissues wear away, and lubricating fluids break down, causing the bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain and inflammation.
Symptoms of arthritis are familiar to many dog owners: occasional limping, difficulty getting up or down from a sleeping position, irritability from pain, decreased mobility, and reduced activity levels. Some dogs may also lose their appetite. Your veterinarian can assess your dog’s condition and prescribe pain medication, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Rimadyl or Deramaxx. However, it’s important to discuss potential side effects with your vet, as some can be serious. Your vet should perform a complete blood panel before prescribing these medications to ensure your dog’s liver and kidneys are functioning properly. If you notice any negative changes in your dog after starting the medication, stop administering it and consult your vet.
In addition to medication, supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, shark cartilage, green-lipped mussels, and Omega-3 fatty acids (like fish oil) can help. Your vet may also administer injections of Cosequin or Adequan, which provide lubrication between your dog’s joints.
Parasites
Parasites are a common problem in dogs. These include fleas, lice, and worms like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Fortunately, parasites are relatively easy to treat. Topical, spot-on products can effectively eliminate fleas for months at a time. Regular deworming is crucial to keep your dog free from internal parasites, and heartworm prevention products such as Heartgard Plus and Advantage Multi also protect against other types of worms.
Obesity
Obesity is a serious problem for many dogs. It’s estimated that between 25 and 40 percent of dogs in North America are overweight or obese. The primary causes of obesity are overfeeding and lack of exercise. Obesity increases your dog’s risk of developing many health issues, such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, digestive issues, skin conditions, and complications during surgery. If your dog is overweight or obese, consult your veterinarian about safe ways to help them lose weight.