Common health problems in dogs!

If you are a dog parent, you know how amazing the experience of having a dog is. Our four legged friends bring positivity in your life with their cute cuddles and keep you healthy and active. Going with your pet for a walk or daily exercise keeps both of you in a physical state of well-being. But have you ever wondered what if your dog becomes ill? What are the most common diseases in dogs? What are the possible outcomes of these diseases? What should you do to help them? Don’t worry—in this email, we’ll discuss some of the most common health problems in dogs and their possible solutions.

Common health problems in dogs

There are many ailments and conditions which your dog can suffer from. Some of them don’t pose a great deal of trouble, while others can lead to a poor prognosis if not treated in time. Sometimes even a mild infection or cleanliness problem can lead to severe outcomes if not taken seriously. That is why, if you see a slight change in the normal condition of your dog, start taking them seriously right from the beginning.

Paying attention to your dog’s health early on can make a big difference. Below are some common health problems that many dogs face.

1. Skin problems
   Skin infections are one of the most frequently observed issues in dogs. Out of the many symptoms your dog exhibits with skin problems; irritation and discomfort are the most significant. Itching is quite normal in dogs, similar to humans, but a tell-tale that something is going on is prolonged itching. When your dog feels discomfort due to excessive itching, they may rub their body against a hard object or even use their paws to scratch. Other possible signs of skin infection in your dogs are;

• Redness
• Bumps
• Rashes
• Skin sores
• Hair loss
• Dandruff
• Itching

Now let’s go into the details of what common health issues are associated with your dogs' skin.

• Allergies: 

There are two types of allergies among dogs: 

Environmental allergy and food allergy.

Your dog may have sudden itching on feet, stomach area, chest, and face in environmental allergies. This allergy occurs when your dog comes in contact with the allergen or the cause. It is somewhat like hay fever in humans, the difference in signs being that the dog starts itching and rubbing, in contrast to sneezing and watery eyes in humans.

Food allergies often result from a food ingredient. For example, dogs are sometimes allergic to certain types of proteins in their diet from any source like chicken, beef, dairy, or eggs. Dogs can also have allergies to vegetables or wheat.

In treating your dog's food allergies, you can keep them on an elimination diet to exclude those possible ingredients from their food that can pose them to these allergies. During the elimination process, make sure you don’t accidentally include the suspected allergen into your dog's diet to make it successful.

• Ringworm: 

This is a contagious fungal infection that causes red, inflamed patches on your dog’s skin. It’s important to seek treatment right away. Immediately ask your vet about your pet's condition if you observe any signs of irritation. It is important to control the infection in time because it is highly contagious and may affect other pets and humans.

• Mange: 

Mange is a severe skin condition caused by a tiny parasitic mite that resides on your dog's skin and hair. It has two types: Sarcoptic mange and Demodectic mange, mainly causing severe irritation on the ears. Affected dogs show loss of hair around the legs and face, redness, and severe itching of affected areas.

Dogs with mange should be treated immediately. First, wash the affected areas of the skin, use medicated shampoos to ease the inflammation, and kill the mites.

Other common skin conditions of dogs, to name a few, are: lupus, dandruff, fleas and ticks, yeast infections, impetigo and folliculitis

2. Ear infections
   Ear infections can occur due to the lack of provision of hygienic measures by some pet parents. When there is a buildup of wax, debris, or bacteria in the ear canal. Symptoms include ear scratching, bad odor, and redness. Regular ear cleaning and prompt treatment with prescribed medications can help resolve these infections.

3. Obesity
   Obesity is a growing concern for dogs and can lead to heart problems, diabetes, and joint issues. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help keep your dog at a healthy weight.

4. Dental diseases
   Dental diseases among dogs are often overlooked. Dogs usually suffer from the disease of tooth attachments and gums, which is called Periodontal disease. One of the apparent signs of a dog suffering from a dental problem is a foul odor from the mouth. Dogs typically do not smell bad, so a foul odor is a tell-tale case. The teeth and gums damage can also happen when your dog harbors dangerous bacteria and plaque, and tartar. This harmful bacteria can reach your dog's bloodstream causing even worse health issues like kidney failure and heart diseases. Prevention is the only thing that can help you to avoid facing this problem.

5. Pain and stiffness
   As dogs age, they may experience stiffness and difficulty moving due to arthritis or joint problems. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight and considering incorporating joint supplements like glucosamine may help manage pain and improve mobility.

6. Muscle problems
   Muscle disorders, or myopathies, can affect your dog’s ability to move. Musculoskeletal problems in dogs can indicate the following; diseases of muscles, toxins in the body, metabolic disorders, hormonal abnormalities, poor nutrition, congenital disabilities and neurologic problems. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, degeneration of muscles, regurgitation, lethargy, depression and difficulty walking/standing/sitting/running. Depending on the type of muscle disorder, treatment may include medication or physical therapy.

7. Joint problems
   Among the joint issues, arthritis has the most occurrence. Arthritis is when your dogs have one or more joints that have inflammation. Dogs with Degenerative joint disease suffer from a common form of arthritis called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis mostly happens to old-aged dogs, or it may occur in dogs that have old injuries or hip dysplasia which is a congenital issue. Luckily this condition can be well managed with treatment - guided by a veterinarian.   

Be proactive about your dog’s health

Keeping a close eye on your dog’s behavior and physical condition is key to early detection and treatment. If you notice any changes, such as lethargy or loss of appetite, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian. Regular checkups, proper nutrition, and exercise can go a long way in maintaining your dog’s health and happiness!

Take care of your four-legged friends, and they’ll be sure to bring you years of love and companionship.

Have a nice day,
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