Health-related problems are a part of everyone’s life. Similarly, there are different dog health problems that you need to know about if you have a dog. No doubt that taking care of your dog will reduce the risk of these dog health issues. However, there are still some issues, and you need to have information about them.
You can better treat the problem if you know about it. For this reason, this article is going to focus on some typical dog health problems. These health issues can be easily seen in dogs. Therefore, as a dog owner, you should read this article to end to have a complete understanding. Let’s discuss these, one by one.
14 Major Dog Health Problems and Solutions
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is a common problem in older dogs, and it is also known as osteoarthritis. There are different symptoms that you will notice in your dogs. In cold weather, your dog will be slow to get onto its feet. It will also be less active than its routine. It’s a very painful disease for dogs, but your dog will not complain much about it.
There are different things for the solution to this health issue. Exercise, along with weight control, is essential to keep dogs in good health. Moreover, different anti-arthritic drugs, and CBD oil can also solve this issue.
2. Infections in Ear
This is also a very common health problem in dogs. If your dog spends most of its time outside, it’s likely to have an ear infection. Different objects like dust, dirt, or grass seeds can become the reason for irritation in your dog’s ear. It can ultimately lead to an ear infection. You will notice your dog often pawing its ears. This can be an indication of ear infection.
There are different ear drops available, having some antibiotics in them. The vet usually prescribes them for the treatment of ear infection. Also, clean your dog’s ear regularly to avoid this problem.
4. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another common problem in dogs because there are different reasons behind this health problem. It can often be just as the result of food poisoning or the result of some allergic reaction. However, it can also be due to some severe diseases. Understanding the reason for diarrhea is essential to treat it properly.
5. Fleas & Tick in Dogs
Most dogs get this disease during their lifetime because it is also one of the common dog health problems. However, fleas are not very serious, and the issue can be resolved with some simple medications. There are many different products available for this in local pet stores.
Ticks are dangerous as they can even lead to death. The paralysis tick is especially hazardous for your dog as they can poison the blood, which ultimately leads to death. Therefore, you should immediately take your dog to the vet to treat the problem correctly.
6. Obesity in Dogs
This condition is most common in Australian dogs, and dog owners do not notice it often. Obesity itself is not a very serious problem, but it can be the reason for many other dog health problems. For example, obese dogs are more prone to kidney diseases, heart diseases, arthritis, etc.
If you feel like your dog is overweight, talk about it with your vet. He can suggest some useful solutions.
7. Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
Cushing’s disease in dogs is the result of a hormone known as cortisol, which is released in excessive amounts. This hormone is essential for dogs as it helps them deal with stress, fight with infections, etc. It also helps in weight control and balance of blood sugar levels. However, this hormone should always be in an equal quantity. Otherwise, it can create problems.
It’s a tricky disease and difficult to diagnose. There are different symptoms of this disease as increased thirst, pot belly, thinning skin. Hair growth will be slow, and you will feel as your dog is hungry all the time. Cushing’s disease can be treated with surgery. However, if it’s not possible for your dog, some medications can decrease the cortisol level.
8. Cancer
Cancer is a severe health issue, and unfortunately, it’s common in most dogs. Old age dogs specially develop this disease, and it is similar to human beings. Dogs can have lymphoma, breast cancer, melanoma, or prostate cancer, etc.
Treatment of cancer in dogs is also similar to the procedure done for human beings. Different surgeries, radiations, and chemotherapy are a part of its treatment. It is essential to notice the symptoms as soon as possible. Otherwise, the situation can be worse if it left unnoticed. You can see some unusual spots or lumps on your dog’s ears, skin, or eyes.
9. Heart Problem
Heart diseases are common in old aged dogs, and the most common heart disease is congestive heart failure. In this condition, your dog’s heart will not be able to pump blood properly. As a result, there will be some fluid in the center, chest cavity, and lungs.
You can notice different symptoms of this disease in dogs. The primary symptoms are; difficulty in breathing, coughing, intolerance of exercise, vomiting without any possible reason, and loss of consciousness. If you notice such signs, take your dog to the vet immediately.
10. Gas Or Bloating In Dogs
Bloating in dogs is a serious issue, and if a dog is suffering from gas or bloating, it immediately needs treatment. It’s a deadly condition; therefore, you need to take it seriously. In bloating, the stomach of the dog is filled with gas, fluid, or food, which will make it expand. As a result, the stomach will cause pressure on other organs.
You will notice your dog feeling difficulty in breathing. Also, you will see the drooling and swollen stomach of your dog. Eating quickly, drinking too much, and running after finishing meal are some of the common reasons for bloating in dogs. Stress is also one of the reasons.
After you have noticed any of these symptoms, go for its treatment. Talk to your vet as it will help you a lot. This situation can be worse if this issue is left untreated. Therefore, take it seriously and take care of your dog. The common medicine used for Gas is Simethicone(Gas X), but always consult your vet before giving any sort of medicines.
11. Urinary Tract Infections
This is also a common health issue in dogs. You will see your dog peeing in the house. Some people say that it’s a behavioral problem, or maybe the dog has not been appropriately trained. However, it can also because of some infection in the urinary tract. There are different symptoms that you can notice, such as frequent urination, blood in urine, lethargy, and an increase in thirst.
This problem can also be related to some issues in kidneys. Therefore, take your dog to the vet so that he can have a complete checkup. He will analyze the dog’s urine to identify the cause.
12. Vomiting
There are several reasons behind this condition of your dog. The best way to identify the cause of vomiting is by noticing your dog’s behavior. In this way, you can have an idea if the situation is dangerous. It can be normal initially, but it can also be a symptom of some severe disease.
Noticing your dog’s behavior will help you in this matter. If there is nothing unusual in its behavior, it’s all normal. However, if the situation continues, take your dog to the vet for a complete checkup.
13. Cataracts
Cataracts disease, common in dogs, can affect the dogs in the same way as it affects human beings. It is especially common in old aged dogs; however, the age of your dog is not only the reason. If your dog’s eye was damaged or has been through a trauma, it can develop cataracts.
It can also be present at the time of birth, or it can also develop when your puppy is a few weeks old. Talking to your vet about this issue is the most effective way.
14. Dog Throwing up Blood
The medical term, which is used for dog throwing up blood, is known as hematemesis. It’s very upsetting to see your dog throwing up blood. There are many different causes and symptoms of this disease. Trauma or irritation on the esophagus in the GI system can result from blood in the dog’s vomiting. Moreover, inflammation in the intestines can also lead your dog to throw up blood.
Noting the color of blood is vomiting is essential as it will help to identify the cause. For example, a darker color of blood is an indication of a stomach ulcer. Taking your dog to vet immediately will help to treat this issue. He can identify the underlying cause and then can handle it accordingly.
Conclusion
As a dog owner, you need to know about different dog health problems. These are a part of life. If you know these things, then you can take better care of your dog. Some diseases can be commonly seen in dogs. These include cancer, obesity, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.
To treat them properly, you need to know the cause of these diseases. There are many symptoms of every condition that you can notice to diagnose the issue. Moreover, also take your dog to vet for a complete physical checkup. He can also conduct some tests to identify the problem. Delaying the treatment can cause many problems for your dog; therefore, don’t risk your dog’s health.