Top 10 Most Common Dog Disease and Health Issues
10. Heartworms
As the name suggests, Heartworms are the worms developed in the heart. Unfortunately, since this disease is transmitted through mosquito bites any dog can catch it. And worse yet it might be years before your dog shows any clinical signs that worms are forming inside the heart.
So if you notice your dog suffering from coughing, fatigue, collapsing or depression seek the advise of your veterinarian.
9. Ticks and Lyme disease
Ticks are parasites that attach themselves to your dog, cat or even to you. They feed on a hosts blood and transmit diseases like Lyme disease.
So we wont to keep ticks outside the house but fortunately it’s easy to keep your dog tick free with a treatment like applying “k9 Advantix” all over your dog. Or ask your veterinarian for local alternatives.
8. Heart disease
Like their owners, dogs are at risk of developing abnormal enlargements of their hearts, but this does not mean your pup won’t live a normal life. The most common reason your dog might develop heart disease is aging, but heartworms and other health issues might also play a part.
Heart disease is important to consult as soon as possible just because we want to try to slow down this process. If your dog has heart disease try to do less activities when it’s hot and humid outside.
7. Cancer
As in people cancer is becoming more prevalent in dogs. While it can affect young pups it mostly present itself in older pooches. You may notice a lump, swelling, lesions, or a sudden change in animals behavior, but whatever the case it’s important to get a diagnosis as soon as possible because there are treatments available for dogs, including chemotherapy.
In animals usually we are not trying to get rid of tumor, we just trying to put it asleep so our dog will feel better for a longer period.
6. Arthritis
As dogs age they can develop arthritis. Most of the time it occurs in dog that were born with an abnormality like hip dysplasia, but even so it’s a manageable condition so it’s best to get an early diagnosis from your vet.
The most important thing for your animal is to try keep in within good weight. Try to keep it as lean as possible. There is also a medication and exercises you should do with your dog like swimming.
5. Kennel Cough
This type bronchitis is easily between dogs wether at the dog park, kennel, or anywhere dog congregate. It affects the dogs breathing and voice box and can present itself as a harsh cough, sneezing, gagging, or even vomiting. If left untreated kennel cough can progress pneumonia, so it’s important to take care of it as soon as possible.
There are vaccines shots available for kennel cough prevention. It’s better vaccinate your dog twice a year if it’s going to be serenaded with other dogs.
4. Vomiting
What can cause vomiting in dogs? Viral infection, bacteria, parasites, or even inflammation of the pancreas might be to blame. Younger dogs sometime swallow foreign objects they should not ingest, which can get stuck in the stomach or GI tract and cause inflammation.
Your dog may also vomit if he eats inappropriate foods like grapes, which can cause renal disease. When your dog or cat vomits you should consult your vet to prevent dehydration.
3. Ear Infection
Most dogs will have an ear infection during their lives. Moisture in the ear leads to the groves of bacteria or yeast and can be caused by anything from bathing, to grooming, to swimming. Summer is a most common time to this infection to turn up and that’s when you might notice the redness in the ear or a really strong smell.
Ear infection in dog is treated really easy, with special medicinal ear-drops or some time with antibiotics.
2. Obesity
This isn’t just people problem, your dog’s health can also be negatively effected when he is overweight. Keep your pet as lean, healthy and in-shape as possible to help prevent problems like diabetes and joint disease. Work with your vet to create a meal and exercise plan that fits into your pooches lifestyle. Because active dogs need different type and amount of sustenance than more sedentary ones.
It’s important not to restrict the amount of food that you are giving your dog if you want your dog to lose weight because they may face the malnutrition. Ask a veterinarian what is best for your dog depending on your style of life and what is your animal metabolism is like.
1. Dental Disease
Affecting 80% of all dogs by age 2 gum disease is a common and potentially very serious doggy health issue. If you notice your pooch has stinky breath the disease has already progressed further than is healthy. As bacteria accumulates it can enter the body through the gums. Without proper attention this can lead to heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and other serious issues.
Dogs should have toothbrush like humans and at least once a day you should brush your pet’s teeth with a special toothpaste to prevent dental issues.
article source petfluf.com
