Preventative care, vaccines, and regular trips to an experienced veterinarian will help you keep your dog happy and healthy, but serious medical problems can develop at any time. Since a dog cannot articulate that something is wrong, it is up to the owner to keep an eye out for signs, symptoms, and common illnesses in need of professional help.
1. Worms
Worms are internal parasites that generally cause discomfort in adult dogs but can be deadly in puppies.
Luckily, when worms are caught early on they can be passed with nothing more than a battery of oral medication.
A rough coat, changes to your dog's eating habits, diarrhea, scooting on their bottom, and weight loss are all common signs of parasitic worms.
2. Ear Infections
Ear infections are one of the most common problems for dogs. Common ear infections are generally caused by mites, bacteria, ingrown hairs, hairs deep in the ear canal, yeast, and allergies.
Professionally cleaning and medicating the ear canal will almost always get rid of these infections within just a few days.
Dogs with ear infections often have unusual ear odors, a lack of balance, swelling around the ear, and discharge.
3. Parvovirus (Parvo)
Parvo has a survival rate of well over 85 percent when it is caught and treated soon after the dog is exposed to the virus.
Pet owners should know that parvo is essentially dysentery for animals.
They should also know that most fatalities occur because of severe dehydration and malnourishment.
Parvo generally causes diarrhea, vomiting, and general lethargy.
The vaccine for parvo has a success rate of over 90 percent in adult dogs.
4. Dental Disease
Owners often joke about their dog having bad breath.
However, unusual odors coming from a pet's mouth could be a sign that they have dental disease.
Much like gum disease in humans, this condition takes place when plaque clings to a dog's teeth.
It creates bacteria and infects the mouth.
Professional teeth cleaning by experts at Chester Valley Veterinary Hospital or a vet clinic near you, along with the use of doggy toothbrushes at home, are two simple ways to prevent dental disease.
Once gum disease has developed, it can typically be cured with oral medication and topical cream for the mouth.
Our dogs depend on us for good care, and part of this care means catching medical problems in their earliest stages.
If you have noticed any of these signs or symptoms in your pet, then it is time to make a call to the vet for a checkup.
Amanda Lyn Kayes says
Very helpful. Thank you.
Tammy Myers says
Wonderfull doggie health tips
BookElf says
Great tips my poor pup is prone to ear infections
Maryann D. says
All of this info for 4 Common Illnesses in dogs is very helpful. It is always such a worry to think that your pet has an illness. Prevention is so important.
Brandi Dawn says
Awww, poor puppy in the picture! My dog has not gotten any illnesses since I have had him (6 months now). It is good to know these things ahead of time!
Mia says
All good things to check for especially when they have bad breath. Both dogs and cats can have dental disease and so important to treat it.
Bianca says
great post!
Kristin C says
My dog has severe allergies which often result in ear infections.
rochelle haynes says
Thanks for the tips they can come in handy
April Monty says
That's handy to know, sometimes when they get sick you can't figure it out and sometimes it's severe enough they should be seen by a vet .
Zoey says
Thanks for these recommendations! It's so important to be aware of what your pet could be dealing with to know how to best help him or her!
Dana Rodriguez says
These are some great tips. Thanks!
Natalie says
It can be costly to keep pet's teeth clean! We have tried doggy toothbrushes but they don't work well.
Renee Rousseau says
Very helpful hints for pet health care. Thanks for the info.