“Dogs are man’s best friend.”
This is a common proverb that you might hear often. Undoubtedly, dogs are the most loyal creature on earth. You cannot trust humans sometimes, but dogs are always trustworthy. You can share your worst and the best with them, and they would not judge you. No matter where you go, they will always have your back.
Humans have common health issues like flu, cough, fever, etc. Pets have some common health issues as well. Your best friend can face many problems just like you do. To treat his health issue and make him healthier again, you have to be sure about the common health problems that dogs have. Lyme disease in dogs is one you especially need to worry about when taking your dog through a wooded area with lots of grass and bushes. Make sure to check your dog for ticks after a walk through an area that could have them.
How can you help your pet if you do not know what he is feeling? Just because he seems lousy does not mean you have to hit the doctor right away. Taking your dog to the vet may not be easy because you must know the common issues and their symptoms. If you can diagnose the problem on your own, consulting the vet would be easier.
There are common health issues that your dog might encounter. Keep reading to find out the most common ones.
1.Worms
Dogs are can also have severe intestinal infections due to worms, just like humans do. Tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms are the most common attackers to dogs’ intestines. It causes discomfort for the dogs, especially the puppies. The common symptoms of infections are:
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea which may be bloody as well
- Rapid loss of weight
- Scooting on the bottom
- Dry coat
- Vomiting for roundworms in particular
- Physical appearance is spoiled
If you witness any of these symptoms, it is better to consult a vet right away. If the situation gets worse, you may lose your pet. Also, if this issue is fatal for puppies. The doctor may advise worming tablets for dogs in such cases.
2.Ear Infections
One of the common canine problems is an ear infection. The cause can be different like ear mites, allergies, yeast, bacteria, and excessive hair growth. The signs of ear infections include:
- Tilted head or shaking
- Ear smell
- Intense scratching
- Balancing issues
- Unusual eye movements
- Redness and swelling of the ear
- Yellow or brown smelly discharge from the ears
Go to a veterinarian immediately because the infection can spread and cause some serious problems for your dog. Early medication and removal of infection can help in the easy recovery.
3.Flea Attack
Parasites like flea take only a couple of days to multiply and take over your dog’s skin. Your canine can pick up fleas easily, but it has an easy cure as well. Note that the cure is easy when you know the general signs. If not, it might get tricky for you to treat the dog.
- Intense scratching
- Licking and biting the skin
- Dirty black spots against the skin also called flea dirt
- Red spots
- Hair loss
- Allergic dermatitis
- Fleas also carry tapeworms
Untreated fleas cause severe discomfort in dogs and can turn into anaemia due to excessive blood loss. Oral medications, shampoos, and lotions are the main methods of treatment.
4.Urinary Problems
Urinary issues are commonly found in dogs. Has your dog ever peed in the house? Some people identify it as a behavioural problem, but it may be a serious urinary tract problem that you are not paying attention to. Your dog cannot say, but it is your responsibility to keep everything in check. It is more common in the little ones.
The signs of urinary tract infections (UTI) include:
- Inappropriate urination
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blood in the urine in severe cases
- Lethargic attitude
These signs are alarming because they indicate kidney problems and diabetes. Do not ignore these symptoms in the name of behavioural issues. Your canine needs a veterinarian immediately for the treatment. Immediate treatment can save your dog’s life.
5.Dental Problems
Did you know that dogs can have dental problems as well? Well, this may be surprising for most of you but keep a check on your dog’s teeth as well. Just like your teeth, the dog’s teeth are also susceptible to damage. It can have a cavity, gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss as well.
The major symptoms are toothache. You cannot obviously identify that easily, but the dog will growl aggressively and often. Eating problems are another sign because the pain would not allow your dog to eat.
Keeping all these symptoms in mind, take your dog to the hospital and get him checked. The doctor will advise painkillers and discuss different options to treat the paining tooth.
6.Poisoning
Owners have become accustomed to their dogs going around eating just about anything or chewing on various items around the house. However, many people are unaware that even some of the most basic foods and fruits that people can safely eat can be extremely harmful to dogs. Pets ingesting toxic substances account for roughly 214,000 veterinary cases every year.
Pet owners need to be well-aware of the dangerous substances around the home that can endanger the health of their pets. Do your homework, and learn about the common toxic foods and household items to avoid. Every time your pet consumes something outside their usual diet, make sure to keep a close eye on them for signs of food poisoning.
Different studies have shown that dogs are driven towards food; therefore, it is not surprising that dogs are prone to toxicity. There are different forms of toxins, but they are not always ingested. Plants, some food types, and even the household items may cause poisoning of the dog.
Common signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness, and rapid loss of appetite. Consult the veterinarian right away because your canine can have some serious problems as well. Do not risk his life.
7.Obesity
Obesity is not the problem for humans only, but it is a problem for dogs. Surprisingly, it is a rapidly growing problem among dogs. It can be identified as excessive weight gain, increase in appetite, and lousy behaviour of the dog. If you see your canine sleepy and gaining weight rapidly, talk to a doctor. Obesity in dogs can result in heart diseases, orthopaedic issues, and diabetes.
Sounds weird but yes, dogs can have such issues as well.
8.Arthritis
Inflammation of the joint is called arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly found in dogs. It is a degenerative bone disease that is observed in old dogs. Although, it might be an aftereffect of an injury and cause hip dysplasia. There are not many symptoms but the most common issues dwelling issues. Your dog may not want to take a walk in the park with you, and his preference would be to stay at home.
If your dog is a senior and has any issues with roaming and activeness, talk to the veterinarian immediately.
The Final Word
Just like humans, animals need special care, as well. If a dog is your best friend, would not you want him to be healthy? Know the different diseases or health issues that your dog might face so that treating him becomes easier. Take good care of your dog and visit the vet if he has any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Early diagnosis can help in the early cure of your best friend. Your pets cannot express in words, but their behavioural changes are the best warning sign for you. Never lose attention when it comes to your pets.
