Have you ever wondered what ailments dogs are most frequently afflicted with? Well, believe it or not, there are quite a few illnesses that dogs are prone to that are quite common and readily treatable. While the majority of these conditions are not significant, some of them might cause your dog serious health problems if they go unnoticed and therefore untreated.
5 Common Dog Health Problems
Dental Issues
Actually, dogs are more susceptible to oral infections beyond the age of three than any other type of sickness. The most prevalent oral conditions are gingivitis and tartar, whereas more serious periodontal conditions such abscesses are more prevalent in older canines in their final years of life. Bad smell, loose teeth, changes in appetite—particularly a refusal to consume dry food—blood or pus discharge from the mouth, drooling, irritability, lumps on the gums or under the tongue, and discolored teeth and gums are all signs of dental illness.
Cleaning your teeth, having your teeth extracted, and occasionally you even require a root canal are all treatments for dental illness. Your dog’s veterinarian would have to give each of these remedies. The greatest method to prevent major dental problems in your pet is to provide them with regular veterinary treatment. If your pet gets regular grooming, request that the groomer also brush his teeth.
Infection in Ear
It’s quite likely that allergies are to blame for your dog’s persistent ear infections, and the most likely allergens are maize, wheat, and soy in their diet. Dogs with big, pendulous ears, however, are typically more prone to ear infections. Your dog may have an ear infection if you see him pawing or clawing at his ears, shaking his head, or rubbing his ear on the ground or furniture. The ear canal’s redness, scabs or crusts around the ear, hair loss around the ear, balance problems, circle walking, discomfort, and hearing loss are examples of more severe symptoms.
Cleaning and drying the ear is the first step in treating an ear infection in your dog. For this, he might need to be sedated if he’s in a lot of discomfort. Your dog’s illness type will be determined after an inspection by your veterinarian; it is likely that it may be treated with a topical antibiotic or antifungal.
Skin Infections
All dogs itch occasionally, but if you see your dog itch constantly, it may be an indication of something more serious. Food allergies are the leading cause of itchy skin in dogs. Most dog meals contain maize, wheat, and soy, which are the most typical food allergies. Your dog’s itchy skin could be improved by switching to a low-allergen diet that includes lamb and rice. A trip to your vet would be necessary, nevertheless, if changing your food does not help. Itching in dogs can also be brought on by bacterial and yeast infections, which can result in issues called “Hot Spots.” Hot Spots result in excruciating sores, especially in dogs with thick coats.
Your veterinarian may advise something as straightforward as a shampoo to address allergies or an antibiotic ointment for more serious skin diseases, depending on the kind of condition. Getting a good diagnosis is the first step in treating your dog’s itchy skin because there are many potential causes.
Vomiting and diarrhea:
Just like people, dogs occasionally have stomach trouble, and just like people, these problems often go away after a few days. However, you should contact your veterinarian right away if you find that your dog is vomiting or having diarrhea too frequently or if any or both problems appear to be persisting. Constant vomiting and diarrhea may be signs of a more severe condition.
Your dog’s digestive system can get affected by infections including parvovirus, intestinal worms, and parasites. Your veterinarian’s accurate diagnosis will pinpoint the precise issue and suggest the best course of action.
UTI:
UTIs are identified by symptoms including frequent urination, failure to maintain proper housekeeping, blood in the urine, dribbling urine, sobbing while peeing, straining to urinate, or repeatedly and compulsively licking the genital region. Bring your dog to the veterinarian if you detect any of these symptoms. Your veterinarian will collect a urine sample to identify the illness kind and recommend the best medication course of action.
Depending on your pet insurance policy, you can cover vet bills and other medical treatments.