Wondering which diseases to beware of? How to stay away from them? Most of these ailments are not serious, however, if they go undetected and therefore untreated, some do have the potential to pose a serious health issue to your dog.
Disclaimer: These are some diseases I have personally witnessed several dogs go through and personal experiences on what treatment has worked. I am not a veterinarian, please do contact your personal veterinarian before following!
Most Common Illnesses
Ear Infections
Itchy skin/Skin Infections
Dental Disease
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Stiffness and Pain
Obesity
Ear infections
You should probably have your dog's ears checked for an infection if you see them scratching at their ears frequently or if they frequently tilt their heads or shake them. Other symptoms include fur loss, bad breath, and ear canal enlargement or redness.
The first step to treating an ear infection, is to regularly wash, clean, and dry your dog's ears. If they are in a lot of pain, they may require immediate attention by your vet will determine what type of infection your dog may have and can likely be treated with a topical antibiotic or anti-fungal.
Skin Infections
As opposed to the occasional typical scratching behaviour that dogs display, persistent continuous scratching may indicate an infection, allergy, or skin problem. Some dogs may develop skin allergies as a result of eating certain foods, such as soy, wheat, and maize. Other causes include bacterial or yeast infections, which can occasionally create Hot Spots or uncomfortable sores.
These conditions may occasionally be appropriately treated by your veterinarian with antibiotics, dietary adjustments, or specific shampoo to aid treat the skin problems appearing.
Dental Diseases
Periodontitis is an infection caused by a bacteria that might affect your dog's mouth. Gum disease typically doesn't show any overt signs or symptoms until it has progressed to an advanced level, but it can result in bone loss, tooth loss, gum erosion, and chronic discomfort.
Cleaning the teeth, extractions, and perhaps even a root canal are used as treatments for dental disease. Veterinarian care would be required for all of these procedures on your dog. Pet dental hygiene is crucial, and routine visits to the vet are the best defence against serious tooth illness.
Vomiting/Diarrhoea
Vomiting and diarrhoea are two of the most common concerns that cause a dog owner to seek veterinary advice. Dogs seem to enjoy eating all sorts of things that they shouldn’t, which can lead to pretty severe stomach upset.
There are several ways to avoid this: avoid feeding fatty, salty, or spicy foods, introduce diet changes slowly, over 5-7 days, to allow the intestinal bacteria to adjust, consider feeding a probiotic supplement if your pet is prescribed antibiotics, and lastly vaccinating your dog against parvovirus is extremely important.
Stiffness and Pain
Stiff joints can have an overall impact on your pet’s general health and quality of life. There are several signs such as hesitating to go up and down stairs, whimpers, growls or snaps when you touch his joints, preferring to lie down rather than sit or stand, and even reluctance to be groomed or towel dried. This could be because of your dog's age, breed, weight, and even an accident.
To treat pain and stiffness in your dog, first, keep your dog at a healthy weight by maintaining a healthy diet and even trying clinically Proven Joint Support Diets. Another solution may be physiotherapy and regular gentle exercises. Lastly, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed which are very effective at managing pain and reducing inflammation, thereby improving your pet’s mobility and quality of life.
Obesity
One of the most severe health threats hiding in plain sight. Obesity shortens a dog’s life and makes them more likely to develop diseases. It was always accepted that heavy dogs lived a shorter lifespan than lean dogs, usually by 6-12 months. It is typically brought on by an imbalance between energy imbalance, or when the dog consumes more calories than they can burn.
Treatment for obesity focuses on gradual weight loss that is sustainable in the long term. This is accomplished by reducing your dog’s caloric intake and increasing their activity levels. Increasing your dog's physical activity level is vital for successful weight loss.
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For taking the time to read this blog! We hope we helped you and your loved one. For any additional queries or information feel free to reach out to us!