Common Dog Health Problems
It is your responsibility as a pet owner to take good care of your dog. That includes feeding and grooming it. However, your dog can still develop some health problems irrespective of how well you take care of it. Experts recommend taking your dog to the vet routinely for wellness exams. Doing so will help with early diagnosis, making treatment or control of the health problems easier. Some common dog health problems are highlighted below.
Skin Issues
Dogs can experience various skin issues, usually caused by allergies, infections, parasites, and more. Some of the common symptoms of skin issues include itching and scratching. The skin can also appear scaly, flaky, inflamed, red, or abnormal in any other way. In some cases, the dog may also lose patches of hair.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are also common in dogs. Some signs of ear infection include the dog scratching its ears and shaking its head. You can also notice a discharge from the ear and often a bad smell. Ear infections can be pretty painful for the dog. Ear infections can result in much worse health issues if left untreated. That makes it essential to take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice any sign of ear infection.
Vomiting
Your dog can develop vomiting due to various reasons. Dog vomiting is normal, but that does not mean it is something to ignore, especially if the case is ongoing. Vomiting can be s
ymptoms of gastrointestinal blockage or toxicity. Other symptoms that might accompany vomiting include diarrhoea, weakness, and lack of appetite.
Dental Disease
Periodontal is a disease of the gums and teeth. It is among the most commonly overlooked health issues for dogs, usually caused by improper dental care. The main symptoms of periodontal disease are bleeding gums and bad breath. If left untreated, periodontal may result in teeth and gum damage. Poor dental care may also result in a buildup of plaque and tartar. Plaque and tartar can harbour harmful bacteria. The bacteria can get into the dog’s bloodstream through the damaged gums and cause further health issues.
Obesity
Obesity is among the most preventable dog health issue, yet among the most common as well. It is usually blamed on poor feeding habits. However, dog obesity can result in further health issues such as heart disease and diabetes and limit your dog’s activity levels. Proper exercise and diet can help reverse obesity.
Arthritis
Arthritis is also a prevalent health issue in dogs, especially the older ones. This condition results in the inflammation of joints. Typically, arthritis can be managed using various methods, depending on its severity. Your vet can give you the best options after examining the dog.