If you’re like me, your dog is more than just a pet – they’re a loyal companion, a playful friend, and sometimes, a cheeky rascal who makes every day an adventure. 🐶 But as much as we adore our furry buddies, they can’t always tell us when something’s wrong. That’s why it’s super important to be aware of the most common health issues in dogs. Let’s dive into the top 10 health concerns for our canine friends.
1. Obesity
Obesity is a growing problem in dogs, just as it is in humans. Overweight dogs are at a higher risk for a range of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. To keep your dog at a healthy weight, ensure they get regular exercise and feed them a balanced diet. Avoid giving too many treats, no matter how much they beg with those puppy eyes! 🥺
2. Dental Disease
Dental problems are common in dogs, especially as they age. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease and tooth loss, causing pain and difficulty eating. 🦷 Bad dental health also impacts the other organs, which might lead to additional health issues such as kidney diseases. Regular brushing, dental chews, and routine vet check-ups can help keep your dog’s teeth healthy.
3. Arthritis
Arthritis is a common issue in older dogs and larger breeds. It causes joint pain and stiffness, making it hard for your dog to move around comfortably. Maintaining a healthy weight, providing joint supplements, and ensuring regular, gentle exercise can help manage arthritis symptoms. 🦴 These are the joint supplements we give our dogs, you can use our code NAYA20 for 20% off.
4. Ear Infections
Ear infections are particularly common in dogs with floppy ears or those who love swimming. Symptoms include scratching at the ears, head shaking, and a bad smell. Regular cleaning and keeping the ears dry can help prevent infections. If you notice any signs, take your dog to the vet for treatment.
5. Skin Allergies
Skin allergies can cause a lot of discomfort for your dog, leading to excessive scratching, licking, and hotspots. Allergies can be triggered by food, environmental factors, or parasites like fleas. Identifying the cause and managing the symptoms with hypoallergenic diets, medication, anti-itch shampoo, or flea treatments is essential. 🛁 This is the shampoo we use for Yoda once a week, it helps a lot! – code NAYA20
6. Parasites
Parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms can cause serious health problems for dogs. 🪱 Regular preventive treatments are crucial to keep these pests at bay. Check your dog frequently for signs of parasites, especially after walks in wooded areas, and consult your vet for the best prevention methods. We use a combination of Seresto collars and monthly pipettes. Very few brands protect against sandflies (which cause leishmania). The only good ones are Advantix and Frontline Tri Act (not the regular Frontline). Very few deworming pills protect against heartworms, but Milbemax does.
7. Heart Disease
Heart disease can affect dogs, especially as they get older. 🫀 Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and a swollen abdomen. Regular vet check-ups can help detect heart issues early, and medications or lifestyle changes can manage the condition.
8. Diabetes
Diabetes is increasingly common in dogs, particularly those that are older or overweight. Symptoms include excessive thirst and urination, increased appetite, and weight loss. Managing diabetes typically involves insulin injections and a special diet, so it’s important to follow your vet’s advice closely.
9. Gastrointestinal Issues
Dogs can suffer from a range of gastrointestinal problems, from infections and parasites to chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea 💩, and loss of appetite. If your dog shows signs of GI distress, it’s important to get them checked by a vet to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. It took us a very long time to discover that Duvel had IBD, and even longer to find the appropriate treatment to bring him back to health. If you have any questions about this, I’d be more than happy to help (for free, obviously)! You can reach out to me here.
10. Cancer
Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer but can include lumps, swelling, weight loss, and changes in behaviour. Early detection and treatment are crucial, so regular vet visits are essential to catch any signs early. We managed to prolong Blacky’s life for 1,5 years after his initial diagnosis of ‘two weeks to live’.
So there you have it, an overview of the most common health issues in dogs. It’s always better to be proactive and schedule regular vet check-ups to catch any problems early. And remember, a happy dog is a healthy dog!
Give your dog an extra cuddle from us today, and always watch their health closely! 🐾