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Many common dog health problems can be prevented with a healthy diet, regular exercise, vaccinations, and routine veterinary care.

Dogs - Common Diseases and Health Problems

Dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible to a wide variety of illnesses and diseases, from mild to severe, treatable to fatal, and curable to chronic. Although many of the health conditions that affect dogs can be prevented or postponed with proper care, it is still possible for illnesses and diseases to develop, often without any reason or fault.

While there are literally hundreds of illness and diseases that may occur in dogs from puppyhood to the senior years, the following list mentions some of the most common illnesses and diseases seen in dogs. With the appropriate treatment and veterinary care, many of these health issues can either be cured or managed to help improve and prolong the life of your dog.

Common Dog Health Problems

  • Ear Infections - Dogs can have ear problems due to many causes, including allergies, parasites, microorganisms, plant awns, hormonal imbalances, heredity diseases, tumors, and having heavy, floppy ears. Many ear problems can be prevented by cleaning and checking your dog’s ears on a regular basis. If your dog shows ear discomfort or gets bad smelling ears, do not delay in seeking veterinary care for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Skin Problems - Skin problems are often accompanied by a dog’s constant scratching, biting, and licking of the affected area. The causes of skin disorders are numerous, including environmental allergies, food allergies, parasites, microorganisms, nutritional deficiencies, and neurosis. Identifying the cause and applying the right treatment will make both you and your dog very happy.
  • Cancer - Cancer is the top natural cause of death in older dogs. It can affect the skin, bones, and internal organs. Just like in people, the cause of cancer is largely unknown. Although cancer cannot be prevented, effective treatments are available to cure or slow the progression of many types of cancers. Early diagnosis can usually increase the success of treatment.
  • Arthritis - Arthritis in dogs can be caused by several factors, such as an infection, immune disorder, or genetics (hip dysplasia). Arthritis cannot be cured, but it can be managed to relieve pain and improve mobility. Common treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucosamine pills, omega fattys acids, and chondroitin sulfate. If you suspect your dog has arthritis, seek the advice of a veterinarian for appropriate treatment.
  • Obesity - Obesity in dogs is usually due to overeating (overfeeding). When a dog continually eats more calories than it needs to meet it’s daily energy requirements, the excess gets stored as fat. In rare cases, a metabolic disease may contribute to obesity. As obesity can negatively impact the overall health of your dog, take your dog to a veterinarian for a check-up and to get advice for a healthy weight loss program.
  • Diabetes - Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by a deficiency of the hormone insulin. In most cases, one or two daily shots of insulin are necessary to control blood glucose levels. Proper weight management, a high fiber diet, and regular exercise are also helpful in managing diabetes. Diabetes can affect dogs of any age or breed, but it usually affects middle-aged and older dogs.
  • Heart Disease - Heart disease in dogs can either be present at birth or acquired later in life. The two common types of heart disease, of either the heart valves or muscular walls, both lead to heart failure. When heart failure occurs, the heart is not able to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. While heart disease cannot usually be cured, treatment is often successful in preventing further heart damage and extending life.
  • Kidney Failure - Kidneys assist in the maintenance of blood chemicals and filter out waste products through the urine. When kidney failure occurs, toxins build up in the dog’s body, a life-threatening situation. Kidney failure in dogs may be caused by ingested toxins (tainted pet food, poisons), infection, or hereditary factors. Immediate veterinary care is essential.
  • Dental Disease - Maintaining the dental health of your dog not only protects teeth and gums but prevents infections from developing in the mouth which can spread to other parts of the body. It is important to prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease, with good dental home care and veterinary oral exams.
  • Lyme Disease - Lyme disease is a bacterial disease that is transmitted to your via tick bites. For transmission to occur, the tick must be attached to your dog for at least 48 hours. Symptoms may not show up for 2 to 5 months. Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics. Vaccines are also available for dogs. The best prevention is to control tick attachment with topical insecticides such as Frontline Plus and K9 Advantix.