It’s impossible to know which diseases, if any, your dog will contract in its lifetime. Though each dog is different, some health problems are breed-specific, while others are age-related. Some dogs can be affected by a rare disease early in its life, while other dogs live long, healthy lives, with nary a sniffle. Being aware of potential issues is one way to proactively manage your dog’s health. Doing research on common health problems with dogs is one way to help ensure a long, rewarding life with your pet.
Thankfully, most canine health issues are temporary, and brought on by isolated incidents. Perhaps your dog caught a stomach bug or ate something it shouldn’t have, and suffered from vomiting and diarrhea. Or maybe it cut its paw on a jagged rock. Though it’s difficult to stand by and watch when your pet is sick, it’s comforting to see that most of the time, they’re back to normal within days.
Some breeds are predisposed to health issues. Short-muzzled breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, generally have breathing problems due to their nasal anatomy. Some have very small nasal passages that make it very difficult for these dogs to take in enough air. Simple surgery can correct this. If your pet has a short muzzle, it’s important to read all you can on the topic, so if your dog does need treatment, you can be as prepared as possible.
Other dogs, such as golden retrievers, are prone to hip dysplasia. One reason for this is, because of the high demand for these dogs, they’re carelessly bred by inexperienced breeders looking to cash in. Hip dysplasia refers to the abnormal development of the hips in young dogs. The bones in the joint rub against each other unnaturally, causing pain, and later, as the bones grow, osteoarthritis. This disease is found more in larger dogs. It’s treatable with surgery. It’s difficult to diagnose in young dogs, as many dogs are born with no symptoms, and develop it months or years after birth.
Another problem commonly seen in dogs is skin ailments. Bacteria can enter a dog’s body through a small cut, and if a dog licks and scratches the area, moist dermatitis, or a “hot spot,” can result. A hot spot can develop literally overnight. Your dog might go to sleep with a dime-sized abrasion on his body, only to wake up with a grapefruit-sized sore. The bacteria spreads rapidly, but with prompt attention, and daily treatment, the infection can clear up quickly.
Some health problems affect different dogs in different ways, and many are manageable with medical intervention. Allergies, for instance, may cause one dog to scratch, while another dog may chew at its paws until they’re red and raw. Tests are available to discover the irritating allergen, after which point treatment can be suggested. Upon switching food, one dog may suffer from loose stools for days, while another dog remains relatively unaffected. Some dogs simply have more sensitive gastrointestinal tracts than other dogs. Even basic health issues can vary from dog to dog.
One affliction speeding up the list of common health problems with dogs is obesity. Not only are dogs eating more and exercising less, but many are being diagnosed with thyroid malfunction that interferes with the normal metabolic process. This, too, is 100% preventable. It’s also 100% treatable. A healthy, well-balanced diet, coupled with daily walks, can help your dog shed pounds. (And it’s been shown to help people shed pounds, too!) Managing your dog’s weight is one of the single most important things you can do to help guarantee its good health.
As dogs age, their health problems become more apparent. Senior dogs can develop arthritis or joint injuries from overuse. Though arthritis isn’t curable, it is manageable with a wide variety of pain medications and supplements. It’s said that 50% of all dogs over age ten will die of cancer. Of course, many dogs never contract cancer, but it’s important to be aware of any changes in your dog’s routine, to identify any potential health issues. If your dog stops eating, naps more than usual, or otherwise acts different than normal, it’s time for a trip to the vet. It could certainly end up being nothing, but it’s better to have your dog checked out, than to have it suffer needlessly.
When it comes to common health problems with dogs, it’s important to be proactive. Staying on top of your dog’s health issues or even potential health issues will help ensure your dog lives the long, happy life it deserves.