This is a collaborative post: Any dog owner will agree that keeping your pup healthy is the number one priority.
Daily exercise, great nutrition, and lots of socialization are key to your dog’s health and happiness. They reduce the risk of disease and keep your pet in optimal shape. But, unfortunately, no matter how great their diet and exercise routine are, dogs can still suffer from a variety of health conditions.
No matter how long you’ve been a dog owner, it’s not easy knowing what to do when your pet falls ill. If your dog exhibits symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or sudden behavioral changes, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian promptly; ARC Emergency Vet offers 24/7 emergency care to address urgent health concerns. It’s a scary and worrying time when you have no idea how to help your furry friend and restore them back to full health.
Knowing the most common diseases that affects dogs, and being aware of the main signs and symptoms of these conditions is important as a dog owner.
Catching problems before they’ve had a chance to develop into anything serious means you can get your dog the right treatments and therapies immediately.
Time is always of the essence when it comes to disease development. The quicker you catch something, the better your dog’s chances are of making a full recovery.
To help you know exactly what to look out for, here are the most common diseases that affect dogs and the key signs and symptoms of these conditions.
Colitis
Colitis is a condition where the large intestines (colon) become inflamed. There are a number of causes of colitis, including:
- Stress
- Eating contaminated food
- Food allergies
- Worms or parasites
- Trauma to the colon
- Pancreatitis
You can spot colitis in dogs by looking out for the following signs and symptoms, each of which can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term):
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Blood or mucus in the faeces
- Unusual eating habits
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
If your dog is showing signs of colitis, you must take them to the vet immediately. Your vet will be able to check your dog’s medical history to see if there are any other underlying conditions to be concerned about.
They will most likely ask for a stool sample to check for any signs of worms or parasites. Your vet may also perform ultrasound and x-ray scanning to check for any potential blockages in your dog’s colon.
When your dog has been diagnosed with colitis, your vet may suggest dietary changes to maximize your dog’s gut health. If worms are causing the colitis, a working treatment may be provided alongside anti-inflammatory medication. If there is an obstruction present, your dog might need surgery to remove the blockage. In rare and severe cases, when it’s time to euthanize your dog, your vet will guide you through the process with care.
Giardia
Giardia is a parasitic virus. It disrupts your dog’s electrolyte balance, and this can lead to severe dehydration, vomiting, diarrhoea, and weight loss.
Your dog can ingest these parasites if they get too close to another dog’s contaminated faeces or they drink water that has been contaminated with the virus.
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, you must take your dog to the vet. The vet will provide anti-viral treatments that can get rid of the parasites so that your dog can return to full health.
In the meantime, encourage your dog to drink as much water as possible to keep them hydrated and to prevent further electrolyte imbalances.
Kennel Cough
Kennel Cough is a term used to describe a collection of viral and bacterial infections that can affect your dog’s respiratory tract. The two most common causes of kennel cough are parainfluencea and Brodetella, two diseases that dogs usually get vaccinated for.
This disease can occur when your dog comes into contact with contaminated bodily fluids, such as nasal secretions. It can also be spread through direct contact with other dogs who have been infected, making it highly contagious.
Signs and symptoms of kennel cough include:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Wheezing or heavy breathing
- Nasal discharge
- Gagging
Mild cases can clear up on their own, but if kennel cough persists for a while, you should take your pet to the vet. Your vet will provide the necessary treatments to decrease your dog’s symptoms and help them to recover.
Treatments can include antiviral or antibacterial medications, or cough suppressants. If your dog hasn’t been vaccinated against parainfluencea and Brodetella, it might be worth asking your vet about which vaccinations they recommend for your pet.
Gum Disease
Just like humans, dogs can get gum disease too. Also known as periodontal disease or dental disease, this can develop over time through the build-up of bits of food and bacterial plaques on their teeth. Over time, the plaques harden and become very difficult to remove.
Plaques are full of bacteria, which can erode your dog’s gums. Eventually, this leads to gum disease and cavities.
The main signs and symptoms of gym disease include:
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Changes in tooth color
- Bleeding gums (this may be noticeable if there is blood on their toys or in their water bowl)
- Dribbling or excess saliva
- Changes in appetite and weight loss
Diet can be one of the main causes of poor gum health in dogs. Poor nutrition can lead to weakened gums and bones, which contributes to the erosion of the teeth. Changing your dog’s diet can help as part of the prevention of gum disease, but they may need additional treatments.
Your vet may perform dental radiographs to visualize your dog’s gums in more detail. They may then book your dog in for a cleaning procedure under anesthesia, where specialized tools will be used to scrape away any hardened plaques.
Dental disease may not seem like a serious condition compared to some of the other diseases mentioned in this article. However, it’s extremely important that you take your dog to the vet if they are showing symptoms of dental disease.
Leaving gum disease untreated could lead to tooth loss and chronic pain, which may significantly decrease your dog’s ability to eat and play. In severe cases, the bacteria can enter your dog’s bloodstream and cause serious harm to their internal organs and tissues.
Tackling plaques before they harden is key to the prevention of gum disease.