Dogs are faithful companions who depend on us to provide them with proper care. As with all animals, dogs are susceptible to health problems. Taking care of your pet means knowing when they have a health problem and what you can do to fix it.
The following is a list of the most common health problems you will encounter with your dog.
Urinary Tract Infections
Infections of the urinary tract (UTI) can occur in any dog breed if bacteria enter the urethra. UTIs can be painful for dogs.
Symptoms of a UTI in dogs include:
- Licking the genital area
- Straining to urinate
- Increased frequency of urination
- Blood in the urine
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Whimpering while urinating
You should consult a veterinarian immediately if your dog exhibits any symptoms, as they could also indicate more
serious conditions.
Parasites
You may have to deal with the discomfort caused by parasites at some point in your pet's life. Parasites can be external, such as fleas and ticks, or internal, such as heartworms and intestinal worms.
Your dog may contract a parasite if they eat something contaminated or come into contact with another animal carrying the parasite.
Parasites tend to cause various symptoms based on a few factors. Among the factors is the kind of parasite that infests your pet, where it lives, and the severity of the infestation.
With monthly preventive treatments, you can prevent parasites from attacking your dog. However, you should consult your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate measures for your dog.
Obesity
Obesity is a common health issue among dogs. Nearly
56% of dogs are either overweight or obese.
Obesity can lead to health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, orthopedic issues, and hypertension in dogs. Fortunately, obesity is a preventable and usually reversible condition.
Providing your dog with a healthy diet and regular exercise is the best way to prevent and treat canine obesity. Ensure you don't overfeed your dog simply because you think they are hungry or deserve treats. The reason is that dogs consume a far smaller amount of calories than humans do.
Before making any changes to your dog's diet or exercise routine, consult your veterinarian.
Ear Infection
Several environmental and genetic factors can cause ear infections, including allergies, autoimmune disorders, wax buildup, and excessive cleaning. The condition is particularly prevalent in breeds with long floppy ears.
A dog with an ear infection often scratches or shakes its head excessively. Most infected ears have an unpleasant odor and dark discharges in the canal. Some dogs may experience pain, redness, swelling, itching, and crusting in their ears.
Untreated ear infections in dogs can be extremely painful and harmful to their health. In severe cases, deep ear infections can permanently damage or rupture the eardrum and even cause permanent hearing loss.
Dental Diseases
Like you, your dog is also susceptible to dental diseases. Most dogs suffer from dental disease as a result of poor dental hygiene.
One of the most common oral issues is tartar and gingivitis. As a dog ages, severe periodontal diseases, such as abscesses, are more likely to develop.
Symptoms of dental disease in dogs include:
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty eating
- Blood or pus from the mouth
- Drooling
Some cases of dental disease can result in infection and inflammation of other organ systems, like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Regular vet visits are the best way to prevent serious dental disease in your pet.
In spite of the best efforts of pet owners, certain ailments can occur that are simply beyond their control. In any case, the most effective way to manage and treat your dog is to seek guidance from your vet.
Contact us at Pet Medical Center of Vero Beach today if you have concerns about your dog's health or want to learn more about common dog health problems.
