All creatures have health problems, including dogs. As a pet owner, it’s important to be familiar with the most common dog illnesses and diseases.
Not only will this help you to look out for symptoms and warning signs, but it will help you to reduce the risk of illness and keep your pet healthy.
Arthritis
It’s very common for dogs to suffer from arthritis, especially as they age. If you notice that your pet is moving more slowly than usual, arthritis can be the culprit.
You can reduce the risk of arthritis by feeding your dog nutritious food and keeping them active. Regular exercise and medication can also help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
Obesity
If you don’t monitor your dog’s eating habits closely, they could become obese. This weight gain can increase your pet’s risk for many other health problems.
Scheduled feedings can keep your dog at a healthy weight along with regular physical activity. You may also want to ask your vet to recommend a diet-friendly dog food.
Cataracts
Cataracts can make it difficult for a dog to see clearly and can even lead to blindness. While cataracts can be caused by trauma or disease, it is also possible for puppies to be born with cataracts. You’ll want to have your pet’s vet examine their eyes and provide them with treatment recommendations.
Heartworm
This common parasite can cause a host of health issues for dogs. Heartworms feed on a dog’s blood, which can lead to issues with the lungs and heart. If left untreated, this disease can be fatal.
It’s important to have your dog vaccinated against heartworm. If your dog is infested in this parasite, it’s important to treat the issue quickly with heartworm medication.
Fleas
It’s easy for your dog to be infested with fleas, especially if they spend time outdoors or are around other animals with an infestation. Fleas can irritate your dog’s skin, but thankfully, the problem is easy to treat and detect. You can ask your vet for medication or use an over-the-counter treatment.
Ticks
Ticks can hide beneath your dog’s fur just like fleas can, but they are far more dangerous. Ticks can be more difficult to detect. Some types of ticks can cause paralysis and other serious health problems.
Pay close attention to your dog’s fur during grooming, especially if they’ve recently spent time outdoors in a woodland area.
Cancer
Sadly, dogs can develop cancer just like humans can. Lymphoma and melanoma are two of the most common types of cancer seen in dogs. Catching cancer early on can lead to an improved outcome for your pet.
If you notice any strange lumps, spots, or other unusual health symptoms, you’ll want to have your dog examined by your vet right away.
These are a few of the most common dog illnesses and diseases. Try to learn more about these conditions and what you can do to prevent them. There’s no way to guarantee that your dog will stay healthy, but you can do a lot to reduce your pet’s risk.
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