Most Common Dog Diseases and How to Prevent Them

As a dog owner, it's heartbreaking to see your furry friend suffer from a preventable disease. According to our article, one of the most common dog diseases is Hip Dysplasia, which affects over 20% of dogs.

Hip Dysplasia is a genetic condition that causes the hip joint to form improperly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues. In fact, our article states that large breed dogs are more prone to Hip Dysplasia due to their rapid growth rate.

To prevent Hip Dysplasia, it's essential to maintain a healthy weight and provide regular exercise. Our article recommends feeding a balanced diet and avoiding overfeeding, especially during the puppy stage.

Some breeds are more susceptible to certain diseases than others. For example, Bulldogs and Pugs are prone to Respiratory Issues due to their brachycephalic skull structure.

Recommended read: Canine Follicular Dysplasia

Dogs can be prone to a variety of health issues, some of which are more common than others.

Ear Infections are a frequent problem, often caused by ear wax buildup or allergies. Regular ear cleaning can help prevent them.

Ear Infections can be painful and may require veterinary attention.

Here are some common health issues to look out for:

Dental issues are a common health problem in dogs, and they can start as early as three years old. Ear infections and itchy skin/skin infections are also common, but we're focusing on dental diseases here.

Gingivitis and tartar buildup are two of the most common oral infections in dogs, which can lead to more severe conditions like abscesses. Bad breath is a telltale sign of dental disease.

Some signs of dental disease include difficulty eating hard food, avoidance of hard food, and discolored teeth or gums. Regular vet visits for teeth cleaning can help prevent dental disease.

Here are some common signs of dental disease to look out for:

Staying on top of your dog's oral care can help prevent dental disease from occurring in the first place. Regular teeth cleaning can be done by your vet or as part of your dog's regular grooming package.

Ringworm is a highly contagious fungus that can infect the skin, hair, and nails. It's not actually a worm, but rather a fungal infection that can spread easily to humans from dogs.

The circular spots it creates are a key way to identify this illness, with a red center in some cases. These spots can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the head, ears, paws, and forelimbs.

Dogs under a year old, those who have experienced malnourishment, or those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of contracting ringworm.

Diabetes is a common health issue that can affect dogs, just like people. The most frequently occurring form of the disease in dogs is Type I, which requires them to receive insulin therapy to survive.

Some breeds are more susceptible to diabetes than others. This means that if you have a certain breed, you may need to be more vigilant about monitoring their health.

Excessive thirst and weight loss are common signs that your dog could be diabetic. These symptoms can be subtle, so it's essential to pay attention to any changes in your dog's behavior or physical condition.

Dogs with diabetes may also experience sweet or fruity breath, cataract formation, chronic skin or urinary tract infections, and lethargy. These symptoms can be indicative of an underlying issue, so it's crucial to seek veterinary care if you notice any of them.

Treating diabetes is a very individual process, and it's essential to work with a veterinarian who understands the condition well.

Parasites are a common health issue in puppies, and it's essential to be aware of the types that can affect them. Puppies are more predisposed to parasites due to their underdeveloped immune system.

Some common internal parasites include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, Giardia, Coccidia, and heartworms. These parasites can cause a range of symptoms, from diarrhea and vomiting to weight loss and lethargy.

External parasites like fleas, ticks, lice, ear mites, scabies, Demodex, and Cheyletiella mites can also cause discomfort and infection. Fleas, for example, can cause intense itching and skin irritation.

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To protect your puppy, it's crucial to stay up to date on dewormers and routine flea and tick prevention. This can be achieved with monthly chewable tablets that contain preventative medication.

Here's a list of common internal and external parasites that can affect puppies:

Preventing parasites is often more cost-effective than treating the diseases themselves. Regular feces testing and deworming can help identify and eliminate internal parasites, while flea and tick preventatives can protect against external parasites.

Intriguing read: Skin Parasites Dogs

Puppy health is a top priority for any dog owner, and the good news is that many common diseases can be prevented with the right vaccinations and care.

One of the core vaccines in puppies is DAPP (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza virus), which is administered every 2-4 weeks until your puppy is 16-20 weeks old.

Vaccines for bordetellosis and canine influenza can also significantly reduce the risk of kennel cough, and a vaccine for leptospirosis is available as well. These preventative measures can save your puppy's life.

It's also crucial to protect your puppy from parasites, which can be prevented with monthly chewable tablets that contain flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. Regular fecal testing can also help detect intestinal parasites that need to be treated with a dewormer.

Here are some common internal and external parasites that can affect puppies:

Common external parasites include:

Keeping your puppy healthy is crucial, and it starts with preventative care. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccines and preventative care protocols for your pet.

Flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives are essential to prevent parasites. These typically come in the form of monthly chewable tablets, and it's also important to have your puppy's feces tested for intestinal parasites.

Many common illnesses in puppies can be easily prevented with the right vaccines and preventative care. This can save you a significant amount of money in the long run compared to treating the diseases themselves.

Common internal parasites that can affect puppies include Roundworms, Hookworms, Tapeworms, Whipworms, Giardia, Coccidia, and Heartworms. External parasites include Fleas, Ticks, Lice, Ear mites, Scabies, Demodex, and Cheyletiella mites.

To protect your puppy, stay up to date on dewormers and routine flea and tick prevention. This will help prevent a range of symptoms, from weight loss and fatigue to labored breathing and vomiting.

Some of the core vaccines in puppies include DAPP (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza virus), which is administered every 2-4 weeks until your puppy is 16-20 weeks old. There are also vaccines for bordetellosis, canine influenza, and leptospirosis.

Here are some common puppy vaccinations and when they are typically administered:

By following these preventative care protocols and staying up to date on your puppy's vaccinations, you can significantly reduce the risk of your puppy acquiring common illnesses and keep them healthy and happy.

Kennel Cough is a common upper respiratory illness in dogs and puppies, caused by bacteria or viruses, or both.

It's usually transmitted when your puppy's mouth or nose comes into contact with the disease.

Places with a lot of dog traffic, like kennels, shelters, and dog parks, are hotspots for Kennel Cough.

You can identify the illness by a dry cough, gagging sound, fever, or coughing up white foam.

Most puppies will be eating well, drinking well, and have good energy, but might experience some nasal or eye discharge.

Treatment is often not needed, as the symptoms are generally mild and self-limiting, but your veterinarian might prescribe antibiotics, steroids, and cough suppressants.

Most puppies recover within 10 days.

To prevent Kennel Cough, make sure your puppy's vaccinations are up to date.

Keeping your puppy isolated from other animals can also help prevent the spread of the illness.

Consult your veterinarian for advice on treating and preventing Kennel Cough.

Take a look at this: Canine Distemper Symptoms in Puppies

Some serious and life-threatening diseases that affect dogs include Parvovirus (Parvo) and Canine distemper. Parvo is a highly contagious viral disease with a 91% mortality rate for unvaccinated dogs.

Symptoms of Parvo include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, depression, dehydration, stomach pain, pale gums, fever, weakness, seizures, and more. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Canine distemper is another extremely contagious viral disease that can be contracted from exposure to germs in the air or by touching infected items. Puppies are more susceptible to contracting this disease, and symptoms include hardening of the dog's noses and footpads.

Here are some key statistics on these diseases:

Cancer is a serious health issue that affects many dogs in the United States. Approximately 6 million dogs receive a cancer diagnosis each year.

Some types of cancer are more treatable than others, and many of the same treatment options used for people are also used for dogs, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

While cancer can be a fatal condition, it's not always the case. With proper treatment, some dogs can recover from cancer.

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If you suspect your dog has cancer, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can help determine the type of cancer and the best course of treatment.

Here are some common types of canine cancer:

Dogs can be susceptible to catching diseases, just like kids. One of the scariest illnesses a puppy can get is Parvovirus, also known as Parvo.

Parvo is a highly contagious viral disease with a 91% mortality rate for unvaccinated dogs. It's transmitted through the fecal matter of a sick dog.

Common symptoms of Parvo include fever, weight loss, lethargy, dehydration, and vomiting. These symptoms can be rapidly progressive, so it's essential to catch them early.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately. The sooner you seek medical attention, the better the chances of survival.

Here are some common symptoms of Parvo:

There is no specific treatment for Parvo, only supportive care. Ideally, puppies with Parvo should be hospitalized to ensure they get adequate care.

Canine distemper is an extremely contagious viral disease that can be contracted from exposure to germs in the air or by touching infected items such as shared food bowls and toys. Puppies are more susceptible to contracting this disease.

Symptoms of canine distemper include green or yellow discharge from the eyes, green or yellow nasal discharge, fever, coughing, lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, thickened paw pads, circling, and head tilt. Seizures can also occur.

Canine distemper hardens the dog's noses and footpads, hence it is also called 'Hardpad disease'. There is no treatment for distemper virus, and supportive care can only be provided to the pet. Recovery is very rare, and dogs that do recover often have underdeveloped tooth enamel, which predisposes them to dental disease throughout life.

If your dog developed any neurologic signs during the course of this disease and survived, those neurologic symptoms usually remain for life. The best way to prevent your dog from catching this disease is through vaccination.

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Adenovirus is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects dogs. It's a viral infection that can be spread through contact with an infected animal or a contaminated object.

The symptoms of adenovirus are quite alarming, and they can include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, eye and nose discharge, weakness, and difficult breathing.

Dogs that contract adenovirus may also experience decreased or no appetite, lethargy, depression, and a range of other symptoms. These symptoms can be severe and may require supportive care, such as IV fluids, blood transfusions, and liver supplements.

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for adenovirus, which makes prevention through vaccination crucial. In fact, the survival rate for adenovirus ranges from 1-30%, making it all the more important to get your puppy vaccinated.

Here are some of the key symptoms of adenovirus: