Common Small Dog Diseases and How to Prevent Them

As a dog owner, it's natural to worry about the health of your furry friend, especially if they're small. Hypothyroidism, a common endocrine disorder, can affect small breeds like Poodles and Basset Hounds, causing weight gain and skin problems.

Small dogs are also prone to dental issues, with 85% of dogs suffering from dental problems by age three. Regular brushing and dental check-ups can help prevent this.

Some small breeds, like Chihuahuas and Pugs, are more susceptible to heart problems due to their compact bodies and narrow chests. This can lead to heart failure and other serious complications.

By being aware of these potential health issues, you can take steps to prevent them and keep your small dog happy and healthy.

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Small dog breeds are prone to certain health issues due to their small size. Many small breeds were bred down from standard sized dogs, which can lead to inherited health problems.

Some common health issues in small dog breeds include respiratory problems. These can develop in three ways: as an inflammation of the tubes that connect the throat to the lungs, as chronic pneumonia, or as acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe.

If your small dog is showing signs of respiratory distress, such as a persistent cough, it's essential to seek veterinary attention right away. The symptoms may seem like a viral illness, but testing has been negative for a virus, and it's unlikely that the cause will turn out to be viral.

Here are some key facts about common small dog diseases:

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect small dogs. It's often referred to as hard pad disease due to its impact on a dog's footpads and nose, which can become hardened.

Puppies and dogs susceptible to airborne diseases are most likely to contract canine distemper. This disease can be transmitted through shared materials or airborne exposure.

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Symptoms of canine distemper include paralysis, fever, coughing, running eyes, and vomiting. These symptoms can be fatal, even with supportive care from a vet.

The best way to prevent canine distemper is through vaccination. Keeping your puppy away from infected dogs is also crucial in preventing the disease.

Here are the key facts about canine distemper:

Canine parvovirus, also known as parvo, is a highly contagious viral disease with a 91% mortality rate for unvaccinated dogs.

Parvo is caused by the Carnivore protoparvovirus 1, which attacks the internal organs of dogs once it spreads through the body.

Common symptoms of parvo include fever, weight loss, lethargy, dehydration, and vomiting.

If your dog is showing these symptoms, it's essential to seek veterinary care right away, as the virus is quite hard to kill.

To prevent parvo, vaccination and maintaining hygiene are crucial. This includes keeping your dog away from contaminated feces and making sure they're up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Here are some key facts about parvo:

As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to take proactive steps to protect your furry friend from common small dog diseases.

First and foremost, make sure your pet is fully vaccinated and boosted against known canine diseases. Dr. Jerry Klein, a practicing vet for 35 years, recommends this as a crucial step in preventing illnesses.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential health issues early on. It's also a good idea to request a full respiratory panel if your vet doesn't suggest it, as this can help determine if your dog's illness is caused by a known germ or something new.

To minimize the risk of exposure, consider avoiding crowded areas like dog parks and kennels, especially during peak holiday travel seasons. Dr. Kurt Williams, director of the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, notes that crowded conditions and close contact with other dogs increase the likelihood of infectious diseases.

If you do need to leave your dog in a kennel or daycare facility, make sure they don't share food and water dishes with other dogs. This simple precaution can help prevent the spread of germs.

Lastly, consider alternative arrangements for your dog's care, such as hiring a house sitter or dog walker, to ensure they receive regular attention and care in their own environment.

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Patellar luxation, a common issue in small breed dogs, causes the kneecap to slip out of the femoral groove when the knee is extended. This can lead to permanent dislocation and the need for surgical correction.

Some breeds, such as Yorkies and Pugs, are more prone to this condition due to their genetic makeup. Overweight dogs are also more likely to be affected, as their excess weight puts additional pressure on the knee joint.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is another condition that affects the joints of small dogs, causing the bone to weaken and deteriorate over time. This can lead to arthritis and a gradual onset of lameness, which may eventually become severe enough to prevent the dog from putting weight on the affected leg.

Lyme disease, caused by a bacterium transmitted through tick bites, can also cause joint pain and limping in small dogs. If left untreated, it can be fatal, so prompt treatment with antibiotics is essential.

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Patellar luxation is a common joint issue in small breed dogs, where the kneecap slips out of the femoral groove when the knee is extended.

This can be a genetic condition, and some breeds are more prone to it than others, including Yorkie, Jack Russell terrier, Pomeranian, and Chihuahua.

In mild cases, the kneecap moves back into the groove easily, but in more severe cases, it dislocates permanently and needs surgical correction.

The condition can cause the dog to 'skip' for a few steps before walking or running normally again.

A veterinarian diagnoses patellar luxation with a physical examination and assigns a grade based on the condition and discomfort.

Depending on the stage, treatment for the slipped kneecap can vary, from medical management to surgery.

Most low-grade options are treated with pain and anti-inflammatory medications.

The more overweight a dog is, the more they will be affected by patellar luxation, as their weight places more pressure on the knee joint.

Legg-Calve-Perthes is a condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort for dogs. It's characterized by disrupted blood flow to the bone, which can lead to weakening and deterioration over time.

This can result in minor fractures, scar tissue formation, and eventually arthritis.

The condition typically starts with gradual limping on one rear leg, which can progress over several weeks.

In some cases, the pain and lameness can develop suddenly.

Diagnosis often involves radiographs, or X-rays, which can show the progression of the disease over time.

As the disease progresses, the femur may take on a moth-eaten appearance due to bone resorption.

Treatment options vary, but mild cases may be managed with medical therapy and pain management.

Lyme can be a serious issue for dogs, especially if they're not treated early on. If left untreated, Lyme disease can be fatal.

The bacterium associated with Lyme disease is typically spread through tick bites, mostly from deer ticks. This bacterium can move towards the joints, causing joint pain.

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Common symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, pain, limping, and loss of appetite. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it's essential to get them checked out by a vet ASAP.

Treatment for Lyme disease usually involves giving your dog some antibiotics. This can help clear up the infection and get your dog back on their feet.

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Small dogs are prone to back and spine problems, and one of the most common issues is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). IVDD can cause nerve damage, pain, or paralysis, and symptoms can include sensitivity to touch, lameness, stiffness, weakness, and collapse.

Some small breeds are more susceptible to IVDD due to their selective breeding. Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, and Corgis are among the breeds that are at higher risk.

Small dogs with IVDD may experience symptoms after jumping up or down from furniture, as excessive force is placed on their spines. Even something as simple as jumping on the sofa can trigger acute and painful side effects.

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The symptoms of IVDD can be mild or severe, and may include arching of the back, shivering or crying, reluctance to move, inability to walk normally, and knuckling of all four paws. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to contact your vet for immediate advice.

Cervical IVDD, which occurs in the dog's neck, can also cause a range of symptoms, including arching of the back, shivering or crying, and inability to stand. In severe cases, the dog may be unable to support its own weight.

Here are some small breeds that are most at risk of developing IVDD:

It's essential to be aware of the symptoms of IVDD and to take steps to prevent it, such as providing a comfortable and supportive living environment for your dog. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can also help to maintain your dog's overall health and reduce the risk of IVDD.

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Dental disease is a common condition found in dogs, and small breed dogs are particularly susceptible to it due to their small mouths and quicker onset of periodontal disease.

Small breed dogs are more prone to dental issues like retention of deciduous teeth, dental crowding, and periodontal disease. To prevent these issues, it's essential to establish a daily dental cleaning routine with your dog.

This routine should include brushing with a dog toothbrush and specially formulated toothpaste, as well as using water additives, dental sprays, and gels to repel oral bacteria.

Some effective products for maintaining your small dog's oral health include Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive and Petstages Mini Dental Chew Pack.

Common signs of periodontal disease:

Regular dental exams with your veterinarian are crucial in detecting periodontal disease early on, when damage is minimal.

Dental disease is a common condition found in dogs, and it's essential to pay attention to their teeth and gums, especially in the first two years of life. Small breed dogs are more susceptible to dental issues due to their small mouths and quicker onset of periodontal disease.

To avoid gingivitis and periodontitis, establish a daily dental cleaning routine with your dog, which includes brushing with a dog toothbrush and specially formulated toothpaste. This can help repel oral bacteria and keep your dog's teeth in great condition.

Some excellent products for maintaining your dog's dental health include Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive, Petstages Mini Dental Chew Pack, and Kyron Pet Dent Toothpaste. These products can help prevent dental disease and keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy.

Periodontal disease is the most common dental issue among all dogs, and it's characterized by the accumulation of dental plaque and tartar on the teeth, causing inflammation. This can lead to infections, bone loss, or loss of teeth if left untreated.

Bad breath is a tell-tale sign of periodontal disease, and other signs include an inability to chew, broken teeth, bleeding gums, and pawing at the mouth. If you notice any of these signs, consult with your veterinarian immediately.

Here are some common signs of periodontal disease in dogs:

Regular dental exams with your veterinarian are essential in preventing dental disease and catching any issues early on.

Ear infections can be a real problem for dogs with floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels.

Dogs with furry and floppy ears are very susceptible to developing ear infections.

Cleaning the dog's ears regularly, every few weeks, can help prevent ear infections.

Occasionally flipping the ears back a little can also give them more room and help prevent infections.

You should also keep the canals of the ear dry by carefully trimming any hair that grows under the ears.

By minimizing ear infections, you may be able to prevent a bigger problem from developing in the future.

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