Dogs Dog Health & Wellness Dog Diseases & Disorders

Common Dog Diseases and Health Issues

dog at vet, basset hound

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Many common dog diseases and illnesses can make our companions sick. Keeping your dog healthy can reduce the risk of common diseases and health issues. This includes routine veterinary exams that can help you discover health problems before they get out of control. Here are some of the most common dog diseases and health problems that pet parents should understand.

  • 01 of 14

    Skin Issues

    Puppy scratching behind his ear

    charity myers / Getty Images

    Many dogs experience a variety of skin issues. Itching and scratching are typical signs of skin issues in dogs. The skin may appear red, inflamed, flaky, scaly, or otherwise abnormal. They may also lose patches of hair. A dog may develop skin problems for several reasons, including allergies, parasites, and skin infections. If your dog is constantly scratching or chewing, or the skin appears abnormal, see your veterinarian before your dog becomes downright miserable.

  • 02 of 14

    Ear Infections

    Veterinarian examining dog ear
    Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images

    Ear infections are often caused by the overgrowth of yeast or bacteria and make dogs shake their heads and scratch their ears. Often, there is ear discharge or debris, and the ears can have a bad odor. Ear infections may be itchy or even painful. When left untreated, they can cause serious damage. If your dog is exhibiting signs of an ear infection for more than a day or two, go to your vet. Ear infections sometimes accompany skin issues. In addition, they may be related to allergies.

  • 03 of 14

    Kennel Cough

    two dogs in a run at an animal shelter
    Shelter workers will observe dogs kenneled together to see how they eat and interact in a close space. David Porras/Shutterstock

    Kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a common upper respiratory infection caused by contagious bacteria or viruses. As the name implies, it's often spread through dog kennels, animal shelters, and other places where many dogs gather. Kennel cough causes tracheal inflammation that leads to a loud, honking cough. Bordetella is a common bacterial cause of kennel cough, and there's a vaccine that can prevent the spread of this particular microbe.

  • 04 of 14

    Urinary Tract Infections

    Beagle puppy lying down
    Dan Steel / Getty Images

    Urinary tract infections are common in dogs. Signs of UTI include inappropriate urination, frequent urination, increased thirst, bloody urine, and lethargy. These symptoms can also be associated with other medical conditions, such as kidney disease and diabetes. If you notice any abnormal urination habits, bring your dog to the veterinarian so they can check the urine.

    Continue to 5 of 14 below
  • 05 of 14

    Parvo

    Sick puppy
    Lumenphoto/Getty Images

    Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that most commonly affects puppies, but unvaccinated adult dogs are at risk too, especially those with compromised immune systems. The virus attacks the rapidly dividing cells in the bone marrow and intestines, leading to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. If left untreated, parvo is usually fatal, and even some pups don't survive despite aggressive treatment.

    Prevention is key to protecting your dog. Complete all puppy vaccinations as your veterinarian recommends, and keep your puppy away from unknown dogs and public places until they're fully vaccinated. Adult dogs need vaccines every one to three years to keep them protected.

  • 06 of 14

    Parasites

    Closeup of tick infected on dog fur skin

    ThamKC / Getty Images

    Parasites are everywhere in your dog's world. They may be external parasites, like fleas and ticks, or internal parasites like heartworms and intestinal worms. Fortunately, there ways to prevent parasites from attacking your dog, usually with monthly preventive treatments. Educate yourself about canine parasites so you can protect your dog.

  • 07 of 14

    Rabies

    Sad Faced Dog with Big Brown Eyes
    Enrique Díaz / 7cero / Getty Images

    Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted when the saliva of an infected mammal enters the bloodstream, often through bites or scratches. It causes neurological dysfunction that leads to death, and there is no treatment for dogs. Although you may not often hear about rabies cases, the risk to pets and humans is very real. Fortunately, rabies can be prevented by vaccinating dogs every one to three years (depending on the vaccine). Most states require rabies vaccines to keep the public safe.

  • 08 of 14

    Dental Disease

    Veterinarian checking young French Bulldog's teeth.
    DjelicS / Getty Images

    Dental disease is a serious and often overlooked health concern for dogs. Bad breath is not normal in dogs and can be a sign of dental disease. Plaque and tartar in your dog's mouth harbor dangerous bacteria, causing damage to the teeth and gums. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially damaging the heart and kidneys. The key to protecting your dog is prevention.

    Continue to 9 of 14 below
  • 09 of 14

    Canine Distemper

    Two Dogs
    PK-Photos / Getty Images

    Canine distemper is a viral disease that is very contagious among dogs. It causes significant illness and can affect several systems in the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, brain, and spinal cord. Fortunately, the DA2PP vaccine protects dogs against canine distemper. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk.

  • 10 of 14

    Obesity

    Obese basset hounds
    dageldog / Getty Images

    Obesity is a common health problem seen in dogs. It's also one of the most preventable. Excess body weight can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and orthopedic problems. Fortunately, obesity can be prevented (and often reversed) through proper diet and exercise.

  • 11 of 14

    Arthritis

    Senior woman hugging her dog outdoors
    Eternity in an Instant / Getty Images

    Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint or multiple joints in the body. In dogs, the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis most often occurs in seniors, though it may also be an effect of old injuries or congenital disorders like hip dysplasia. The good news is that it can typically be managed. If you suspect your dog has osteoarthritis, talk to your veterinarian about the options.

  • 12 of 14

    Canine Influenza

    dogs playing with water bowl

    nycshooter / Getty Images

    Canine influenza, also called dog flu, is a contagious virus that causes respiratory illness in dogs. Any dog can become infected with this virus, but dogs in close contact with other dogs are particularly at risk. Canine influenza causes symptoms similar to the human flu, but the virus that affects dogs does not affect people. Most dogs recover with supportive care. There is a canine influenza vaccine that is recommended for dogs that frequently come into contact with other dogs at places, such as daycare, boarding, dog shows, and dog parks.

    Continue to 13 of 14 below
  • 13 of 14

    Leptospirosis

    Bernese Mountain Dog outside
    Bernese Mountain Dogs are popular family dogs and livestock guardians.

    Getty Images/Christopher Kimmel

    Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by Leptospira bacteria, which can be found in water, soil, and damp grass. It is usually spread through the urine of infected wildlife in water or soil that enters a dog through the mouth, nose, or eyes. Leptospirosis can cause kidney failure, liver failure, and lung disease in dogs. Humans can contract leptospirosis through contact with contaminated urine. For dogs, an annual vaccine is available to protect them against the bacteria.

  • 14 of 14

    Toxicity/Poisoning

    Dog watching father and sons doing dishes at kitchen sink
    Hero Images / Getty Images

    Dogs are curious and often food-driven. So, it comes as no surprise that they are susceptible to poisoning or toxicity. Toxins come in many forms and are often (but not always) ingested. Plants, medications, household items, and some foods can poison your dog.

If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
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  1. Dermatitis And Dermatologic Problems In DogsMerck Veterinary Manual

  2. Ear Infections And Otitis Externa In DogsMerck Veterinary Manual

  3. Infectious Diseases Of The Urinary System In DogsMerck Veterinary Manual

  4. Dental Disorders of Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual

  5. Consequences of Periodontal Disease. Veterinary Oral Health Council

  6. Pet Obesity is a Growing Problem. Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital

  7. Osteoarthritis In Dogs. American College Of Veterinary Surgeons

  8. Potentially Dangerous Items For Your PetU.S. Food And Drug Administration