We love our dogs and want what’s best for them, but try as we might, like any living creature, they fall sick. 

Health issues are common in dogs even with the best care and we want to do everything we can to ensure that they enjoy long and happy lives. 

As devoted dog parents, we must understand and familiarize ourselves with the common health problems in dogs. With proper preventative care and a whole lot of attention, you can delay the onset of such conditions, and in some cases, negate them altogether. 

Here are some things to watch out for, and what you can do about it. 

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease

Periodontitis is a degenerative disease that causes the tooth to lose its attachment to the socket, resulting in a weak tooth, tooth loss, and severe infections. Bacteria might potentially enter your dog’s bloodstream every time he chews, causing infections in the heart, lungs, and kidneys. 

To prevent tooth and gum problems, brush your dog’s teeth regularly with some flavored toothpaste and a meat-flavored toothbrush. 

Ear Infection

This fairly common health issue arises when the lining of the dog’s ear gets inflamed and swollen in one or both ears, from the ear flap to the ear canal and the eardrum. This disease can be terrible and painful, and if left untreated, it may require surgery to cure. 

A stringent grooming routine is necessary to take care of your pooch’s ears. 

Obesity

Excess fat has a negative impact on the health and longevity of a dog. 

Obese dogs are more susceptible to different types of cancers, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Obesity also contributes significantly to the chances of getting hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.

Feed a high-quality, low-fat diet and have plenty of exercise to help your dog (and you if you want!) keep off those unnecessary pounds. 

Long Overgrown Nails

Summer’s coming! And that means hiking season is coming too. 

Your dog’s long claws can make walking uncomfortable and awkward. Long nails can change a healthy paw into an imbalanced foot, reducing grip and causing imperfections and injuries. In the worst scenario, claws can grow so long that they curve over and dig into the pads of their paws.

Cut your pooch’s nails every four to six weeks unless you run many miles over rough terrain that will naturally file the nails down. Nevertheless, check on their nails frequently and keep them as short as you can, especially if you intend to go on plenty of hikes in the outdoors with your pooch this summer!

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a painful disorder that occurs when one or both hip joints in a puppy develop improperly during its growth. 

Pain, depression, inflammation, and eventually arthritis are all symptoms of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is inherited by most dogs from one of their parents, and symptoms usually appear while they are still growing.

To boost your dog’s natural healing process and increase cartilage formation, glucosamine for dogs can help ease pain, stiffness, and discomfort in joints. For more severe cases of joint pain, glucosamine can be used with painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by your veterinarian.

Skin Disease

Many dogs suffer from a range of skin problems. In dogs, itching and scratching are common symptoms of skin disease. 

They may also experience hair loss in some areas. A dog’s skin problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, bacteria, skin infections, and more. If your dog is continually scratching or chewing, or showing any unusual marks, take him or her to the vet before things get out of hand.

Diarrhea and Vomiting

Diarrhea can occur in conjunction with vomiting or on its own. Diarrhea might be caused by the same factors that induce vomiting. In most cases, it is not a medical emergency, but persistent diarrhea can cause dehydration. If diarrhea persists, it can become dangerous for our dog’s health. 

There are numerous causes of a dog’s vomiting. You don’t have to take your dog to the vet every time he vomits, but like diarrhea, you should not ignore it if it is persistent. 

Vomiting can indicate poisoning, gastrointestinal obstruction, or other serious illnesses. Malnutrition can also be the reason for this problem. If your dog continues to vomit or exhibits other symptoms such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, or weakness, you should consult a veterinarian.

Dehydration and Heat-Related Illnesses

As we move into summer, and the temperatures climb, make sure your dog is adequate hydration at all times, especially if you are active outdoors or in a particularly hot climate. Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion, which in turn can lead to heatstroke, a potentially fatal condition.

Symptoms of dehydration are:

• Red eyes
• Excessive drooling and panting 
• Lethargy and weakness
• Dark-colored pee
• Dizziness and nausea
• Excessive thirst
• Headache 
• Loss of appetite 

Keep in mind that certain breeds are more prone to overheating than others. Thick, double-coated dogs like Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds and northern breeds that originated from the cold might struggle in the summer.

Brachycephalic breeds like Boxers, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Pugs that have short snouts and flat faces might also struggle with respiratory problems, especially in excessive heat. 

Final Thoughts 

Like humans, certain dogs are predisposed to certain genetic conditions but if we learn to identify and manage them, we can help our beloved canines live long and happy lives. Good luck!