Common Health Issues

The following highlights some of the more common health issues. Obviously, this list is by no means all-encompassing, so when in doubt, it’s always better to check with your vet.

Bloat

This common health problem mainly affects large and deep-chested breeds, and it happens when the stomach swells with food, water, or internal gases. The stomach then closes itself off from relief and then quickly twists or flips over. This condition could result in death unless immediate medical help is received. Dog breeds that are susceptible to bloat need to be fed smaller meals, and exercise and water should be suspended for at least an hour after every meal.

Canine Distemper Virus

Canine Distemper is a highly contagious and dangerous health condition in dogs, so make sure your dog is vaccinated. It is most often transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions, but contact with the urine and fecal material of infected dogs can also happen. Younger dogs and puppies are the most susceptible. Among puppies, the death rate from distemper often reaches 80%, but the disease also strikes older dogs.

The many signs of distemper are not always typical. For this reason, treatment may be delayed or neglected. The disease frequently brings about something such as a severe cold, bronchitis, pneumonia or severe inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Distemper is so prevalent and the signs so varied that any sick young dog should be taken to a vet for a definite diagnosis.

Eyelash or Eyelid Abnormalities

These conditions can be very uncomfortable to your dog but can be fixed by surgery. Some examples are when the eyelids turn inward and irritate the eyeball, or when the eyelids are turned outward.

Heart Disease

A major threat to your dog’s health is heart failure. In most cases, heart disease can be successfully managed with early detection and treatment. Heart disease in dogs, as in people, can be either present at birth or acquired. Although some of the early stages of heart failure in dogs are not visible, heart failure can be diagnosed by the vet. Mild to moderate heart failure typically exemplifies through heart enlargement, coughing, lethargy and difficulty in breathing. Severe heart failure is characterized by difficulty breathing, fainting, unwillingness to exercise, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Heartworm Disease

Tiny infective heartworm larvae can be transmitted to a healthy, dog through mosquito bites. The larvae penetrate the dog’s skin and migrate through the tissues and develop over the next few months, eventually reaching the dog’s heart. The worms can grow and cause significant damage to the heart, lungs and other vital organs.

Your dog can get heartworm disease even if they stay inside most of the time. Mosquitoes can easily slip through cracks around windows, doors or screens, and unfortunately, no dog, or breed of dog, is immune to heartworm disease. The mosquito that bites your dog could be carrying this common and deadly parasite, and these mosquitoes can be found at varying times of the year depending on the climate.

Hip Dysplasia

This crippling disorder is prone to all breeds but generally affects larger-sized dogs. An inherited origin, this common health problem occurs when the hip does not fit properly into the socket. Treatment from this type of health problem includes painkillers, physical therapy, or a major surgery.

Kennel Cough

Kennel Cough (or Tracheobronchitis) is caused by bacteria in the respiratory tracts which results in a severe chronic cough and nasal discharge. Transmission most frequently occurs by contact with the nasal secretions of infected dogs. Vaccination is usually accomplished by the use of a nasal spray.

Leptospirosis

A bacterial disease that affects the liver and kidney, Leptospirosis may cause vomiting, impaired vision, and convulsions. The disease is transmitted by contact with the urine of infected animals and can spread to humans. To monitor your dog's health, do a quick scan during your weekly grooming session and look for signs of illness such as matted fur, swelling or unusual discharge. Also, check for dehydration by twisting the skin of his shoulder. A healthy dog's skin will snap right back.

Parainfluenza

Parainfluenza is caused by a mild respiratory tract infection, usually transmitted by contact with the nasal secretions of infected dogs. The vaccine to protect against this disease may be combined with other vaccines to offer broader protection.

Parvovirus

Parvovirus (or CPV) is a disease that damages your dog's intestinal lining, and is often fatal to young or unvaccinated dogs. Infection is spread by dog-to-dog contact and has been diagnosed wherever dogs congregate. The source of infection is fecal waste from infected dogs. Signs include fever, weakness, poor appetite, and depression, followed by vomiting and severe diarrhea. These signs will most often appear 5 to 7 days after the dog is exposed to the virus. Most deaths occur within two to three days following the onset of clinical signs, so treatment must start as soon as possible.