Common Dog Illnesses & How to Spot Them

No living organism is immune to diseases. Our pets are no different, and while most people assume that dogs have inherently strong immune systems, they are still susceptible to certain illnesses. Most commonly occurring conditions are not particularly serious. However, if left untreated, these conditions can become a cause for concern and pose a threat to your dog’s health and well-being.

As expert pet relocators, we understand how important your pet’s health is, even more so when embarking on pet travel. Illness means your pet cannot safely travel, especially if it is suffering from a communicable condition, and since an international pet relocation involves numerous health checks, it is necessary for your pet to be healthy if you intend on travelling together.

Common Dog Illnesses & Ailments

Dental Disease

Dogs require dental care just like people. Oral and dental issues are amongst the most prominent and common issues faced by dogs, which can increase in severity with time. Plaque, tartar, and gingivitis are the early signs of dental disease in dogs, with more severe symptoms of periodontal (gums & bone) disease like abscesses developing if no treatment is administered.

The primary symptom of dental disease is frequent bad breath, even after cleaning or brushing. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, drooling, red or bleeding gums, discolouration of teeth/gums, and loose teeth. Treatments for such conditions are administered by a vet, with cleaning, tooth extraction, or root canals prescribed depending on the disease. Frequent brushing and regular vet visits are the best and easiest ways of preventing dental diseases. Invest in a dog toothbrush and dental wipes to help you maintain your dog’s dental health, which can then be supplemented by a bi-annual vet visit for complete care.

Ear Infections

Ear infections can have a few causes. Repetitive ear infections are typically caused by allergens, especially ones present in your dog’s food like wheat or soy. Common indicators that your dog is suffering from an ear infection are scratching, pawing, or rubbing their ears on different surfaces. More advanced symptoms of an ear infection include pain, loss of balance, loss of hair around the ear, and a reddened ear canal.

Treatment of an ear infection can be done at home, provided you have it diagnosed by your vet and have the appropriate medication for it. Remember to clean and dry the infected ear and consult your vet before administering any medication, be it an anti-fungal or an antibiotic.

Itchy skin/Skin Infections 

A dog scratching themselves is a common sight, so you’ll be forgiven for not picking up on a skin infection instantly.  However, if you notice your dog scratching continuously and restlessly, the chances are the culprit is a skin infection. Such a condition has numerous causes; an allergen in your pet's diet, bacterial infections or a yeast infection are all probable causes of a skin infection, and you should visit your vet if the incessant itching hasn’t ceased after a diet change.

After diagnosing the nature of your dog’s skin condition, your vet can prescribe a shampoo or ointment that is suitable for your pet’s skin condition and fur type. Do not try to diagnose and medicate your dog’s condition by yourself, as even your good intentions can have negative results.

Vomiting and/or Diarrhea 

Upset digestive systems can happen. Dogs spend a lot of time around their owners and inevitably have a nibble of something they cannot digest, which manifests itself as an upset stomach for a day or two. However, if more chronic or persistent vomiting and diarrhoea follow, you should visit your vet immediately as these may be symptoms of a more serious underlying condition.

There are various potential causes for your dog's upset digestive system. Although your dog may have eaten something they should not have, it can be caused by an illness, intestinal worms, or parasites. Head to your vet immediately for a proper diagnosis if your dog's condition does not improve after an initial bout of vomiting/diarrhoea.

Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs are marked by symptoms like frequent peeing, indoor peeing (despite training), crying or yelping while peeing, or blood in the urine. Head to your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms, as the vet can diagnose the severity of the issue and the required treatment for it. If an infection is found, an antibiotic course will likely follow.

Stiffness and Pain

Stiffness and joint pain accompanied by difficulty in moving about are things dogs experience at roughly six years of age, depending on their breed and size. If you notice your dog is more lethargic, struggles to get up from a resting position, is slow to climb a flight of stairs, or appears less mobile than before, then it may have stiff joints and the pain that comes with it. Keep your dog’s bones and joints healthy with frequent exercise and keep their weight in check to alleviate stiffness. Some larger dog breeds are known to suffer from joint issues; consult your vet if you own such a breed for a more long-term solution.

Timely Intervention is Key

As you may have noticed, most of these diseases and ailments are easier to prevent than to cure, since you can prevent them by daily maintenance but only a professional can truly cure a serious condition. It is why it is important to know the symptoms of these common illnesses, as recognizing them and acting quickly can prevent any further issues. If you are ever in doubt about your pet’s health, make sure to contact your vet immediately, and maintain vigilance when your dog falls sick to differentiate between a general condition and a serious one.