Illness in Dogs

This article is from My Family UK.

Dogs suffer from a range of health problems and need regular care from their owners as well as vaccinations and other medical treatment from a vet to keep them in good shape.

Noticing problems

To notice any problem in dogs - as with all pets - you need to know your dog well. Some breeds are prone to activities that, in other breeds, signify illness. Behavioural changes are also highly significant, as are loss of appetite, breathing problems, unusual growths and skin problems. As with people, the older a dog gets, the more likely it is to need medical treatment, so be aware of your older dog’s needs. Read on for some common medical problems in dogs.

1) Distemper

Known as 'hard pad' because it causes the pads on a dog’s paw to become hard and cracked. Distemper is a virus passed between dogs or through contact with an affected dog’s urine, faeces or saliva. Symptoms include sore, weeping eyes, running nose, diarrhoea, vomiting and fitting. More common in urban areas, distemper can be fatal so vaccinations against the disease are vital.

2) Hepatitis

This virus is also caught through contact with an affected dog or their waste. It affects the liver, and sometimes the eyes and kidneys. Symptoms include jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Serious cases are fatal within 24 hours so all dogs should be vaccinated.

3) Parvovirus

Affecting the intestines, parvovirus is passed through contact with an affected dog or its waste. It can cause inflammation of the heart in young puppies. Symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhoea and collapse. Serious cases can be fatal within 24 hours, so vaccination is essential.

4) Leptospirosis

A bacterial infection passed between dogs or through their urine, leptospirosis is also carried by foxes and rats, and can affect humans. It damages the liver, kidneys and blood vessels causing symptoms including vomiting, black diarrhoea, jaundice and haemorrhage. A serious case is fatal, so dogs should be vaccinated to avoid infection.

5) Kennel cough

This highly infectious disease is not usually serious. It is more common among dogs kept in kennels or other crowded conditions. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing and a running nose. Dogs are able to infect other dogs for up to 10 weeks after their symptoms disappear, so vaccination is highly recommended.

6) Diarrhoea and vomiting

Dogs often suffer from minor digestive problems, in most cases resulting from scavenging while out of the house. See a vet if the symptoms are serious or persistent.

7) Teeth

Dental problems, especially gingivitis (gum disease) are very common in dogs, but are preventable with regular check-ups and daily toothbrushing with pet toothpaste. Chewing on a rubber toy will help keep teeth healthy, but avoid giving the dog bones as these can damage teeth. Watch out for bad breath, sore or bleeding gums, and chipping of the teeth.

8) Parasites

Fleas and worms are very common and need regular treatment. Fleas may cause skin irritation, but worms often don’t cause any discernible symptoms, so treat regularly with medication from your vet.

Further Information

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