48 Dog Health Problems

By Kelly Roper

Kelly Roper

Kelly is a former Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, and Poodle breeder and specialized in handling Toy and Non-Sporting group breeds.

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Dog health problems can crop up at any stage of a dog's life.

About Dog Health Problems

The pet that happily goes through life without ever experiencing one or more of the myriad dog health problems these animals can be prone to is a rare pet indeed. More likely, most dogs will face at least one minor health issue at some point in their lives.

Dog health problems can range from the mild to the severe, and most fall into at least one of the following major categories:

Injury
Illness
Infection
Infestation

Common Health Issues

Although there are many illnesses and other conditions that can adversely affect your dog's health, some are more common than others.

The following table reflects many of the most prevalent diseases, injuries, and chronic conditions that our beloved canines face.

**Common Dog Health Problems**
Condition	Probable Causes
Allergies	Immune system response to food, plants, parasites, pollens, mites, molds.
Anal Gland Problems	Due to infection or impaction
Arthritis	May be hereditary or brought on by obesity.
Bloat	Specific cause unknown, but may be brought on by food allergies, or hereditary factors.
Bowel Obstructions	Bones and other items lodged in the intestines.
Broken Bones	Low calcium intake, injury.
Brucellosis	Contact with infected bodily fluids.
Cancer	Hereditary factors, exposure to known carcinogens.
Canine Diabetes	Inability of the pancreas to produce proper amounts of insulin.
Canine Epilepsy	Misfired electrical signal caused by brain lesions.
Canine Hip/Elbow Dysplasia	Hereditary factors, malformation of joints.
Cataracts	Eye irritants, old age.
Choking	Blockage of the windpipe caused by food, aspirated liquids, and other items.
Constipation	Dehydration, bowel obstructions.
Coronavirus	Exposure to infected animals, and body fluids.
Cushing's Disease	Over-production of cortisol by the Hypothalamus gland that interrupts normal brain communications.
Deafness	Congenital defects, chronic ear infections.
Diarrhea	Bacterial/Viral infection, change of diet.
Distemper	Ingesting/Inhaling virus from stools, mucus, and vomit of infected animals.
Dog Flu	Viral respiratory infection.
Ear Infections	Build up of fluids and waxy secretions in the ear canal that promotes bacterial growth.
Ear Mites	Exposure to other infested animals.
Electrical Shock	Chewing on live electrical cords.
Eye Infections	Ingrown eyelashes, accidental damage to eye tissues leading to secondary bacterial infection.
Flea Infestation	Exposure to grassy areas, other infested animals.
Frostbite	Over-exposure to extremely cold temperatures, neglect by owner.
Heart Disease	Congenital disorders, obesity, hereditary factors.
Heatstroke	Over-exposure to high temperatures, leading to dehydration.
Hot Spots	Secondary condition to allergies and parasitic infections, brought on by licking, scratching and chewing.
Hyperglycemia	Body is unable to properly use insulin, related to obesity and diabetes.
Hypoglycemia	Malfunction of the pancreas leads to low blood sugar levels.
Hypothermia	Loss of body heat brought on by exposure and/or neglect.
Kennel Cough	Exposure to airborne bacteria, and viruses.
Leptospirosis	Bacterial infection brought on by exposure to infected body fluids.
Liver Disease	Hereditary factors, viral/bacterial exposure, Hepatitis.
Lyme Disease	Infection cause by the bite of an infected tick.
Obesity	Many causes including over-eating and lack of exercise, and thyroid gland malfunctions.
Parvovirus	Exposure to infected animals and body fluids/stools.
Periodontal Disease	Gum infections brought on by build up of harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy	Deterioration of the retina, hereditary factors.
Pyometra	Bacterial infection of the uterus sometimes contracted through breeding, spontaneous abortion, and retained placentas.
Rabies	Exposure to the rabies virus through the bite of an infected animal or exposure to infected body fluids.
Seizures	Brain lesions, poisoning.
Skin Infections/Diseases	Parasitic infections, allergies.
Sting Complications	Allergic reaction to venom, causes mild to life threatening immune responses.
Suffocation	Blockage of the windpipe, newborns being laid on by Dam, severe allergic reactions.
Vomiting	Dog flu, viruses, bacterial infections, change of diet, garbage eating, poisoning.
Worms	Parasitic infestation brought on by ingesting worm ova found in infected dirt, stools and vomit.

Preventative Measures

While it isn't always possible to keep your pet perfectly healthy, following these guidelines should give your pet an advantage over becoming ill.

Always offer your dog the best nutrition possible.
Make sure your pet gets plenty of appropriate exercise.
Follow your vet's vaccination recommendations, and follow through with annual well-dog check ups.
Have your dog checked annually for intestinal worms and de-wormed if necessary.
Have your pet checked annually for Heartworms, and keep him on preventative during peak season.
Keep your dog clean and groomed to lessen the chance of skin infections, diseases, and parasitic infections.
Brush your dog's teeth every week to reduce the chances of periodontal disease.
Don't forget to give your pet lots of affection and firm but fair discipline to help keep him mentally healthy as well.