Dog Health Problems

From LoveToKnow Dogs

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

When a beloved pet falls ill, no one feels good.
When a beloved pet falls ill, no one feels good.
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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
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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
ConditionProbable Causes
AllergiesImmune system response to food, plants, parasites, pollens, mites, molds.
Anal Gland ProblemsDue to infection or impaction
ArthritisMay be hereditary or brought on by obesity.
BloatSpecific cause unknown, but may be brought on by food allergies, or hereditary factors.
Bowel ObstructionsBones and other items lodged in the intestines.
Broken BonesLow calcium intake, injury.
BrucellosisContact with infected bodily fluids.
CancerHereditary factors, exposure to known carcinogens.
Canine DiabetesInability of the pancreas to produce proper amounts of insulin.
Canine EpilepsyMisfired electrical signal caused by brain lesions.
Canine Hip/Elbow DysplasiaHereditary factors, malformation of joints.
CataractsEye irritants, old age.
ChokingBlockage of the windpipe caused by food, aspirated liquids, and other items.
ConstipationDehydration, bowel obstructions.
CoronavirusExposure to infected animals, and body fluids.
Cushings DiseaseOver-production of cortisol by the Hypothalamus gland that interrupts normal brain communications.
DeafnessCongenital defects, chronic ear infections.
DiarrheaBacterial/Viral infection, change of diet.
DistemperIngesting/Inhaling virus from stools, mucus, and vomit of infected animals.
Dog FluViral respiratory infection.
Ear InfectionsBuild up of fluids and waxy secretions in the ear canal that promotes bacterial growth.
Ear MitesExposure to other infested animals.
Electrical ShockChewing on live electrical cords.
Eye InfectionsIngrown eyelashes, accidental damage to eye tissues leading to secondary bacterial infection.
Flea InfestationExposure to grassy areas, other infested animals.
FrostbiteOver-exposure to extremely cold temperatures, neglect by owner.
Heart DiseaseCongenital disorders, obesity, hereditary factors.
HeatstrokeOver-exposure to high temperatures, leading to dehydration.
Hot SpotsSecondary condition to allergies and parasitic infections, brought on by licking, scratching and chewing.
HyperglycemiaBody is unable to properly use insulin, related to obesity and diabetes.
HypoglycemiaMalfunction of the pancreas leads to low blood sugar levels.
HypothermiaLoss of body heat brought on by exposure and/or neglect.
Kennel CoughExposure to airborne bacteria, and viruses.
LeptospirosisBacterial infection brought on by exposure to infected body fluids.
Liver DiseaseHereditary factors, viral/bacterial exposure, Hepatitis.
Lyme DiseaseInfection cause by the bite of an infected tick.
ObesityMany causes including over-eating and lack of exercise, and thyroid gland malfunctions.
ParvovirusExposure to infected animals and body fluids/stools.
Periodontal DiseaseGum infections brought on by build up of harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar.
Progressive Retinal AtrophyDeterioration of the retina, hereditary factors.
PyometraBacterial infection of the uterus sometimes contracted through breeding, spontaneous abortion, and retained placentas.
RabiesExposure to the rabies virus through the bite of an infected animal or exposure to infected body fluids.
SeizuresBrain lesions, poisoning.
Skin Infections/DiseasesParasitic infections, allergies.
Sting ComplicationsAllergic reaction to venom, causes mild to life threatening immune responses.
SuffocationBlockage of the windpipe, newborns being laid on by Dam, severe allergic reactions.
VomitingDog flu, viruses, bacterial infections, change of diet, garbage eating, poisoning.
WormsParasitic infestation brought on by ingesting worm ova found in infected dirt, stools and vomit.
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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 lesson 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.


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Comments

Hi John and welcome to the site.

I'm sorry to hear your dog is having difficulty moving. Weakness in the hips might be a sign your dog has hip dysplasia. This is a degenerative disease of the joint that causes arthritic pain and loss of mobility. Unfortunately, German Shepherds are very susceptible to this condition, so it's important to have your vet examine your dog. X-rays are usually required to make an accurate diagnosis, but your vet will also perform a physical exam to assess your dog's condition. Any treatment suggested will be based on your vet's findings.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog will be alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 3 1/2 GSP pup i have had him since he was 2 months old and he has been clumsy like maybe he's weak in the hips is tis normal? thank you.

-- Contributed by: john isaac

Hi Summer,

I'm so sorry to hear about your Lab. The situation sounds very serious for your dog to weakened this much so suddenly. The best thing you can do is cally your vet right away. It could be a matter of life and death so please don't delay.

Best wishes that everything will be alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly
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