From Allergies to Arthritis: The Health Issues Dogs Encounter

Introduction: 

Regardless of the breed you own, there is a good probability that your dog has one or more health problems. Even while pets are recognized for their devotion and love, they are also susceptible to health issues. For assistance in addressing any issues that your pet may be having, a qualified veterinarian is crucial. There are some health conditions that are more typical than others, even though it can be difficult to forecast exactly what your pet will experience.

A dog's quality of life may be impacted by its health. Since dogs are not people, they cannot advocate for themselves when they are ill. In response, we are here. We at Pet Haven are aware of the most prevalent health problems that dogs today are dealing with thanks to veterinarians and our pet insurance. We'll look at some of the most prevalent health problems that dogs have in this post, along with some tips on how to help prevent them.

Allergies

Dog allergies are a prevalent issue. They are brought on by an excessive reactivity to particular substances that your pet is exposed to frequently. Dust, pollen, grass, and trees are examples of common allergies. If allergies are not adequately managed, they can become severe and even fatal.

All dog breeds and ages are susceptible to allergies. But it seems that some breeds are more prone to allergies than others. This is because some dog breeds are more sensitive than others because they have been selectively bred for years to avoid particular allergens. For instance, Golden Retrievers may be allergic to grass and trees, whereas Cocker Spaniels sometimes suffer allergies to feathers.

Gum and tooth disease

Canine tooth and gum disease is a widespread issue. Dogs' teeth are incredibly strong, and if they chew on something they shouldn't, they might quickly cause mouth injury. When they're young and manage to get their hands on something that wasn't intended for them, dogs frequently bite their own fingers.

Dogs also have a propensity to lick their paws, which can result in skin issues on the paws or even infections in the mouth. Owners must prevent their pets from licking their own skin or other parts of their bodies because this can spread germs. Contact your veterinarian right away if you see anything wrong with your dog's mouth or gums.

Aches and pains in the joints

A common condition that affects the joints is arthritis. Although it can affect any age group, older dogs tend to exhibit it more frequently. Walking pain, stiffness, and limp are all signs of arthritis. Swollen, red, and painful to the touch joints develop. Additionally, your pet can find it difficult to move about, jump up on furniture, or climb stairs.

Although the exact etiology of arthritis is uncertain, ageing and genetic predisposition are thought to be contributing factors. The various forms of arthritis include:

Both humans and animals can be affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which results in painful swelling of one or more joints, deformity, and loss of function in the affected joints. Although it mostly affects female dogs, it can also affect male dogs and cats. There are no known genes that specifically cause RA, despite the fact that some breeds tend to get it more frequently than others. The disease runs in families yet each case is unique.

Urinary stones and infections of the bladder

The most frequent health problems that dogs experience are bladder infections and kidney stones. Bacteria that enter your dog's urinary system cause bladder infections. This can occur if a foreign object enters the bladder, but it can also happen if the bladder wall is weak or if the animal has been neutered. Sudden commencement of urination, difficulty peeing, and passing only little amounts of urine are signs of a bladder infection.

Calcium oxalate crystals that develop in the kidneys or ureters (the tubes that convey urine from the kidney to outside the body) can lead to the development of urinary stones. They can develop without any obstruction and are known as idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH), but they typically do so when one or both kidneys are blocked. Blood in your dog's pee and the possibility that he frequently passes little amounts of blood (which may be a sign of one or more renal issues) are the only signs in this situation.

Cancer

The most prevalent medical condition that affects dogs is cancer. Malignant or benign aberrant cell proliferation is what leads to cancer. Although benign tumours are not always carcinogenic, they might be the first sign of more dangerous cancers. Cancerous malignant tumours will advance and spread if left untreated.

Skin, the mouth, and the stomach are just a few of the bodily parts that might develop cancer. Based on where they begin in your dog's body (referred to as the main site), the various types of cancer have different physical characteristics and behavioural patterns. Before deciding on a course of treatment and determining the prognosis (outlook), consult your veterinarian to learn more about the sort of cancer your dog has and the stage it is at.

Diabetes

One of the most prevalent medical conditions affecting dogs is diabetes. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), 50 percent of dogs are expected to have diabetes by the year 2025, up from the current figure of roughly one-third. Although the condition can be managed with insulin shots, some canines require lifelong treatment. According to the AKC, about 10% of all diabetic dogs will pass away as a result of their condition.

Both cats and dogs can get diabetes, but many owners are unaware of this possibility until they notice symptoms like weight loss or increased thirst or urine. In addition to these symptoms, some dogs may also notice a change in their skin tone as a result of inadequate blood flow and an absence of oxygen reaching the hair follicles, which causes hair loss on the tail or legs.

Lung and heart issues

The most crucial physical parts for a dog are its heart and lungs. For the dog to have a long life, they must be healthy. Take your dog to the vet straight away if he exhibits any of the following symptoms:

Heart murmurs are the noises that are produced when the heart beats at an unnatural rhythm or tempo. Heart murmurs can be brought on by issues with your pet's rib cage, valves, or other chest cavity structures. The most typical cardiac murmur is referred to as "bradycardia" since the heartbeat is slower than usual.

Heart failure occurs when your pet's heart can no longer pump out enough blood to fulfil his body's needs, which prevents enough oxygen from reaching his bloodstream. Dyspnea, weakness, and panting are all symptoms of heart failure. If your pet doesn't get better with just treatment, your veterinarian may suggest drugs like ACE inhibitors or diuretics, as well as maybe starting him on an IV line.

Unfortunately, dogs can endure a variety of health problems that are comparable to those that affect people. The good news is that with the right veterinarian care, the majority of these issues can be treated or managed. You should consult your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms in your dog or if they are acting particularly strangely.

Being active is essential to both dog owners and their dogs' health. Unfortunately, a lot of dogs are starting to become less active. The dog of today is more sedentary than the dog of the past. In other words, our dogs are not benefiting from the lack of activity they are receiving. As a result, if you own a dog and want it to be as healthy as possible, make sure to get them started on a regular exercise routine.