Have you ever thought about diseases peculiar to dogs after just recently becoming a dog owner? Well, you’re not alone. Part of being a responsible dog owner is paying attention to your dog’s health. A good way to start is by finding a good pet insurance company with coverage for different dog diseases, and sites like BritainReviews provide a list of the best ones available in the UK. There are also pet insurance UK reviews by real customers to help you pick a reliable solution.

Hence, it is important to be informed on the following:

  • Common illnesses peculiar to dogs
  • Symptoms that accompany these diseases
  • A proven treatment plan

With these considerations in mind, here are typical dog diseases, their symptoms and treatment:

1. Dental Illnesses

This is the most common illness amongst dogs, and they tend to be prevalent after the age of three. Gingivitis and tartar are typical dental issues in this age group, while the most severe ones, such as abscesses, are peculiar to older dogs.

General symptoms of an oral issue include:

  • Bad breath
  • Shaky tooth
  • Sharp decrease in appetite
  • Blood or pus discharge from the dental cavity
  • Short temper
  • Discoloured gums and teeth

Thankfully, there’s a treatment plan to nullify this issue in its entirety. According to the recommendation from the vet, your dog may need teeth extraction, cleaning, or complete removal of the affected tooth.

2. Diarrhoea and Vomiting

Just like humans, dogs might develop constant bouts of diarrhoea coupled with vomiting after a digestive upset. Fortunately, this issue tends to resolve itself in days. However, if things become serious, contacting your vet should be the next step to take. Most times, recurring diarrhoea and vomiting could signal an underlying health condition.

Tapeworms, canine parvovirus, and parasites are the usual suspects for digestive unrest in dogs. Here, your vet will carry out relevant tests to ascertain the root cause and administer treatments.

3. Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs and an increased frequency of urinating go hand in hand. Other symptoms include:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Bloody urine
  • Loud cries while urinating
  • Licking the genital area frequently

There isn’t a single diagnosis for this condition. So, the medical professional will most likely carry out a urine culture to establish the type of infection and draft an appropriate treatment plan.

4. Ear Infections

More times than not, ear Infections in dogs can stem from different food allergies – commonly soy, wheat, and corn. It’s crucial to note that dogs with large and drooping ears have a higher tendency of contracting ear Infections than their small-eared counterparts.

When you notice your dog constantly scratching its ear against the floor or any other furniture, it could be a sign of an ear infection. Then again, your dog could just be battling it out with a tick in its fur. More concrete symptoms of an ear infection are:

  • Redness of the ear canal
  • Injuries around the ear
  • Pain in the ear
  • Temporary hearing loss

The DIY method of dealing with an ear infection is by cleaning the ear and drying it. However, you might need the services of a vet to administer a sedative in cases where the dog is in serious pain. After a successful diagnosis, treatment is made via antifungal or antibiotics drugs.

5. Obesity

A proven way to know if your dog needs to shed weight is by running your hands over the rib area. If you can’t feel its ribs, that’’s a sure symptom that your dog is obese. Although obesity in some dogs is evident by merely looking at it, thick fur could mask the condition.

The required treatment is pretty straightforward. You’ll need to place your dog on a healthy diet and follow a regular exercise routine.

Summing Up

Unfortunately, there are lots of illnesses and infections your little furry friends are susceptible to. Most times, pointing out these infections on time is crucial as some illnesses can pose some serious health threats to your dog if left untreated.

If you have reservations concerning your dog’s health, always contact your vet to proffer early solutions. As they say, “a stitch in time saves nine.”

By admin