Introduction
Although your dog might look like he's in tip-top shape, that doesn't necessarily mean his health can't be on the decline.
The symptoms of some diseases are incredibly subtle, and you may only notice something wrong if you pay close attention to your dog's routine behaviors.
Luckily, some disorders are easier to spot; here's the rundown of 8 common diseases in dogs and their symptoms.
Rabies
Rabies is a virus that causes acute encephalitis and can be transmitted through a scratch or the bite of an infected animal.
The most common way rabies affects dogs is through a bite from a rabid animal, such as a raccoon, fox, skunk, or bat.
When symptoms appear, they progress rapidly. For example, animals may exhibit muscle spasms or seizures in the later stages of rabies infection.
Eventually, paralysis sets in before death occurs due to respiratory failure.
Common Symptoms
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Intense thirst followed by excessive urination
- And rapid breathing is an early warning sign.
Kennel Cough
It is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause severe breathing difficulties in dogs. Kennel Cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. If not treated early, Kennel Cough can be fatal for dogs.
Common Symptoms
- Kennel Cough in dogs includes a deep, harsh cough with visible white or green mucus.
- In addition, the cough may sound wet and labored.
- Older dogs may show signs of exhaustion after coughing spells.
- Additionally, some dogs may develop a fever or a dry hacking cough without mucus discharge.
Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common health problems for dogs. An allergic reaction is an immune system overreaction to a foreign substance, such as animal dander, pollen, or dust mites.
Allergies cause the body to produce excessive antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies attach themselves to mast cells in the skin. It causes these mast cells to release histamine and other chemicals that produce allergy symptoms.
Common Symptoms
The symptoms vary depending on the type of allergy developed but often include the following:
- itching
- scratching
- skin redness
- and hair loss.
Arthritis
Dogs can get arthritis as they age, which is caused by the deterioration of cartilage. The disease is characterized by aching joints, limping, weakness, loss of appetite, and difficulty walking. There are many treatments available to help dogs with arthritis.
These include physical therapy exercises that strengthen the muscles around the joint to protect it from further damage, medications to reduce pain or inflammation, such as glucosamine, or surgery to repair damaged cartilage.
You must see your veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment because it can lead to lameness if left untreated.
Common Symptoms
- The most typical sign of arthritis is joint pain.
- There may be swelling or warmth around the joint and an abnormal sensation such as tingling, burning, or numbness.
Cancer
There are many different types of cancer in dogs, which can affect either a single organ or multiple organs.
Cancer can be classified as carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, or leukemia. The symptoms for each type of cancer vary greatly; however, the most common symptom is weight loss.
Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible because early detection increases the chance of recovery. Your vet may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments like hormone therapy to help your pet regain its quality of life.
Common Symptoms
- A poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
- Unusual lumps around the body
- Abnormal bleeding or discharge from their genitals or rectum
- Extreme fatigue or lethargy
- Painful joints
- lethargy, anorexia, increased thirst, and urination.
Hyperthyroidism
It occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive, producing too many hormones.
To diagnose hyperthyroidism, veterinarians will make history and perform a physical exam on your dog to rule out other causes of illness, such as bacterial or viral infection. If they suspect hyperthyroidism, they will recommend blood work to measure the levels of certain substances in your pet's bloodstream that may indicate this condition.
Common Symptoms
- This can be due to an overactive thyroid gland, tumor, or inflammation of the gland.
- May see weight loss, hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, or respiratory difficulty.
- Thyroid hormone levels that are too low may also cause symptoms.
Kidney Disease
Kidney Disease is a common disease found in dogs. Kidney Disease is when the kidneys lose their ability to filter out waste products from the blood, which then causes toxic substances to accumulate. This disease can affect any breed of dog at any age.
There are two types of kidney diseases:
Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney failure.
The treatments for this disease depend on what kind of kidney disease they have. Still, they may include dialysis or treatment with medications that help remove waste products from the blood and control high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus.
Common Symptoms
- Urine that smells odd or has blood or pus
- Excessive licking of their genitals (in male dogs)
- Peeing outside the litter box
- Increased thirst/excessive water consumption
Liver Disease
Liver disease is a term that encompasses several different diseases, each with its symptoms. Some liver diseases are caused by viruses or parasites, while others are due to underlying issues with the liver. To determine if your dog has liver disease, you must take him to the vet for a comprehensive physical exam.
Common Symptoms
- lethargy
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- weight loss
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- and changes in appetite.
