Dogs are tough pets. But, just like other animals, or us humans, they are not invincible. In this article, we look at five of the common dog illnesses, their symptoms, and what to do.

1. Food Poisoning

Dogs may suffer from food poisoning, and that’s why it is imperative to watch what your pet is eating. The symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, which shouldn’t last more than a day. Giving a lot of fluids will be essential to prevent dehydration. The symptoms should go away after a day, and if they still manifest, that could be a sign of an infection or a more serious concern, so it will be essential to call your vet.

2. Fleas

Warm dog fur is a favorable habitat for fleas and ticks which feed entirely on the dog’s blood. Always scrutinize your dog when it shows any signs of discomfort and itchiness. Fleas, flea eggs, and flea excretions are visible to the naked eye, so you can diagnose the infestation by yourself. The remedy for the infestation in dogs is to implement preventive flea control and maintain proper hygiene.

3. Kennel Cough

Also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, this is a highly contagious respiratory infection. The symptoms include; restlessness, coughing, lethargy, sneezing, a running nose, teary eyes, mild fever, and lack of appetite. We highly recommend seeing a vet, as the symptoms are similar to some grave illnesses such as canine influenza and canine distemper. With care costs increasing, it’s important to look for free options such as free vet check-ups. The treatment of this infection is through antibiotics, although your dog’s immune system might fight it alone.

4. Arthritis

This is not an illness per se, but rather a degenerative condition which comes with old age. Arthritis in dogs, just like in humans, is characterized by joint pains and inflammation, which lead to reduced activity. The symptoms for arthritis revolve around laziness in walking and difficulty getting up from lying or seated postures. Unfortunately, there is no remedy for arthritis, but with proper diet and nutrition, you can manage your pet’s disease.

5. Obesity

We love our dogs, but we end up spoiling them with lots of food, minus proper exercising, and they end up obese. If you regularly take your dog for check-ups, it will be easy to diagnose obesity, though you can still notice an overweight dog by just looking at it, and its movement. It is only your vet who can advise on the change in nutrition and intensity of exercises.

Summary

The above five are the common dog illnesses and health problems reported by many owners. However, there are other conditions such as rabies, cancer, worms, allergies, and diabetes, to mention a few. The key aspect is early diagnosis; make sure you see your vet immediately if you see any symptoms for early treatment.