Common Dog Health Disorders

If you ever worry about how healthy your dog is, here is a guide to the most common dog health disorders from our guest writer Maria Harutyunyan at Vet Organics…

Our pets are our family members and their health worries us as much as our own does. There are some common dog health problems which, of course, are not emergency situations, but we shouldn’t ignore them either.

Here are five of these common dog health disorders that we need to take care of, to avoid possible future complications.

1. Vomiting

Vomiting should not be ignored. There are many reasons dogs develop vomiting: gastrointestinal blockage, toxicity etc. Sometimes the reason can be very simple and not at all worrying – something like dietary indiscretion. On the other hand, it may be a sign of a very serious disease. In case you notice your dog vomiting more than once or twice, consult your vet.

2. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a symptom. It can be caused by different reasons like parasites, dietary allergy, different infections, bowel cancer and so on. If there is no blood in the diarrhea, things are a bit better.

Very commonly diarrhea results because of the food disorders. It may be because you have changed the food type or brand. If this is the case, then withhold their food for a day and reintroduce the new diet gradually.

In case you notice blood in the diarrhea and your dog looks inactive and tired, don’t lose a minute – visit your vet.

3. Ear Infections

Ear infections are very common dog health problems, which may repeat again and again. if you don’t take of it properly. These infections are usually caused by different allergies, ear mites, bacteria, hair growing in the ear canal, yeast and more.

If your dog is paying extra attention to their ears – scratching them, shaking their head and/or has unusual back and forth eye movement than you need to check their ears. Check both of them to see if they are reddish; they smell unusual or have yellow, brown or bloody discharge. Then your dog may have an ear infection.

You may, of course, use medications available like EcoEars or any other trusted and certified medication, but the best would be to take your pet to the vet.

4. Worms

Worms are obviously bad, even for the human body. The most common worm-parasites that happen to dogs are roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and hookworms. Some of these, are dangerous for dogs (especially for puppies, due to their weak immune system).

Bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and poor appearance, dry and rough coat, a disorder in appetite and vomiting are the main signs your dog may have worms.

Treatments differ depending on the type of worm. The medication that kills the first type of worm, may not kill the other ones. To find it out and get rid of these parasites, visit your vet.

5. Skin allergies

Surprisingly, the most common problem of dogs is skin allergies. Some dogs are more allergic than others. Signs are excessive bottom or paw licking, scooting, chewing, hair loss secondary to scratching or even ear infections. Some allergies can be activated in hot weather, while, in winter your pet may not have this problem.

Our responsibility as owners is to be attentive and notice when our pets are in discomfort or are sick. If you know or suspect your pet has a problem, consult your vet.

References and sources (provided by author):
https://www.vet-organics.com/pages/dog-ear-infection-treatment
https://www.petful.com/pet-health/most-common-dog-health-problems/
https://www.thesprucepets.com/common-dog-health-problems-1117863
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/6-most-common-dog-health-problems#1

About the author:
Maria Harutyunyan is the head of the PR team of the www.vet-organics.com. She cares about little cute puppies and worries a lot about dogs’ health, especially about dog ear infections – just as each of our team members.

More healthy reading:
Keeping dog care simple – in 7 steps
10 Everyday Foods to Help Get Rid of Dog Worms
Why Oral Hygiene is Important for your Dog
Coconut oil for dogs