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Having knowledge of some of the most common dog problems is important so that you know what signs to pick up on. You should always pay attention to the behavior of your dog. If it changes, then this should be explored further, and if the problems continue, you should definitely pay a visit to a veterinarian. With that being said, in this post, we are going to talk about some of the most common health issues and, hopefully, answer some of your most pressing dog health questions.
Having knowledge of some of the most common dog problems is important so that you know what signs to pick up on. You should always pay attention to the behavior of your dog. If it changes, then this should be explored further, and if the problems continue, you should definitely pay a visit to a veterinarian. With that being said, in this post, we are going to talk about some of the most common health issues and, hopefully, answer some of your most pressing dog health questions.
Arthritis – This is one of the most common dog health issues, typically affecting middle-aged to senior dogs. It can have a detrimental impact on their quality of life by causing chronic pain. There are many signs that your dog may be suffering from arthritis. The most obvious is if they have a limp, but other signs include your dog taking longer to recover after they have been playing or not being as active as usual. To treat arthritis, you need to keep your pet at a healthy weight and talk to your veterinarian about pain medication.
Lung problems – Breathing problems, such as coughing, should not be ignored. In most cases, this is a sign of a bacterial or viral infection. However, this does not rule out any serious and underlying problems, which is why you are always advised to see a vet.
Constipation – Most dogs suffer from constipation from time to time. Signs of constipation include a dog that has not passed a stool for a day or two, straining while trying to pass a stool, vomiting, lack of appetite, and low energy. There are plenty of pet supplies available to treat constipation. Other options include encouraging your dog to drink sufficient water and adding more fiber to your dog’s food.
Gastrointestinal problems – There is no need to rush to the emergency room imminently if you see that your dog is refusing to eat or has diarrhea. However, some signs that you should see a specialist immediately include sudden loss of weight and blood in their stool.
Hip dysplasia - Next we have hip dysplasia, which is an abnormal function of the hip socket. It is a genetic trait but it can be impacted by environmental factors. This is a concern that is common with German Shepherd dogs. You can read up on how to take care of a German Shepherd for breed-specific for information. However, this is something that can, of course, impact all breeds of dogs. It can be a severe condition as well, causing painful arthritis, which we have discussed above, and even crippling lameness. There are a number of different symptoms that indicate hip dysplasia. This includes grating in the joint during movement, narrow stance, looseness in the joint, lameness in the hind end, reluctance or difficulty rising, decreased range of motion, and decreased activity.
Skin allergies – There are many different skin allergies that dogs can suffer from, from flea infestations to allergic reactions, and thus determining the type of skin allergy that has occurred is the most important step. Flea infestations can cause severe problems if not dealt with quickly, which is why you need to act straight away. If your dog has suffered an allergic reaction, simply stop using the product in question. Skin irritation could also be the sign of a medical condition, such as a fungal infection or thyroid disease. If you are unsure, seek professional assistance.
Bone problems – Last but not least, we have bone problems. Seeing your dog limping can be an awful shock, but it is impossible to keep your eyes on your dog at all times. Unless the issue resolves itself in a day or so, you need to see a vet.
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of some of the most common dog problems and how you can spot and treat them. Of course, in a lot of instances, it will be necessary to take your pet to the vet. You should never take risks when it comes to your dog’s health. Even if you are unsure whether the issue is serious or not, there is no harm in getting it checked out.
Wishing you happy paws from our dogs to yours and as always keep it Southern Y'all!
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