Knowing in a general way the most common diseases in dogs helps us to know how to take better care of our pets and to quickly detect any symptoms of discomfort. Let's not forget that early detection greatly improves the prospects for almost any treatment.
In this article on our site we will make a general review of all these diseases, pointing out the particular details of each one to help you identify them. We will also talk about parasites (fleas, ticks and mosquitoes) or common ailments such as diarrhea.
Don't forget that prevention is the best way to prevent your dog from suffering from any disease. Find out about the vaccination schedule for dogs and follow it strictly to prevent any he alth problem.
Parasitic diseases
We will start the article on the most common diseases in dogs by talking about parasites, which can be internal or external, depending on where they live:
External parasites
- Fleas: Fleas are very small parasites that frequently affect canids. They are easily transmitted and reproduce with amazing ease. We can easily observe them through the observation of the mantle. Discover on our site how to remove fleas from your dog.
- Stable fly: These parasites are common in rural environments and feed on the blood of animals, which often also causes severe anemia if not treated properly.
- Ticks: there are many different species of ticks and some are truly dangerous, and can cause a paralyzing effect on the dog. They should never be stretched as we could leave traces of the animal in the dog's dermis. Find out all about ticks in dogs.
- Leishmaniosis: these parasites are transmitted by a vector, the sand fly, and multiply in the white blood cells of the dog. The most common symptoms of leshmania are weight loss in the dog, fever, anemia, arthritis… There is no effective treatment to cure leishmaniasis, however, with veterinary monitoring, a good quality of life can be offered to the dog that suffers from it.
- Scabies mites: is a skin disease caused by mites. There are two different types of mange, sarcoptic and demodectic. It is a parasitic disease that is transmitted very easily but has treatment. In some very serious cases it can leave marks for the rest of the dog's life.
- Toxoplasmosis: is an intracellular parasite. In general, we can speak of a slight risk, since the treatment is very simple, however, we must be concerned when it affects pregnant dogs. It can be identified by neuromuscular, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. In most cases it appears in dogs under 1 year old.
Internal parasites
- Tapeworms: they are flat worms that lodge in the dog's intestine, feeding on the food that the animal ingests. Animals are usually infected by coming into contact with contaminated feces, raw or undercooked meats. In the early stages it is difficult to detect.
- Worms: there are different types of worms that can affect our dog. A parasite infestation can be detected through the stool, which shows small worms, similar to grains of rice.
The vet will help us prevent a parasite infestation by following a deworming schedule There are many products available on the market, such as pills, necklaces, pipettes… However, the most important thing is that they are always veterinary prescription products. In addition, it will be essential to strictly follow the guidelines offered by the professional.
Viral diseases
There are diseases that are caused by a virus such as:
- Coronavirus: is a viral and infectious disease that affects all types of dogs, but especially puppies not yet vaccinated. It can be detected when we see that the dog has abundant diarrhea, vomiting and we even see weight loss. There is no vaccine for canine coronavirus, it will be the veterinarian who counteracts the symptoms caused by the disease.
- Hepatitis: mainly affects the liver and can have different causes, including viral. The main treatment is based on relieving the symptoms and if it is not cured it can become chronic, causing liver failure. Find out more about hepatitis in dogs.
- Distemper: Distemper is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects young, unvaccinated or elderly dogs. There is no treatment, so the vet will carry out a series of cares for the infected dog to counteract the effects of distemper, basically identified by a runny nose in addition to other symptoms such as fever or dehydration. Vaccination is the best way to prevent this disease.
- Parvovirus: Rarely affecting vaccinated adult dogs, this deadly virus appears especially in puppies and lasts 10 days in which, if the dog does not receive the correct treatment, has a fatal outcome. Like almost all viral diseases, it does not have a specific antidote, but is based on trying to relieve the patient's symptoms. Symptoms are depression, fever and dehydration. Find out all about canine parvovirus on our site.
- Rabia: Known and feared, rabies is a deadly disease. It is transmitted through bites, direct contact with mucous membranes or saliva. It is identified by extreme violence without any provocation. There is an anti-rabies that should be administered when they are puppies, because once infected, the dog is considered sentenced to death, there is no vaccine that can treat it. Fewer and fewer countries now have rabies cases.
Hereditary diseases
Hereditary or congenital diseases are those that develop due to the dog's own genetic inheritance. The most commons are:
- Hip dysplasia: develops over time, starting at 4 or 5 months of age, although it usually appears in older dogs. It affects large or giant dogs, causing lameness or movement difficulties and, although it is a hereditary and degenerative problem, there are factors that can aggravate it, such as rapid growth, overfeeding or intense physical exercise. Find out more about hip dysplasia.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is another hereditary disease that causes wear and tear on the dog's joints. This causes difficulty in their movements and pain that must be treated with anti-inflammatories prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Rheumatism: affects the joints and their cartilage, it is a degenerative disease. Symptoms are stiffness, swelling and pain. The vet can prescribe glucosamine condoitin and other treatments that will relieve and improve his condition.
- Glaucoma: This is an excessive buildup of fluid in the dog's eye. It can occur spontaneously since it is a hereditary disease, but it also develops in dogs that have suffered excessive pressure on the neck (generally associated with the animal's collar). Discover all about glaucoma in dogs.
Neurological diseases
Neurological diseases are those that affect the central and peripheral nervous system, which includes the brain, cranial nerves, nerve roots, muscles… Although they are rare, it is vitally important to detect them:
- Epilepsy: Epilepsy in dogs is an electrochemical discharge of the brain that can occur at any time. The crises are repeated practically throughout the life of the dog that suffers it. Episodes can be controlled by medication prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Vestibular syndrome: In vestibular syndrome (which is actually a symptom), the inner ear, vestibular nerve, cochlear, vestibular nucleus, and anterior and posterior medial tract. We will observe that the dog has balance problems, a crooked head or that it walks in circles.
- Meningitis: Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain. It is a rare problem but it must be treated urgently as it can have fatal consequences for the dog. The most common symptoms are the dog's loss of coordination and a high fever.
Bacterial diseases
Caused by bacteria, these types of diseases can be treated with the use of antibiotics:
- Canine leptospirosis: it is transmitted through urine and both dogs and rats can be carriers, storing the bacteria chronically without developing the disease. illness. If not treated in time it can cause death. Some of the symptoms are fever, diarrhea and vomiting blood and dark urine. Find out more about canine leptospirosis.
- Periodontitis: affects the periodontium (gum, tissue, bone and ligament) and is derived from the accumulation of tartar and plaque, which which allows the proliferation of bacteria. These gradually invade the sac, the cavity where the root of the tooth is, and end up causing serious infections or tooth loss. The best way to avoid this disease is prevention.
- Pyometra: This is a bacterial infection characterized by the appearance of pus inside the cavity of the uterus or womb. The symptoms of pyometra are discharge of pus through the vagina. Formerly the treatment was only surgical and the ovaries or the womb of the bitch were removed. Today we have drugs that make it possible to study them before removal.
- Cistitis: is a disease caused by bacteria that affect the dog's urinary system by inflaming its bladder. Cystitis must be treated promptly to prevent it from becoming chronic.
Other common diseases in dogs
In addition to those mentioned above, there are other diseases such as:
- Cancer: it can affect all types of dogs, although it usually occurs in older dogs. The most common is to detect the presence of tumors on the dog's skin but they can also develop internally. It is very important to go to the vet to analyze the lump.
- Gastric torsion - Gastric torsion usually occurs when the dog eats and drinks excessively, exercises after eating, or has a history of of gastric volvulus. It is very important to treat urgently to save the life of the animal.
- Skin allergies: just like people, dogs can also suffer from skin diseases such as allergies. We must be careful and go to the vet if we see that our dog suffers from it.
- Diabetes: sugar is included in the list of prohibited foods for dogs, not only because it promotes the onset of blindness but also because causes diabetes. Consult your veterinarian about the treatment your dog needs if you notice extreme thirst, weight loss, cataracts, increased appetite and frequent urination.
- Cryptorchidism: consists of the incomplete descent of one or two testicles. It must be diagnosed as soon as possible and requires surgical intervention. In some cases it is hereditary.
- Otitis: This is inflammation of the inner, middle or outer ear. It can appear due to allergies, bacteria, parasites or foreign bodies. Your vet will investigate any itching, redness or infection your dog may have, cleaning it carefully and offering treatment depending on why it occurred.
- Diarrhea: This is a very common problem, especially when we change our dog's food or offer him human food. Discover home remedies for diarrhea in dogs.
- Cold: Like people, dogs are susceptible to colds when subjected to low temperatures. The cold in dogs is very easy to treat but if the symptoms persist it is important to go to the vet.
