Common Dog Health Problems

While you always want your dog to be happy and healthy, it's not always possible. Here are some common health problems your dog might have or develop, and what you should do to help them.

Ear Infections

Just like ear infection can be common in humans, they can be common in dogs as well. If you're noticing that your dog is repeatedly shaking their head or tilting it in one direction, this might mean that they have an ear infection. You also might be able to tell by checking to see how red their ear canal is. To help them, simply clean the air and ask your vet what kind of medication to use on them. 

Worms

Unfortunately, since dogs can't sanitize themselves like we do, it's more likely that they might be infected with worms. Worms come in many forms and varying levels of severity. Roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and hookworms are just a few examples of parasites that can infect your pup. If they're caught soon enough, your dog probably won't face severe damage. However, keep an eye out, because some worms (like hookworms) can be fatal in young dogs. If your pup is loosing weight, suffering from vomiting or diarrhea, or has a severe change in appetite, take them to the vet to get them checked for worms.

Dental Disease

Your dog can experience dental issues that can range from gum inflammation to serious infections. If you notice your dog's gums are swollen or have changed in color, consider taking them to the vet to make sure their gums and teeth are healthy. You can help prevent gum disease by brushing your dog's teeth regularly with specially-made dog toothpaste. You can also give them dental chews and be sure to monitor the appearance of their gums and teeth. 

Urinary Tract Infections

While urinary tract infections are relatively common and generally not harmful, they can turn into more serious situations if not addressed. If your dog gets repeated UTIs, this might turn into issues like bacterial infections, bladder stones, and possibly cancer. If your dog is going to the bathroom less often or seems to be in pain when using the bathroom, they might have a UTI. Be sure to take them to the vet to get proper medication to address it.  

The most important thing as a dog owner is to trust your instincts. If you sense something is wrong with your pup, whether it's a small issue or a serious issue, you should always look into it.