Dog diseases and their treatment
Introduction
Caring for your dog's health is an essential part of your responsibilities as an owner. It goes beyond providing food and shelter, but also includes monitoring their vital signs and daily behavior to detect any changes that may indicate a health problem. Just as humans can face various illnesses, dogs are also susceptible to a number of conditions that can affect their quality of life and, in the worst cases, can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
The importance of identifying the most common canine diseases stems from its ability to:
Early detection: Quickly identifying symptoms helps initiate treatment before the condition worsens.
Reducing costs: Early treatment is often less expensive and less complex.
Future prevention: Knowing the causes of diseases and their transmission methods helps you take appropriate preventative measures, including vaccination, cleaning, and managing your dog's environment.
In this context, we will review the most important diseases that your dog may encounter—from viral and parasitic to inflammatory and joint diseases—along with the distinctive symptoms of each, and the basics of treatment and prevention recommended by modern veterinary practices. With this knowledge, you can maintain your dog's health and well-being in the long term.
The most common dog diseases and how to treat them.
Ear Infections
Dogs with large, floppy ears are more prone to ear infections, but any dog can develop them. Recurrent infections are often caused by allergies to food components such as corn, wheat, or soy.
Symptoms: Rubbing the ear against the floor or furniture, pawing, frequent head shaking, and, in severe cases, reddening of the ear canal, crusting around the ear, hair loss, impaired balance, pain, or impaired hearing.
Treatment: Clean and dry the ears thoroughly, and soothe the dog if it feels painful. The veterinarian will examine the type of infection (bacterial or fungal) and prescribe appropriate antibiotic or antifungal treatment.
Skin Infections
Constant scratching of the skin is a warning sign of inflammation. This may be caused by a food allergy (the same causes as ear allergies) or a bacterial infection that causes painful sores known as hot spots.
Treatment: Initially, the dog's diet should be modified to a low-allergy food (such as lamb). If the condition does not improve, the doctor will prescribe an antibacterial or anti-allergy shampoo or ointment.
Oral and Dental Diseases
Gum and dental problems—such as tartar, gingivitis, and abscesses—increase after a dog reaches the age of three.
Symptoms: Bad breath, loose teeth, refusal of dry food, bleeding or pus, increased salivation, behavioral changes, bumps on the gums or under the tongue, and discoloration of the teeth or gums.
Treatment: Professional cleaning or extraction of affected teeth, and sometimes root canal treatment or crowns. For prevention, daily or regular dental cleaning with a special toothbrush and toothpaste is recommended.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are often caused by a temporary digestive upset and resolve within a few days without intervention. However, persistent symptoms require consulting a veterinarian to rule out serious diseases such as parvovirus, worms, or parasites.
Stiffness and Joint Pain
Joint stiffness and pain typically begin after the age of six and are manifested by difficulty rising from a lying position or rapid fatigue when climbing stairs.
Measures: Maintain a healthy weight or lose excess weight, see your vet for supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, and encourage your dog to get regular, light exercise.
Urinary Tract Problems
A dog with a urinary tract infection (UTI) is characterized by obvious signs when urinating, including:
Frequent or intermittent urination
Dribbling urine or dribbles after urination
Blood in the urine
Pain or screaming during urination
Striking (rattling or straining) when attempting to urinate
Frequent scratching or licking of the groin area
Treatment
If any of these signs are observed, it is best to take your dog to the veterinarian for examination and identification of the causative agent. Appropriate antibiotic or supportive medication will then be prescribed.
Obesity
Your weight can be assessed by gently placing your hand on either side of the rib cage. If the ribs are difficult to feel, or the belly appears protruding and full, this is an indication of overweight. Obesity may be hidden by thick fur, so a manual examination is recommended.
Treatment and Prevention:
Feed a high-quality, balanced diet and monitor daily calorie intake.
Schedule regular walks or active playtime (daily if possible).
Split meals into two or three meals to reduce the tendency to overeat.
Treating Colds in Dogs
The symptoms of a cold in dogs are similar to those in humans, manifesting as sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, congestion, and watery eyes. Here are the steps to treat it:
Ruling out serious illnesses: Your veterinarian will first perform a physical examination (listening to the heart and lungs) and may request x-rays or blood and stool tests to ensure your dog is free of other respiratory or infectious diseases.
Home Follow-up: If it is determined to be a common cold, preventative treatment may include rest in a warm place, providing warmth and hydration, and monitoring appetite and behavior.
Supportive Medications: If necessary, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, cough suppressants, and mild decongestants, especially for dogs with weakened immune systems or the elderly.
By following these guidelines and seeing your veterinarian when necessary, you can help your dog recover quickly and prevent potential complications.
A list of the most common diseases that can affect dogs
Below is a list of the most common diseases that can affect dogs, along with their symptoms and recommended treatment and prevention methods:
Rabies
Description: A deadly virus transmitted through the saliva of infected animals (especially through bites).
Symptoms: Behavioral changes (agitation or withdrawal), excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, and progressive paralysis.
Treatment: There is no cure after symptoms appear. Prevention relies on routine vaccination before and after the bite, and isolation and monitoring of the suspected animal for 10–14 days.
Prevention: Annual vaccination according to a veterinarian's schedule, and avoiding contact with wild animals.
Parvovirus
Description: A highly contagious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract and white blood cells.
Symptoms: Severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, general weakness, and rapid dehydration.
Treatment: Fluid support (intravenous solutions), antiemetics, nutritional supplements, and sometimes antibacterials to prevent secondary infection.
Prevention: Primary vaccination at 6–8 weeks of age, followed by booster doses every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks of age, with the breed isolated for two weeks after vaccination.
Kennel Cough
Description: An upper respiratory tract infection caused by bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica) or viruses.
Symptoms: A dry, hacking cough (almost like a snort), sneezing, sometimes a mild fever, and nasal discharge.
Treatment: Cough suppressants (as prescribed by your veterinarian), antibiotics in bacterial cases, rest, and avoiding stress.
Prevention: Annual vaccination (injection or nasal spray), avoiding overcrowded animal contact.
Canine Distemper
Description: A viral disease that affects the respiratory and nervous systems.
Symptoms: High fever, runny nose and eyes, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and convulsions in the late stages.
Treatment: There is no specific antiviral; treatment relies on fluid support, anticonvulsants, and antibiotics for secondary infections.
Prevention: Multiple Distemper vaccinations as part of the basic vaccination program.
Leptospira infection
Description: A bacterium transmitted through the urine of infected animals or contaminated water.
Symptoms: Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
Treatment: Antibiotics (doxycycline or prednisolone), intravenous fluids, and monitoring of kidney and liver function.
Prevention: Avoid stagnant pond water; annual vaccination in high-risk areas.
Heartworm
Description: Parasites transmitted by mosquito bites that lodge in the dog's heart and lungs.
Symptoms: Coughing, rapid fatigue when walking, shortness of breath, and sometimes abdominal ascites.
Treatment: Anti-worm medication (myelomycin), requiring hospitalization and blood pressure monitoring, followed by long-term preventive measures.
Prevention: Monthly preventative medications (injections or pills) recommended by your veterinarian.
External Ear Infections
Description: Often caused by fungi or bacteria, common in breeds with floppy ears.
Symptoms: Painful itching, scratching at the ear, foul odor, and dark discharge.
Treatment: Cleaning the ear with an antiseptic solution (boric acid), antifungal/bacterial ear drops, and anti-inflammatories if necessary.
Prevention: Drying the ears after bathing or swimming, and regular examination.
Arthritis
Description: Cartilage wear and tear or chronic inflammation of the joints, common with aging or obesity.
Symptoms: Difficulty getting up, stiffness after rest, limited mobility.
Treatment: Analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cartilage supplements (glucosamine and chondroitin), light exercise, weight control.
Prevention: Maintain a healthy weight, moderate activity, and a balanced diet.
Dental Disease (Gingivitis and Tooth Decay)
Description: Plaque buildup causes gingivitis and tooth decay.
Symptoms: Bad breath, swollen and red gums, difficulty chewing.
Treatment: Professional dental cleaning, scaling, topical antibiotics in advanced cases.
Prevention: Daily or several times weekly dog-friendly toothbrushing, and chew toys to help remove tartar.
External Parasites (Fleas and Lice)
Description: Parasites that live on the skin and feed on the dog's blood.
Symptoms: Severe itching, red spots, hair loss, and blisters.
Treatment: Special flea combs, antiparasitic baths, or topical or oral treatments under veterinary supervision.
Prevention: Use monthly protective drops or collars, and clean the surrounding environment (the dog's bed and floor).
Diseases that can be transmitted from dogs to humans
Rabies
Cause: Ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus stored in the saliva of an infected dog.
Transmission: Mostly through a dog bite or scratch.
Symptoms: Psychological and behavioral disturbances (agitation, anxiety), hallucinations, and hydrophobia.
Global Impact: This disease causes approximately 30,000–70,000 deaths annually.
Norovirus
Cause: A virus that spreads rapidly among humans.
Transmission: Through contaminated water or food, and sometimes directly through the saliva of infected animals.
Symptoms: Severe vomiting, acute diarrhea, and general stomach discomfort.
Pasteurella infection
Cause: Bacteria that inhabit the mouth and skin of dogs (and sometimes cats).
Transmission: Through a bite or scratch, or contact of the animal's saliva with scratched skin.
Treatment: Second- or third-generation cephalosporin, macrolide, or penicillin antibiotics.
Salmonella
Cause: Bacteria that infects the large intestine.
Transmission: Contact with dog feces or contaminated environment.
Symptoms: May range from no symptoms to gastroenteritis, enteric fever, and blood poisoning.
Campylobacter
Cause: Campylobacter bacteria that infect the intestines of animals.
Transmission: Direct contact with infected dogs or consumption of contaminated food or water.
Incubation period: One to seven days.
Symptoms: Fever, vomiting, diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain.
Prevention tips
Wash hands thoroughly after handling or cleaning your dog.
Disinfect any wound as soon as possible.
Maintain your dog's vaccination schedule, especially for rabies.
Clean and disinfect your dog's environment regularly.
Consult your veterinarian immediately if any symptoms occur after contact with your dog.
General Tips for Preventing and Maintaining Your Dog's Health
Regular Veterinary Visits: A comprehensive checkup at least twice a year.
Vaccinations and Supplements: Adherence to the vaccination schedule and internal (worming) and external prophylaxis.
Balanced Nutrition: High-quality food tailored to your dog's size, breed, and age.
Cleanliness and Environment: Regularly clean their bedding and toys, and disinfect their sleeping areas.
Activity and Movement: Daily walks and playtime stimulate circulation and strengthen muscles.
By following these guidelines and recognizing the signs of illness early, you can reduce the risk of infection and improve your dog's quality of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a thorough understanding of the most common diseases affecting dogs—whether internal, such as urinary tract infections or parasites, external, such as ear and skin infections, or dangerous viral and bacterial diseases such as parvovirus and rabies—is the cornerstone of maintaining and ensuring the health of your pet. Awareness of diseases that can be transmitted from dogs to humans (such as salmonella, campylobacter, and pasteurella) reinforces our commitment to hygiene procedures, regular vaccinations, and prompt veterinary visits when any abnormal signs appear.
By relying on early diagnosis and appropriate veterinary care—from ear cleaning and topical medications to supportive treatments such as intravenous fluids and antibiotics, to dietary modifications and regular exercise—we can reduce the complications of diseases and speed up the recovery process. Furthermore, attention to prevention (vaccinations, parasite control, weight control, and environmental cleanliness) contributes to reducing health risks and providing a safe environment for both the dog and its owner.
Ultimately, our greatest responsibility lies in our commitment to regularly monitoring our dog's behavior and health, seeking professional help when needed, and treating our canine friends with the care and attention they deserve. This will ensure they live long, active lives and provide us with a safe, friendly, and trustworthy pet-rearing experience.