Ava Williams
A dog’s life is somewhat similar to a human’s. One lives a life without severe pain, the other suffers from all sorts of ailments. But many diseases can be prevented. Important vaccinations, for example, protect against many serious diseases. A dog that is well-fed and exercised tends to be healthier than the “couch potato” that focuses on treats.
Top 10 diseases in dogs
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Skin diseases
- Parasite infestation
- Joint diseases
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Ear diseases
- Eye diseases
- Respiratory diseases
- Muscles/tendons/ligaments
- Bladder diseases
Gastrointestinal diseases most common
Despite the best care, diseases can never be completely avoided. Surveys show that gastrointestinal diseases are at the top of the list of the most common diseases. They hardly differ in the main symptoms – diarrhea and vomiting. From a mild stomach upset caused by spoiled food to a serious infection, the list of possible causes is long. Therefore, you have to go together with the veterinarian to investigate the causes. Diarrhea due to food allergies can be brought under control, for example, by changing the diet. With a gastroscopy, the vet can find out whether the dog is suffering from simple gastritis or perhaps even a stomach ulcer. Very often parasites are the culprits of gastric and intestinal disease.
Diseases of the skin
Skin diseases rank second among the most frequently diagnosed clinical pictures. The skin is a complex organ that is sensitive to all kinds of external aggressions, but it is also an alarm detector for diseases that take place inside the body. Most frequently, allergies trigger skin changes, above all the flea saliva allergy. Many dogs are allergic to environmental substances such as pollen or pollen. Animal feed can also trigger allergic skin reactions. In addition, there are skin fungal diseases that can also be transmitted to humans. Skin changes are also indicators of hormonal disorders. Increased dandruff and a tendency to skin infections, for example, are typical symptoms of an underactive thyroid.
Ticks, fleas, worms
It is not uncommon for dogs to be tormented by parasites of all kinds. A distinction is made between ectoparasites and endoparasites. Ekto means outside. The most common pests include ticks, fleas, and mites. These in turn often cause skin or other diseases. Regular parasite prophylaxis helps to keep dogs away from serious diseases. Endo means inside. Endoparasites therefore primarily colonize the intestines of the animal. Most often these are worms: roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Some endoparasites are transmitted by ectoparasites. Fleas, for example, transmit tapeworms, so flea prevention is a very important preventive measure. On the other hand, internal parasites can also affect other organs of the dog, such as the dangerous heartworm.
Parasitic protozoa such as giardia or coccidia also threaten the dog’s intestinal health and can cause infections. So-called giardia occurs most frequently and can lead to severe diarrhea, especially in puppies and young dogs.
The complex interrelationships make it clear how important all-around care is for dogs. The dog owner has it in his hands to enable his four-legged friend to live a carefree and disease-free life.