Most Common Diseases in Dogs

Everybody often has a cold, fever, or another illness. Just as it happens to us, animals are also affected. In the following article, we explain the most common diseases affecting dogs, their symptoms, and treatments.

Worm infestation

Anyone who already has a dog at home knows what it means when it is infested with worms again. Unfortunately, it hits dogs more often than cats. The reason for this is that dogs are more often in the forest or contact with other dogs, and the danger is therefore greater than with cats. Most worms are ingested as eggs or larvae and then go directly to the intestines. From there they are excreted in turn. If another dog licks the feces, it may also get worms.

Worm infestation symptoms

• vomit
• weight loss
• anemia
• worm belly in puppies (bloated, tender)
• persistent diarrhea

Treatment options

There are different types of worms, such as tapeworms, heartworms, and lungworms. However, the majority of these can be easily eliminated with a dewormer. It is important that the household also has to be cleaned afterward. Otherwise, dogs will get infected again in the same place. The “dog corner” in particular should be cleaned thoroughly.

Fever

Dogs have a slightly elevated body temperature between 38 and 39 °C. We, humans, are 1-2 degrees Celsius below this. A dog has a fever when the temperature rises above 39.6 °C. Dogs are usually affected by fever when they have chronic inflammation or bacterial infections. Contact with parasites can also cause fever in dogs relatively quickly. 

Possible symptoms

• thirst
• loss of appetite
• trembling all over
• fatigue
• prefers cold ground

Treatment options

Give your dog cool water to drink and offer him a cool space, eg with a cold tiled floor, on which he can spread out. This makes it easier for the dog to regulate its body temperature. You can also put cold towels on his neck. It is also advisable to eat food rich in vitamins so that the immune system is strengthened.

Allergies

There are also many different types of allergies in dogs, such as skin allergies, food allergies, and contact allergies. If the dog scratches itself relatively often and there is no worm infestation, then it may be that the four-legged friend suffers from a skin allergy. The symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting usually indicate a food allergy or other illness.

Symptoms

• hair loss
• vomiting or diarrhea
• tremble
• conspicuous behavior
• licking paws
• Constant scratching

Treatment options

If an allergy is suspected, a veterinarian should be consulted. It is possible to test the dog for different allergens. Only when you know which allergen the dog does not tolerate can you take action against it. If the dog has a food allergy, the dog food can easily be changed, for example.

Flea infestation

Like worms, fleas are unfortunately an integral part of dogs. Especially dogs that are often out and about in the forest have fleas more often than other dogs. The problem with flea infestations is that the eggs spread very quickly and are often scattered throughout the house. Fleas can also be transmitted by other dogs.

Symptoms

• black dots in the fur
• skin sores and scabs
• restlessness
• frequent scratching and gnawing
• redness of the skin

Treatment options

If the dog has fleas, then these should be fought with tick repellent. There are different dosage forms, such as spot-ons, flea shampoos, tablets, or collars. Effective flea treatment also includes a thorough cleaning of the area and all bedding and blankets that the dog likes to spend time on.

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is the most common metabolic disease in dogs. Older dogs are usually affected by diabetes. The breeds Dachshund, Beagle, Golden Retriever, or Miniature Pinscher are often affected. If the dog has diabetes, it can no longer regulate its sugar balance itself. The result is a blood sugar level that is too high, which must be treated.

Symptoms

• thirst
• weight loss
• frequent urination
• exhaustion and tiredness

Treatment options

If diabetes is suspected, the veterinarian must first measure the blood sugar level and determine the required amount of insulin. After instruction from the veterinarian, the dog owner can also administer the product himself at home. Insulin treatment is usually lifelong. A dog suffering from diabetes should also pay attention to a healthy diet and regular exercise.