Common Health Problems in Dogs
Common Health Problems In Dogs
by Kathy Chapman

Our four-legged friends are a significant part of our lives. Through the good and the bad, they love us unconditionally.
For a lot of people, our cats and dogs are the ones who pull us through our down days. It is almost like they can tell when we aren’t feeling ourselves! They do their best to look after us, and we do the same in return. It is undoubtedly a labor of love.
Veterinary fees are costly, but the treatment that is received is extraordinary. We have compiled a list of some common health problems found in dogs and some ways you can tackle them.
Common Health Problems
Naturally, health problems common in our four-legged friends vary based on the breed you have. While there are some common health problems that are prevalent across all breeds, there are others that are more specific.
Injury
A cruciate ligament tear in dogs is a painful orthopedic problem that can cause your dog to suddenly start limping on one of its back legs. Though there are many different reasons for limping in dogs, a ruptured cruciate ligament is one of the most common ones.
We will mention some of the more generic health problems within our list below, which affect a vast number of breeds. At the same time, we will clarify whether the health condition specifically affects certain breeds as well.
On that note, let’s get right into it!
Obesity
Obesity is something that affects humans and animals alike. Again, this is subjective to the breed, and there is no one-size-fits-all for determining what is obese and what isn’t. A smaller breed would have a lesser weight scale than that of a larger dog. Ensure you check the specifics that relate to your dog’s breed to be accurate with your efforts.
In North America, dog obesity is deemed the most common preventable disease in dogs. As a devoted pet parent, you should do what you can to prevent your dog from being another statistic.
Restricting the portion sizes, you are giving your dog and minimizing the number of treats you are giving them will significantly contribute to the weight of your dog. Not to mention, doing your research into an appropriate diet for your dog will also make a difference.
While it can be easy to feed your dog a piece of what you are eating now and again, you could be contributing to this weight gain, as well as a whole host of other health conditions. This leads us to the following point.
Digestive Problems
Obesity can cause digestive problems within your dog but is not the only cause of these delicate issues. Dogs, much like humans, can experience the likes of vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. As the digestive system in a dog is as complex as that of a human, it can often be challenging to know where the problems are originating from.
To determine what the cause of the issue is and what the problem is overall, firstly, get your pup checked by your registered veterinarian. They will be able to guide you on a practical course of treatment, either through themselves or with guidance and advice on their part.
With that being said, there are digestive supplements for pets on the market, each tailored for efficiently tackling these often-complex issues. Dogs are notorious for not taking tablets in capsule form. It definitely makes treating these ailments that bit more difficult!
Native Pet and other companies provide devoted dog owners like yourself with all the digestive supplements for pets that you could ever need. Rest assured; you will be making a conscious effort to help your dog with whatever they might be enduring.
Skin Conditions
Similar to that of humans, dogs suffer from skin conditions from time to time. For the most part, they are manageable and do not become troublesome. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and there may come a time when you need to seek the assistance and attention of a professional to help.
It might be difficult to notice whether your dog is suffering from a skin condition until it is advanced. This is not to say that you are a bad pet owner! You will not be the first person that this has happened to, and certainly won’t be the last.
Common skin conditions can be caused by a variety of factors, with some of the most common ones resulting from allergies or parasites. Fleas and ticks can irritate the skin and coat of your dog and can very quickly become serious.
Take special care to bathe and brush your pets regularly. More so when they have been exploring areas where parasites are known to linger.
When it comes to allergies, the cause of this is a bit more challenging to pinpoint. It would be a case of testing and trying different things. Expose your dog to them one by one, as a means of understanding what is causing the adverse reactions. Once you have established the cause, you can put measures in place to ensure your dog does not come into contact with them anymore.
Breathing and Nasal Problems
This is one of the common health problems affecting dogs. Labored breathing, also known as Dyspnea, affects a broad range of dog breeds, not just those with flat faces. More on that condition in just a moment.
Dyspnea occurs when your pet is having difficulty breathing. This can be caused by a foreign body in their windpipe, infections, asthma, or other potentially fatal conditions. If you notice your dog suffering from labored breathing over some time or suddenly, ensure you get them checked over by your registered veterinarian as soon as possible.
Flat-faced dog breeds are more prone to labored breathing and nasal issues. Owners of these dog breeds should be aware of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). This affects breeds including Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Bulldogs in general.
If you are a devoted pet parent to a breed such as this, ensure you do your research on the condition. Learn what you can do to help alleviate any issues your pup might already have and what you can do to prevent any more problems from developing. By being aware of the condition in full and being aware of the moments when your dog needs professional intervention, you give your dog the best possible life.
While these are but a handful of the common health problems dogs can experience, we hope it has shed some light on what to expect. Whether you are a new pet parent or an experienced one who merely wanted a refresher, we hope this piece has left you feeling knowledgeable.