Common Dog Illnesses & Symptoms

If you are a dog owner, you likely know your pooch very well. You know when your pet is happy or sad, tired or cranky. You recognize small changes in your dog's behavior or routine. These things are good to notice, because refusal to eat or lethargy can be signs of an illness. Paying attention to your dog's behavior and appearance will often alert you to potential health issues.

  1. Bordatella

    • This common bacterial infection is also called tracheobronchitis or "kennel cough." Many dogs get this contagious infection while being boarded or tended to at a clinic. Bordatella creates breathing issues and disturbs the dog's respiratory function. It is passed through nasal mucus and saliva.

      A dog affected by bordatella often has a drippy nose. It will have a dry cough and may sneeze a lot. If your dog has a mild case, it will still eat and play. However, if the animal refuses food, runs a fever and becomes lethargic, the dog may have a severe case.

    Ear Infection

    • If your dog shakes its head and scratches at its ears, it may mean nothing. If your pet rubs its ears along the floor and against objects, you should pay attention. If the dog has an ear infection, you may see or smell pungent yellow or black discharge in the ears, and the ear canal may be red and swollen. These symptoms are often present when the infection is mild or moderate.

      A severe ear infection, one that is in the inner ear, can cause a dog to lose its hearing. If the infection affects the inner-ear nerves, your pet may get vertigo and display random eye movements.

    Parvovirus

    • The parvovirus is one more reason dogs should receive all recommended vaccinations. Parvovirus is contagious and is passed through affected dog fecal matter. This infection can be fatal.

      Symptoms in adult dogs may never present themselves, but puppies younger than 6 months old often have bloody stools, diarrhea, severe vomiting and a fever.

    Impacted or Infected Anal Glands

    • Issues with anal glands often present with an offensive smell. Smaller dog breeds tend to have more problems than larger dogs, but this is a fairly common problem to all dogs. A dog's anal glands can become impacted and create a thick, smelly discharge. However, because they are impacted, the discharge isn't released and causes discomfort for your dog.

      A common symptom, other than the bad odor, is scooting on the floor. You dog may drag his bottom across the floor in an effort to relieve the discomfort. Your pet may also nip or lick at its backside. If the anal sacs are infected, the animal will likely have some pain when urinating.