10 Dog Diseases

There are hundreds of different diseases that can affect a dog. Some diseases have cures and some have treatments. However, some diseases can ultimately kill a dog. If any type of abnormal behavior occurs with a dog, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately.

  1. Heartworm

    • Heartworm is a disease in dogs that affects its heart. Heartworm occurs when a dog is bit by an infected mosquito. There is no way to tell if a mosquito is infected with anything. Antibiotics are used to treat the disease. Symptoms include coughing, fainting and difficulty breathing.

    Nephrolithiasis

    • Nephrolithiasis is a disease inside of a dog's kidney that can create kidney stones. Symptoms include vomiting, blood-tainted urine and abdominal pain. Nephrolithiasis can be treated by dietary dissolution, which means managing or changing the diet of the dog to dissolve the kidney stone so it can pass.

    Pancreatitis

    • Pancreatitis is a disease in which inflammation or swelling occurs in the pancreas. The causes of pancreatitis are unknown and can be severe or mild. Symptoms include vomiting and abdominal pain. Pancreatitis can be treated by getting hospitalized for dehydration and shock in some cases.

    Periodontal Disease

    • Periodontal disease is a disease in the gums and/or teeth that may be caused by gingivitis or broken or decayed teeth. Symptoms include bad breath, loss of appetite, swollen gums and excessive drooling. Periodontal disease can be treated by using dental toys to help clean the teeth.

    Anal Sac Disease

    • Anal sac disease is a disease that infects the anal sacs of a dog. Symptoms include excessive licking, anal sac swelling and blood. Anal sac disease can be treated by a veterinarian manually emptying overfilled sacs.

    Zygomycosis

    • Zygomycosis is a skin disease which is caused by fungi. The fungi are called Zygomycetes and can be found in soil and live on decaying plants. The fungi can cause infections in animals that have weak immune systems. Symptoms include open sores and nodules on the skin. Treatment normally involves removal of the nodules.

    Toxoplasmosis

    • Toxoplasmosis occurs when a dog consumes undercooked meats or the feces of cats that are infected. Symptoms are loss of appetite, rapid breathing and fevers or cough. Antibiotics may be administered for treatment by a veterinarian.

    Dysplasia

    • Dysplasia is a disease that affects the hip of a dog. Dysplasia is caused by looseness of the ball and socket of the hip. This can lead to arthritis in dogs. Symptoms include limping, difficulty getting up and poor development in the thigh and pelvic areas. Treatment includes pain medication and physical therapy.

    Hyperkeratosis

    • Hyperkeratosis is when the skin of the nose of a dog becomes dry, calloused and thick. This disease normally occurs in older dogs. The cause of hyperkeratosis is unknown. Symptoms include irritation of the nose, calloused nose and infection of the nose. Treatment usually consists of keeping the nose lubricated by using moisteners.

    Hypothyroidism

    • Hypothyroidism is a disease that affects the thyroid gland. Neutered and spayed dogs are more susceptible to the disease. Symptoms include oily skin, dull coat and black pigmentation. Hormone treatment may be prescribed by a veterinarian.