Environmental, genetic and viral factors can all play a role in your dog's well being, which can sometimes make it difficult to ensure your furry friend's health. While it's impossible to keep your dog 100 percent healthy 100 percent of the time, proper care such as routine veterinary checkups, a balanced diet and regular exercise can help keep it happy and in good shape. Any deviation from your dog's usual personality and behavior can signal a possible health concern, so it's important to know your pet's usual routine and habits to identify when there is a problem.
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Digestive System
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Digestive problems can affect any part of the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and large and small intestines. Vomiting and diarrhea are the main symptoms involving digestive problems, which can range from megaesophagus--or weak muscle tone of the esophagus---to inflammatory bowel disease. Gastritis occurs when the stomach becomes inflamed or infected, and intussusception is a rare condition in which the intestinal wall folds in upon itself.
Hormone and Endocrine System
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Your dog's endocrine system is responsible for the production of hormones, which are vital for your dog's health. Serious complications can occur if hormone production isn't just right. Addison's disease occurs when not enough corticosteroid is produced, while Cushing's disease occurs when too much is made. Diabetes mellitus develops when the body cannot produce insulin, which is the hormone responsible for allowing blood sugar to provide the body with energy.
Urinary System
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The urinary system filters and removes wastes and toxins from the bloodstream, by way of the kidneys and bladder. Kidney disease can develop slowly or suddenly, and occurs when the kidneys begin to fail. Bladder or urinary tract infections occur when bacteria begin to grow in the urinary tract. Bladder stones can be a byproduct of a bladder infection, and occur when crystals from the dog's urine form and collect into a stone.
Bones and Joints
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Aside from the odd broken bone, one of the most well-known ailments concerning bones and joints is arthritis, sometimes also known as degenerative joint disease. This occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of bones wears away, leaving the bones to rub against each other and causing pain. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint becomes worn and separates from the pelvic bone, resulting in an odd hopping type of gait.
Heart and Respiratory
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The task of supplying the body with oxygen and getting rid of carbon dioxide falls to the heart and respiratory system. Breathing problems are a common symptom of the various illnesses that befall this system, including pneumonia, kennel cough and canine influenza. Heart conditions can include heart attack, heartworms and various congenital abnormalities that affect the proper function of the organ.
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