Dog Health Issues

Dogs are prone to many diseases and health issues based on their age, surroundings and breed. Puppies are at the highest risk of contracting parvovirus, a highly contagious and deadly dog disease. Extra large dogs such as St. Bernard's are most prone to developing cancerous tumors in their tails and thighs. Many diseases do not have cures but if caught early can be treated with good home care and by veterinarians.

  1. Cancer

    • Dogs can get cancer, too.

      As with people, cancer can deeply affect a dog. This can be devastating for the dog and the owner, but there are therapeutic treatments available, depending on the type, locale and severity of the cancer in the dog. Both environmental and hereditary factors play a role in the cause of this disease. The symptoms of this disease can vary since it depends on where the tumors are located within the dog. They can include loss of appetite, diarrhea and loss of coordination as well as seizures. You should have an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian, and also make sure you bring your dog in as soon as possible. Your dog may have to have surgery to remove the tumor or radiation to kill the cancer cells in order to save his life.

    Cushing's Disease

    • Cushing's disease develops when a dog produces too many hormones in the body.

      Cushing's disease affects mainly older dogs. It is marked by the dog producing too many hormones in his body. Signs and symptoms can include an increased amount of dry, infected skin with hard lumps underneath the skin, as well as thinning of the skin. A veterinarian can accurately diagnose if a dog has this disease by a number of tests. An X-ray can pinpoint where the tumor lies and on which gland. If it is an adrenal gland problem, then the whole gland can be removed for a complete recovery. Unfortunately, most of the time it is in the pituitary gland, which cannot be removed. Chemotherapy can be conducted or a natural change in diet is also helpful to treat it.

    Arthritis

    • Arthritis in dogs can cause a lot of pain.

      According to DogPro.com, arthritis is a disease that affects one in five adult dogs. There are a number of factors to blame such as obesity, poor nutrition, injury and genetic factors. The symptoms can include whimpering when walking, running or trying to go up or down stairs. Some may even not want to move because of the pain they are experiencing. It can be effectively treated with a healthy diet, exercise and anti-inflammatory therapeutic treatments. Supplements are also recommended to help boost the dog's immune system, and the strength of his joints and ligaments. Exercise is one of the most important treatments because the dog should stretch and regain strength in the areas the arthritis has attacked. A veterinarian will be able to diagnose the disease by conducting a series of tests and provide the owner with the best plan of action.