Dogs are considered man’s best friend, and as such, they deserve the best possible care. An essential part of said care is knowing the most common diseases that can affect our faithful four-legged companions.
In this blog post by Arandovo, we’ll take a look at the main diseases in dogs and how to treat them. Join us on this journey to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
Most common types of dog diseases
Dogs’ diseases can vary depending on the region, lifestyle, age and breed of the animal. Here’s a summary with some of the most common ones:
Gastrointestinal diseases
Diarrhea: it may be caused by infections, changes in diet or ingestion of toxic substances.
Vomiting: nausea and vomiting are common symptoms and may indicate a variety of conditions.
Canine Parvovirus
This viral disease mainly affects puppies and young dogs, causing severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. It requires urgent veterinary treatment.
Canine distemper
A highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory and nervous system. It can lead to symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose and convulsions.
Skin diseases
These include allergies, fungal and bacterial infections, as well as dermatological problems such as fungus on the muzzle.
Canine obesity
Obesity is a growing concern and can lead to health problems such as diabetes and heart diseases.
Periodontal disease
It affects the gums and teeth of dogs, causing pain and serious dental problems. Dental hygiene is essential.
Urinary system diseases
Urinary tract infections and kidney stones are common problems in dogs.
Joint and bone problems
These include arthritis, which mainly affects older dogs, and hip dysplasia, which is common in large breeds.
Cancer
Dogs can develop a variety of cancers, such as lymphoma, carcinoma and sarcoma.
Heart problems
Diseases such as congestive heart failure may affect dogs, especially as they age.
Ophthalmologic problems
Among them, glaucoma and cataracts are quite common and can cause vision problems.
Food and skin allergies
Allergies can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, including itchy skin and gastrointestinal problems.
How to know if my dog is sick
Detecting an illness in your dog early is crucial to their recovery. Here are some signs which may indicate that your pet is sick:
- Appetite or thirst changes.
- Lethargy or lack of energy.
- Persistent vomiting and diarrhea.
- Limping or difficulty when moving.
- Behavioral changes, such as aggressiveness or listlessness.
- Skin or coat changes.
- Persistent coughing or difficulty when breathing.
It is important to take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Early detection is the key to a successful treatment.
Most common diseases in puppies and adult dogs
Diseases in dogs may vary by their age. Here are some to consider:
Puppies
- Parvovirus: as mentioned above, it is common in unvaccinated puppies.
- Internal and external parasites: puppies are especially susceptible to parasites such as fleas and ticks.
- Periodontal disease: dental health is essential from an early age.
Adult dogs
- Arthritis: as they age, many dogs develop arthritis, which can cause pain and stiffness.
- Obesity: keeping a healthy weight is crucial for health in later life.
- Heart disease and cancer: older dogs are more likely to develop these conditions.
How to take care of your pet
Caring for your pet is a responsibility that involves love, time and resources. Here are some essential tips to make sure your dog has the best quality of life possible:
Regular veterinary visits
Regular check-ups are key to detecting health problems early and keeping vaccinations up to date.
Quality food
Choose high quality food and make sure it is adapted to your dog’s nutritional needs.
Dental hygiene
Brushing your dog’s teeth and providing chew toys may prevent dental problems.
Regular exercise
Dogs need physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks and playtime are essential.
Weight maintenance
Control your dog’s weight to prevent obesity, as an obese dog can develop joint problems. Just like it happens to overweight cats.
Skin care and hygiene
Check your dog’s skin and coat for problems. It is important to keep it clean to avoid skin infections.
Socializing
Dogs are social animals and need interactions with other dogs and people. Walks, visits to the park and playing with other dogs are important.
Training and mental stimulation
Keep your dog’s mind active through training and mental stimulation. This can help prevent behavioral problems.
Cuddles and love
Don’t underestimate the power of a good affection dose. Dogs need affection and attention from their owners to keep them happy.
Vaccination and prevention
Keep your dog up to date with vaccinations and perform regular check-ups to prevent diseases.
Safe environment
Maintain a safe environment at home, eliminating dangerous objects for dogs and avoiding access to toxic products.
Complement your pet’s diet with MKARE
It is sometimes advisable to use animal food supplements to prevent and treat various diseases. At Arandovo, we have developed MKARE, a 100% natural functional ingredient based on the eggshell membrane with multiple benefits for animal health.
MKARE is not only rich in collagen (type I, V and X) but also in hyaluronic acid, elastin, chondroitin sulfate and over 400 highly functional proteins.
In addition, thanks to the intake of MKARE you will notice an improvement in the athletic performance of your dog, a shinier coat, more strength and flexibility in muscles and joints, healthier and stronger bones, which in turn favors the delay of aging.
It’s important to note that many of these diseases can be prevented or controlled with good health care, proper diet, regular exercise and veterinary visits. Vaccinations are essential to prevent serious viral diseases such as parvovirus and distemper.
By knowing the most common diseases and supplementing their diet with food supplements, you can ensure that your four-legged friend has a long and healthy life.
Check out our website now and find out how MKARE can contribute to your pet’s day-to-day life, helping them to live the happiest and healthiest life possible.
