Have a dog and want to keep them as happy and healthy as you can? Of course you do, and generally speaking, it\u2019s entirely possible if you have been helping them maintain a healthy lifestyle. Dogs can be very expressive animals, so spotting signs that something might be causing them distress can be easier than with a cat, for instance, but you\u2019ll still need to be aware of the most common issues \u2013 not all are as obvious as others, and some could be signs of something more serious developing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Early detection is key in preventing those minor issues from escalating into serious health problems, so to help, below are a few common symptoms to look out for and when to visit the vet. For most owners, their dog will live a long happy life, but this shouldn\u2019t be taken for granted. So, what should you be looking out for?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recognising Early Signs of Illness<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Changes in Appetite or Drinking Habits<\/strong> \u2013 A sudden loss of appetite or drinking more water can indicate conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. An increase in appetite or weight gain might signal thyroid issues too. Of course, if it\u2019s a hot day or they\u2019ve just had a long walk, they may drink more, so it\u2019s seeing whether this is unusual for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unusual Behaviour <\/strong>\u2013 If your usually energetic dog appears tired, lethargic or withdrawn, or shows less interest in going for walks or playing with their favourite toy, it could be a sign of illness. If they begin to be more stressed or show an increase in aggression or anxiety, this can also be a symptom of underlying health problems you\u2019ll want to check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Digestive Issues <\/strong>\u2013 Vomiting or diarrhoea can indicate gastrointestinal problems. If your dog is suffering from constipation or any changes in bowel movements, you\u2019ll want to speak to your vet as it could be a sign of poisoning or something else. It is normal for dogs to vomit or have loose bowels sometimes, but if it becomes frequent or a result of eating something they shouldn\u2019t have, you\u2019ll want to visit your vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respiratory Symptoms<\/strong> \u2013 Persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, or excessive panting can all indicate respiratory conditions, such as kennel cough or in some cases, heart problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Skin and Coat Changes <\/strong>\u2013 If you notice that your dog is scratching more than usual, has bald patches or a dull coat, it can suggest allergies, skin infections, or other health issues. As well as a change in the skin or fur, look out for any lumps, bumps, or wounds that are new or appear to not be healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mobility Issues<\/strong> \u2013 These can be a bit easier to spot such as difficulty standing up, limping, or not wanting to climb stairs or struggling to do so. Getting in and out of the car if they normally jump in is another one and can be a common sign of joint problems or arthritis. It can also signal a sprain or injury, so it\u2019s best to speak to your vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Canine Health Issues<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dental Disease <\/strong>\u2013 Issues with teeth and gums are quite common across dogs. According to The Royal Veterinary College (RVC), 18 breeds including Toy Poodle, King Charles Spaniel and Greyhound have an increased risk of dental disease compared to crossbred dogs<\/a>. The best prevention is regular teeth cleaning as well as dental check-ups with your vet. Look for symptoms such as bad breath, difficulty eating, and red or swollen gums, as these could be signs of gingivitis or plaque and tartar build-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ear Infections <\/strong>\u2013 Especially common in dogs with larger, floppy ears, ear infections can cause a great deal of discomfort just like they do for us humans. Signs of this can include head shaking, scratching or rubbing the ear or head, and odour or discharge. Regular cleaning and keeping the ears dry can help prevent infections from developing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Obesity <\/strong>\u2013 A growing concern for pets generally, obesity can lead to serious health problems if their diet is not controlled. Regularly giving your dog table scraps at dinner or high-calorie treats can quickly cause them to gain weight, which can lead to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and joint issues. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise is important to avoid this. Your vet will be able to offer advice on what to feed them and healthy snack options \u2013 whether your dog likes them is another matter!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arthritis <\/strong>\u2013 Often seen in older dogs, arthritis causes pain in the joints and reduces your dog\u2019s mobility. They will struggle to move in the same way they once did as a pup, and early signs you can spot include limping and difficulty moving. To relieve the strain on their joints, you\u2019ll want your dog to maintain a healthy weight for its size and breed, not over-exercise them, and speak to your vet. Treatment can be provided to help relieve pain and hydrotherapy can help them exercise without too much strain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Skin Allergies<\/strong> \u2013 Allergies in dogs can lead to itchy skin, rashes, and bald patches. Everything from fleas to food allergies, and over-grooming can lead to skin issues, so identifying and removing the allergen is the best prevention. Once you know the trigger, you\u2019ll be able to avoid this, and your vet will be able to advise any antihistamines or medication that may help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parasitic Infections<\/strong> \u2013 Fleas, ticks, and worms are common parasites that can cause various health issues for your dog, from mild irritation to severe diseases. Regular flea and worming treatments are generally the best defence against these little critters, and your vet will be able to help advise suitable treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n