5 Sicknesses that Commonly Affect Dogs
Just like humans, dogs may be ill due to an infection or allergy. It may be a mild illness every now and then, but, once in a while, it can also indicate something severe. Knowing common diseases will alert you at the onset of symptoms and can help you stay proactive when it comes to your dog’s health.
Take a look at these five sicknesses that affect most dogs and consult a vet if you notice any warning signs.
- Ear infection
Ear infections commonly affect dogs who play outdoors, as they are often exposed to dirt and dust. If bacteria or dirt settles in your dog’s ear, it can build up to an ear infection, which can, over time, cause swelling and pain. The pain may be felt down to the mouth and can make it difficult for your dog to eat and chew. A warning sign to look out for in case of infection is discharge from the ear. - Kennel cough
Kennel cough is like the pet counterpart of the common cold. It can make your dog feel under the weather, showing symptoms like sneezing, a leaky nose, or eye discharge. Like the common cold, kennel cough treatment includes getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and drinking plenty of water. Your dog may recover with home treatments, but it’s always better to consult a vet first before you go ahead with remedies. - Urinary tract infection
Unfortunately, like humans, dogs too are prone to urinary tract infections. It can make urination unbearable due to immense pain in the genital area. Some evident signs can indicate that your dog has UTI. These include hearing them cry or whine while urinating, noticing blood in the urine, noticing them licking the affected area often to soothe pain and discomfort. - Diarrhea
At times, dogs end up eating something stale or rotten that can irritate their digestive system. As a result, they may excrete watery stools continuously, which is a sign of diarrhea, one of the most common illnesses in dogs. In some cases, diarrhea may also occur due to any stress that arises from drastic environmental changes or frequent travel. Some other causes of diarrhea include allergies, contact with parasites, and gastrointestinal disease. - Skin infection
A skin infection can cause discomfort in dogs, as it involves pus-filled inflammation that worsens as your dog itches at it. It can occur if your dog is wounded or shedding fur that otherwise protects the skin from contracting bacteria and dirt. If your dog itches at a targeted area frequently, look for redness or signs of swelling. It may likely be a skin infection that should be checked before it worsens.
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