Dog Health Problems

Your dog is more complex than he or she seems. Within her small (or large depending on the breed) frame, she has the potential to battle a whole host of different health problems—some of them very similar to those humans battle each day.

Diabetes and Obesity

Some of the dog health problems you might be familiar with in your own life or family are diabetes and obesity. Often linked to each other (obesity being one of the leading causes of diabetes), obesity and diabetes in dogs is treated much the same way as it is in humans. If your dog seems to be tipping the scales at a higher weight than you’d like and if you are concerned that his or her excessive thirst might be indicative of diabetes then a trip to your veterinarian is in order. He or she will give you a food and exercise regimen and a treatment plan if your dog is diagnosed with diabetes.

Depression

Depression is another dog health problem that is shared with humans. Your dog may be affected by a low serotonin level or may be depressed over the loss of another family member or pet. If your dog seems lethargic, does not seem receptive to play when he or she normally would be, or has lost interest in food, a visit to your veterinarian’s office could result in a diagnosis of depression and a prescription for anti-depressants.

Heartworm

Some dog health problems are not suffered by humans, but by animals exclusively. Heartworm is one such illness. When your dog has heartworms, he or she has worms actually living in his or her heart and lungs. These worms breed at a massive rate and their bodies can begin to shut down your dog’s vital organs. Heartworm medications can prevent this fate from befalling your pet.

Canine Influenza

Canine influenza, also known as kennel cough, is one of the dog health problems that is known for its highly communicable nature. Kennel cough is often passed around from dog to dog in a kennel or shelter. It is a virus so there is no medication for kennel cough. In most cases, kennel cough will run its course leaving your dog largely unscathed.

No matter what concern you have about your pet’s health, a visit to your local veterinarian’s office can teach you how to recognize it, how best to prevent it and how to treat it; saving you time, money and the health of your dog.

Related topics: Dog Diseases, Dog Parasites