According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an estimated 68 percent of U.S. households have a pet. Bringing a furry friend home is one of the most exhilarating sensations you and your family can feel.
Right from the moment a dog enters your home, they change the atmosphere with their cheerful demeanor and positive energy. But it can be equally stressful for you to see your doggo sick and not know what’s wrong with them.
For instance, if you find your dog having coughing bouts sporadically, it could mean many things, including Kennel cough. A collapsed trachea in dogs could be another possible reason for the coughing.
It is necessary to be aware of the most common diseases that dogs develop so that you can take preventive measures and get them treated at the right time.
Obesity
It is one of the most prevalent causes of health issues among pets, especially dogs. To put things into perspective, obesity affects canines the same way it affects human beings.
It acts as a primary reason for more pressing health conditions, such as diabetes, liver disease, joint pains, breathing problems, etc.
If you’re at a loss and can’t figure out if your dog is in good shape, try feeling his backbone and ribs without pressing, weighing him, etc.
Additionally, you can also consult a vet to ascertain the obesity level of your dog, and have them chart out a diet plan for your furry friend. Finally, ensure that your dog gets regular exercise to stave off any chances of growing obese.
Kennel Cough
If you see your dog coughing and facing breathing problems, then it might be a case of Kennel cough. Kennel cough is a term used to define numerous respiratory infections that both viruses and bacteria can cause.
In this condition, the dog’s voice box and windpipe get inflamed. To open up blocked breathing passages, you can try using a humidifier or vaporizer.
Kennel cough is a form of highly contagious bronchitis that may be caused by exposure to other infected dogs. Ordinarily, the disease should subside by itself. However, if it doesn’t, you should consider consulting a veterinarian.
Collapsed Trachea
Another possible reason why your dog might be experiencing difficulty breathing could be a collapsed trachea. A collapsed trachea in dogs is a common affliction that can happen to both males and females of the species. It is generally seen more among older canines than the younger ones, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that younger dogs are immune to the problem.
There aren’t any concrete allopathic medicines for rectifying the issue. Some vets may recommend operating to fix or arrest the problem, as tracheal collapse may worsen with time if not dealt with properly.
Administering CBD-rich full spectrum hemp extract has been shown to alleviate much of the symptoms and provide relief to dogs suffering from this condition. An integrative and natural treatment approach, CBD-rich hemp extract has the following properties:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Pain alleviating
- Anxiety reduction
- Antispasmodic
Lower Urinary Tract Issues
You may find that your dog is suddenly unable to control their urinary or excretory functions or is making painful sounds while relieving themselves. It might mean that your furry friend has a lower urinary tract-related problem, which can lead to bacterial infections, bladder stones, or even cancer.
Keep a lookout for the following symptoms:
- Blood in the urine
- Urinating in smaller quantities than usual
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Sudden weight loss
If you see your dog experiencing any of these symptoms, immediately take him in for a check-up, as proper medication can resolve the problem.
Skin Problems
It is not uncommon for a dog to lick, scratch and chew or bite its body to keep it clean and itch-free. But if you find him causing skin irritation by licking or scratching himself inordinately, it might be because of a skin disease or the presence of parasites or fungus.
Some of the most common skin diseases among dogs are demodectic mange, scabies, and ringworm. These diseases can cause hair loss, itching, scaly patches, and other similar skin conditions.
Skin problems in dogs can also be caused due to allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, etc. They can also be allergic to everyday dog food ingredients like corn, wheat, beef, chicken, etc.
There are several other diseases that dogs may develop as they grow older. Most of these might be easily treatable, but some can also be fatal, like cancer. Hence, it is important to go in for regular check-ups and ensure that your doggo maintains a healthy lifestyle.