Dog Disease & Trouble Encyclopedia — Symptoms, Treatments & Prevention

Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to various diseases. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to protecting your beloved dog's life. Here we summarize the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention strategies for eight common canine diseases.

Common Diseases and Troubles

Parvovirus Infection - **Symptoms**: Severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea (tomato juice-like), rapid dehydration, complete loss of appetite, high fever - **Cause**: Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). Transmitted through infected feces via oral route. The virus survives in the environment for months to over a year - **Treatment**: No specific cure; supportive care with IV fluids, antiemetics, and antibiotics. Fatality rate in puppies is very high - **Prevention**: **Reliable combination vaccine administration** is most important. Until puppies complete their 3-shot series, avoid contact with unknown dogs

Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis) - **Symptoms**: Dry, honking cough, sneezing, nasal discharge. Can progress to pneumonia in severe cases - **Cause**: Mixed infection from multiple pathogens including parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and Bordetella bacteria - **Treatment**: Mild cases resolve in 1-2 weeks naturally; severe coughing may require cough suppressants and antibiotics. Puppies and senior dogs are prone to complications - **Prevention**: Combination vaccines. Consider additional Bordetella vaccine before boarding or dog park visits

Skin Conditions (Allergic/Bacterial) - **Symptoms**: Frequent scratching, biting, or licking. Redness, flaking, hair loss, rash, scabs - **Cause**: Food allergies, atopic dermatitis (environmental allergens), flea allergy, secondary bacterial infection (Staphylococcus) - **Treatment**: Identifying the cause is the priority. Elimination diet trials for food allergies; medication (Apoquel, Cytopoint, etc.) and environmental management for atopy - **Prevention**: Regular grooming and bathing, year-round flea/tick prevention, quality food selection

Joint Disease (Hip Dysplasia/Osteoarthritis) - **Symptoms**: Unsteady gait, bunny-hopping, reluctance to climb stairs, difficulty rising, hind leg muscle wasting - **Cause**: Genetic predisposition (common in large breeds), obesity, excessive exercise, age-related cartilage wear - **Treatment**: Weight management, joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin), anti-inflammatory medications. Surgery for severe cases - **Prevention**: Maintain proper weight, avoid excessive exercise during growth, use non-slip flooring

Dental Disease - **Symptoms**: Bad breath, swollen/bleeding gums, loose teeth, pain while eating, sneezing (upper jaw teeth can affect nasal cavity) - **Cause**: Bacterial infection from plaque and tartar buildup. Approximately 80% of dogs over age 3 have some form of dental disease - **Treatment**: Professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia, antibiotics. Extraction for severe cases - **Prevention**: **Daily tooth brushing is the most effective measure**. Supplement with dental chews and dental wipes

Ear Infections (Otitis Externa) - **Symptoms**: Ear scratching, head shaking, red/swollen ear canal, increased ear discharge, foul odor - **Cause**: Overgrowth of bacteria or Malassezia (yeast). Floppy-eared breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, etc.) are especially prone due to poor ventilation - **Treatment**: Ear cytology at the vet followed by prescribed ear drops (antibacterial/antifungal). Chronic cases can progress to middle ear infection - **Prevention**: Weekly ear checks, clean ears under veterinary guidance, thoroughly dry ears after bathing

Food Allergies - **Symptoms**: Itchy skin (especially face, ears, paws, perianal area), chronic diarrhea/vomiting, recurrent ear infections - **Cause**: Immune reaction to specific proteins (beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, soy, etc.) - **Treatment**: **Elimination diet trial** (8-12 weeks) to identify allergens, then avoid the offending ingredient. Hydrolyzed protein diets - **Prevention**: Complete avoidance once allergen is identified

Patellar Luxation - **Symptoms**: Skipping gait with one leg raised, sudden yelping, repeatedly extending and flexing the knee - **Cause**: Congenital skeletal abnormality (common in small breeds). Worsened by obesity and jumping from heights - **Treatment**: Grades 1-2: conservative management with weight control and muscle strengthening. Grades 3-4: consider surgery - **Prevention**: Maintain proper weight, use floor mats on hard floors, prevent jumping on/off furniture

Daily Health Check List

Monitor these to catch illness early:

• Appetite: Sudden changes in eating or excessive water drinking
• Elimination: Stool consistency, color, blood; urine color and frequency
• Weight: Monthly weigh-ins. Sudden changes are concerning
• Coat/Skin: Hair loss, flaking, redness, lumps
• Eyes/Ears/Mouth: Discharge, redness, ear wax, odor, gum color
• Behavior: Lethargy, reluctance to walk, increased coughing or sneezing

Find Healthy Dogs on Bri-Choku

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