10 Most Common Dog Illnesses and Conditions – Country Living

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Here’s how to spot and treat these common health issues
Ear infections, kennel cough and ringworm are among the common illnesses dogs may develop. Pups of all ages can suffer from a range of medical problems, so it’s important owners learn the common conditions, how to spot them and tips on how they can be treated.
Not sure what to look out for? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know…

The name given to infectious bronchitis in dogs, kennel cough is one of the most common contagious diseases that is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria. One of the most obvious symptoms of kennel cough is a forceful, hacking cough that can often sound like your pup has something lodged in their throat.
The team at Everypaw Pet Insurance explain: “Affected dogs should be kept in a warm environment, have restricted exercise, and kept away from other animals to prevent spreading. Treatment is not necessary as the cough gradually resolves after 2-3 weeks. But antibiotics can be given if the infection spreads to the chest.”
Dog fleas – small insects that lay their eggs in fur — is another common condition many pet parents may come across. Not sure what signs to look out for? Dogs with fleas will scratch, bite and lick themselves to relieve the itching. You may also notice your dog suffering from crusty rashes or hair less, particularly those that are allergic to fleas.

“To prevent flea infestations you will need to regularly treat your dog and home,” say the team. “There are tablets, powders, sprays, spot-ons and shampoos available to kill adult and immature fleas. You will need to wash your dog’s bedding and hoover flooring to get rid of eggs.”

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition that is common in dogs and cats, causing the digestive enzymes to leak into the pancreas and self-digest. According to Everypaw Pet Insurance, the signs to look out for include your dog refusing to eat, feeling sad and abdominal upset. If you are concerned about your dog’s health, always head to your local vet.
Ringworm has a number of different appearances in dogs, with the main sign being areas of hair loss with a crusty covering. This common fungal infection is highly contagious and can be passed from dogs to other animals or humans, so it needs to be treated immediately.
Once you have visited the vet, don’t forget to throughly clean your dog’s environment to banish the presence of ringworm. Deep-clean their bedding, toys, bed and food bowl.
“There are many causes of diarrhoea, including changes in diet, bacterial infections, poisonous chemicals, or damage to the digestive system. It occurs when there is a disturbance to the normal function of the large bowel (intestine),” the experts say.

“Dogs suffering from diarrhoea may need to empty their bowels more frequently and will have softer than normal stools. Feed your dog a diet of plain chicken and rice, and it should improve in 1-2 days.” If your dog hasn’t improved by then, head to your local vet for advice. Puppies with diarrhoea dehydrate quickly, so should be seen by a vet sooner.
Ear infections are often caused by excess moisture, which can become painful, itchy and produce a bad smell. If your dog is suffering from an ear infection, you may notice them beginning to groan, cry, shake their ears and head, or rub up against the floor to relieve pain.
“Most ear infections can be treated with ear drops and regular cleaning of the ears. But the primary disease will also need to be treated to prevent a recurrence,” say the team.
Much like humans, conjunctivitis is an uncomfortable condition that may cause your dog to paw at their eye, blink or squint. In most cases, your local vet will be able to treat the condition with eye drops or ointment, however some pups will require antibiotic treatment if this is an underlying problem.
“Mange is caused by an infestation of tiny mites on the dog’s skin, causing hair loss and itching,” continue Everypaw Pet Insurance. “Dogs will scratch and chew to relieve the itch, causing damage to the skin. They are highly contagious and can easily pass onto other dogs. They are generally only passed from mother to pup via muzzle.”
While it is an unpleasant experience for dogs, the good news is that it can be easily treated using drugs, anti-parasitic shampoos, dips and spot-ons.
From dangerous spring plants to festive foods, poisoning in dogs occurs when they swallow or absorb something dangerous. Common signs include:
If you think your dog has been poisoned, you must take them to the vet immediately for treatment to give them a better chance of survival. Pet parents should also keep all poisonous substances, cleaning products and toxic foods well out of reach.

“Blocked anal glands occur when the sacs fail to empty, usually due to loose faeces or if the dog’s gland ducts are too narrow. Affected dogs will excessively lick the area, drag their bottom on the ground, and sit down abruptly clamping their tail,” say the experts.

“A vet or owner (if shown how) can manually empty the anal glands. But chronic blockages need to be drained, flushed and treated with antibiotics. Adding more fibre to the diet may help to prevent a recurrence.”
Let your four-legged friend cool down in their very own pool. And you don’t have to worry about blowing this up or it taking up too much room in your garden. This dog pool can be folded away in seconds.
We’re big fans of this pet bowl, which will help to keep your pup cool once filled with water.
A must-have for warm summer days, this cooling dog mat doesn’t need to be chilled or filled with water. The gel interior keeps pups cool and is best placed in a shaded space for them to feel the full benefits.
Working to reduce body temperature, this cooling dog collar simply needs to be soaked in water for a few minutes and then applied to offer a cooling respite for your dog.
This adjustable cooling jacket is available in a range of different sizes for medium, large and extra large breeds. The lightweight material will also keep your dog feeling much more comfortable in warm weather.
Suitable for dogs and cats, make sure that your four-legged friends stay hydrated this summer. This fountain continuously filters and re-circulates fresh water for them to drink and can hold two litres at a time.
This cooling mat serves two purposes; cooling down your dog and allowing them to have a whole lot of fun playing with the sprinkling water. All you need to do is attach a regular garden hose to use this.
This toy bone can be filled with water and frozen to cool down your dog. It’s also ideal for helping to soothe the mouths of teething puppies all year round.
Chill both your dog’s water and food during a hot day with this bowl that can be kept in the freezer to give your pup a refreshing drink or meal.
Suitable for all dogs thanks to its three sizes, this bandana will keep your pup feeling cooler on a warm day. Simply soak in water, wring out any excess and fasten it around their neck and repeat the process when needed.

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