Common Dog Health Problems

Here is a list of common dog health problems. A short description of these dog illness will guide you to more in depth information. All you have to do click on the title of each one.

Let's get started to learn more about these dog health problems and dog diseases.

Abscesses - an open sore surrounded by inflamed tissue, from which there is an oozing of pus, or sometimes a cavity formed by a collection of pus-like material contained in solid tissue.

Addison's Disease - a severe depletion of the adrenal cortex, resulting in weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, and pigment changes in the skin and mucous membranes.

Aging - involves increasing free radical damage to tissues, and hormonal mis-communication resulting in loss of function

Allergies - an abnormal sensitivity to a substance...usually a food or something from the environment.

Anxiety - mild to severe apprehension or uneasiness about a present or impending event.

Arrhythmia - irregular heartbeat.

Arthritis- inflammation of the joints accompanied by pain, swelling and deterioration of the joints.

Infections - the detrimental colonization of a host organism by a foreign species ( bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses ) accompanied by inflammation.

Inflammation - a local response to cellular injury accompanied by redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of function.

Bad Breath - also called Halitosis. is a bad odor from the mouth.

Bites and Stings- from insects causing swelling, pain and inflammation.

Bladder Infection- tissue can become irritable causing a constant urge to urinate, or damaged causing tissue to become chronically inflammed and sore.

Blood in the Stool - a sign of severe intestinal inflammation or other injuries in the colon or rectum. It can also be a sign of cancer or other serious dog health problems.

Bloat - ( Gastric Dilitation - Volvulus GDV)is the abnormal formation of excessive gases in the gastrointestinal tract. A very serious dog health problem... it can be life threatening.

Body Odor - excessive offensive doggy odor indicates a need for cleansing the body.

Bordetella - bronchiseptica/parainfluenza ...a bacteria/virus complex affecting the respiratory tract.

Cancer - a disease of imbalance where the DNA of a healthy cell becomes damaged, causing that cell to mutate.

Candida - a microorganism responsible for many health problems, lowered immune response and bowel issues.

Cartilage Damage - Cartilage is a spongy material that cushions the ends of bones at the joints. Nutrient deficiencies can prevent its proper production and also, immune disorders may cause enzymes to destroy healthy cartilage.

Cataracts - is a clouding of the lens of the eye.

Chemical Poisoning - can greatly affect our pets and these toxic substances can come from many sources.

Colitis - inflammation of the colon and small intestine.

Collapsing Trachea - a common dog health problem in small and toy breeds. The cartilage rings that surround the trachea become compressed and the muscle that lines the tracheal tube becomes weak and flacid.

Congestive Heart failure - a decline in the function of the heart due to fluid retention around the heart.

Conjunctivitis - also known as pink eye because of the redness that occurs in the whites of the eyes due to inflammation.

Constipation - infrequent, incomplete, difficult or painful defecation of hard dry stool or fecal matter.

Coronavirus - A major group of animal viruses including avian infectious bronchitis virus, and mouse hepatitis virus affecting the intestinal tract of dogs. It causes gastroenteritis similar to Parvovirus. This is a highly contagious virus affecting not only puppies, but older dogs as well.

Cushing's Disease - overactive and overproducing adrenal hormones from the adrenal glands.

Dementia - loss of cognitive and intellectual function, without the loss of perception.

Dermatitis - inflammation of the skin.

Diabetes - a dog health problem involving insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas.

Diarrhea - excessively loose, watery, and frequent bowel movements.

Ear Infection - inflammation or infection in the ear.

Epilepsy - disturbed electrical rhythms of the central nervous system.

Eye Problems - can include infections, irritations, and deterioration.

Fleas - a parasite

Fungal Infections - usually caused by a microorganism called Candida Albicans. Fungal infections are responsible for lowered immune response and problems in the bowel. Often caused by antibiotics which destroy friendly flora ( probiotics ) in the intestinal tract.

Gastritis - inflammation of the stomach.

Giardia - an infectious organism that attaches itself to the intestinal mucosa causing, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting

Gingivitis ( Gum Disease ) - inflammation and a breakdown of gum tissue causing bleeding gums, gum disease, pyorrhea.

Heart Disease - Cardiovascular Disease is a common dog illness. What makes the most sense is prevention, not treatment.

Hemochromatosis - too much iron in the blood.

Hepatitis - inflammation of the liver

Hiccups - involuntary, spasmodic contractions of the diaphram causing a quick inhalation of air that produces a strange sound.

Hot Spots - a moist, raw sore on the skin of a dog or cat caused by constant licking of an irritation, due to an allergic reaction, tangled coat, fleas etc.

Inflammatory Bowel Disorders - includes Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome ( IBS ), colitis, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Itching - an irritating sensation on the surface of the skin causing scratching.

Jaundice - a buildup of bilirubin in the blood causing the skin to appear yellow due to liver or blood disorders.

Kidney Problems - from infection or the build up of stones.

Luxating Patellas - kneecaps that slip out of place.

Lyme Disease - is a tick - borne dog illness. It is a bacterial infection.

Pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas.

Parasites - organisms which live in or thrive on another organism, and is destructive to that host organism as it feeds on the host tissues, or steals ingested nutrients.

Periodontal Disease - disease of the tissues that surround and support the teeth.

Seizures - are sudden convulsive attacks

Tape Worms - this is a common dog health problem occurring when a dog ingests fleas that carry the tape worm eggs.

Ticks - are small blood sucking insects whose bite can carry such diseases as Lyme's or Rocky mountain Spotted Fever.

Tonsilitis - inflammation of the tonsils which are located in the back of the throat.

Toxic Gut Syndrome - in intestinal infection involving the clostridial bacteria affecting primarily German Shepherd Dogs. The lesser form of this disorder ( clostridial enteritis) affects many breeds of dogs.

Urinary Tract Infections - ( Urethritis ) - inflammation of the urethra or tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Vaccines ( detoxification from ) - vaccines contain chemicals such as mercury, aluminum, formaldahyde and other toxic ingredients. These toxins can lodge in the tissue and cause irritation, fever, and chronic dog health problems.

Vomiting - is disgorging the contents of the stomach through the mouth.

Wounds and Sores - included cuts and abrasions.

Yeast Infections - generally caused by the Candida Albicans fungus.

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