Dogs are just as at risk for serious illness as humans. As a pet parent, it can be hard to know when something is wrong and that you must get them the treatment they need. In this blog, we’ll look at five dog illnesses that you should be aware of, their symptoms, and what you and your vet can do about them.
The five dog illnesses you should be aware of are:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heartworm
- Kennel cough
- Ear infections
Dog Illnesses to Be Aware Of
Dog illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, heartworm disease, kennel cough, and ear infections can significantly impact a pet’s health if not addressed early. Recognizing symptoms, seeking prompt veterinary care, and following appropriate treatment or prevention plans can help ensure dogs live longer, healthier, and more comfortable lives.
1. Cancer
A cancer diagnosis can be scary and lead to questions about what to do next, even when it’s your family dog. Veterinarians can have different views on how to proceed with a diagnosis, so it’s a good idea to get a second opinion. This will help you get a better idea of what your options are and how to proceed in caring for your dog.
Canine cancer doesn’t have a single known cause. Both environmental and genetic factors may play a role. Be on the lookout for symptoms such as:
- Swelling
- Unusual discharge
- Lethargy
- Sudden lameness
- Loss of appetite
- Lumps
- Continuous sores
- Rapid weight loss
- Black stools
- Problems breathing or using the bathroom
If your dog has a lump, your vet’s first step will be to take a sample of tissue via biopsy. In some cases, a pathologist will remove part or all of the lump for testing. Your vet may also recommend further testing such as X-rays, blood tests, and ultrasounds to confirm a diagnosis.
Available treatment options for dog illnesses like cancer will depend on factors such as the type and stage of cancer. Options may include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Immunotherapy
A combination of treatments may be recommended in certain cases. Palliative or end-of-life care is recommended if the cancer isn’t treatable or if you opt to not have the cancer treated.
If you are concerned your dog may show signs of cancer, you can bring them to your local PetWellClinic for an exam and lab tests. If our team finds reason for concern, they can work to refer you to a veterinarian who can discuss diagnosis and treatment options with you.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that prevents the body from producing its own insulin or using it correctly. This leads to increased blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), which can result in severe health problems in humans and dogs alike. Fortunately, diabetes can easily be managed, resulting in your dog living a long, happy, and healthy life.
Diabetes comes in two types:
- Type I
- Type II
Type I means that your dog is limited in their ability to create insulin or can’t at all. Dogs tend to have this form of diabetes and require insulin injections from their owners. Type II means that your dog’s ability to create insulin is limited, nor do they respond correctly to the hormone.
Like cancer and certain other dog illnesses, canine diabetes doesn’t have a known cause. However, obesity, autoimmune diseases, certain medications, and other factors may play a role.
Symptoms of canine diabetes include:
- Drinking more water than usual
- Urinating more often
- Lethargy
- UTIs
- Cataracts
- Appetite changes
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Chronic skin infections
Some dogs may be more likely to develop diabetes than others. For instance, obese and female dogs run a higher risk later in life. On the other hand, Keeshonden and golden retrievers are at higher risk of juvenile canine diabetes.
Other breeds at risk of diabetes include:
- Australian terriers
- Dachshunds
- Poodles
- Samoyeds
- Schnauzers (miniature and standard)
Diagnosis involves your vet collecting clinical signs of diabetes along with a physical exam, blood work, and a urinalysis. Treatment varies based on the severity of their condition and any possible complications. In most cases, treatment consists of insulin injections with meals at the same time every day. This regulates sugar levels and improves their ability to absorb nutrients.
If your dog has been diagnosed with canine diabetes, your local PetWellClinic team can help you create and enact a management plan to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
3. Heartworm
Heartworm is one of the more common dog illnesses and can be potentially fatal. They’re parasites that collect in the arteries and hearts of infected dogs. Their final destination is the blood vessels in the heart chamber and lungs, harming your dog’s vital organs and arteries as they make their journey. This takes about six months following infection, with the possibility of several hundred worms living in a dog for up to seven years.
Heartworms are passed between animals by mosquitos which pick them up from biting an infected animal. While they are practically invisible in the beginning, heartworms can eventually reach over 12 inches once they have fully matured.
Common heartworm symptoms include:
- Not wanting to exercise
- Loss of appetite
- Mild, persistent cough
- Easily fatigued
Your vet will diagnose heartworms with an exam, ultrasound or radiograph, and a blood test. Ideally, they should be screened every year during the spring or if being placed on a new heartworm medicine. This will enable your vet to catch the condition early and put them on medicine or provide a new prescription for their condition.
Dogs are at the highest risk of heartworm infestation in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent, making hot and humid areas the most dangerous. While it has been documented in dogs in every state, it is most common:
- Along the East Coast
- In the southern United States
- In the Mississippi River Valley
Once diagnosed, your vet will perform a thorough examination of your dog. This will help them determine the best course of action along with any risks they might face. In most cases, your vet will administer a series of injections into the muscles. The vet will then prescribe preventative medicine to help reduce the risk of future infections.
4. Kennel cough
Kennel cough is among the more highly contagious dog illnesses. This infectious respiratory disease in dogs, usually caused by viruses and sometimes bacteria. It spreads when dogs cough or sneeze near each other or share contaminated surfaces, and it can affect adult dogs with weaker immune systems or older dogs more severely.
Symptoms often include a dry, honking cough, gagging, sneezing, runny nose, mild fever, and low energy. In most healthy dogs, it is self-limited and clears in 1–3 weeks, though older or sick dogs may need closer monitoring because it can progress to pneumonia.
Treatment usually focuses on rest, hydration, keeping the dog away from other dogs, and sometimes cough suppressants or anti-inflammatories. Antibiotics are only used when a secondary bacterial infection is suspected, and vaccination helps prevent kennel cough and reduce its severity.
5. Ear infections
Ear infections in dogs can be painful and recurrent. They’re usually caused by:
- Bacteria
- Yeast
- Allergies
- Ear mites
- Trapped moisture
Signs include:
- Head shaking
- Scratching at the ears
- Redness
- Odor
- Discharge
- Swelling
Sometimes, balance issues or a head tilt may develop. Dogs with floppy ears or chronic ear problems are more prone to infections, and keeping their ears dry helps prevent them.
Like other dog illnesses, treatment depends on the cause, but often includes a vet exam. Your vet may recommend an ear cleaning and prescription ear drops or oral medications such as antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatories. In stubborn or severe cases, your vet may need to treat the underlying issue too, since infections often come back if the root cause is missed.
Visit your local PetWellClinic today to learn more about prevention and treatment for canine illnesses!
Common dog illnesses like cancer, diabetes, heartworm disease, kennel cough, and ear infections can seriously affect a dog’s well-being without timely care. Identifying warning signs early, consulting a veterinarian, and following proper treatment or prevention strategies are key steps in helping dogs maintain a healthy, active, and comfortable quality of life.
PetWellClinic provides high-quality walk-in veterinary care for pet owners across the U.S. PetWellClinic has locations and services built with convenience in mind. Stop by with your pet anytime! No appointment necessary.