There is a wide spectrum of dog diseases that could affect your canine companion. Though it is heartbreaking to see your dog get sick, it’s important to know the various conditions that can negatively impact their health. Here’s a complete A-Z list of the dog diseases.
The A-Z Full List Of Dog Diseases
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Acid Reflux In Dogs
Gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux is a condition wherein the acid and enzymes found in the stomach that aid in digestion flow back into the esophagus. This is one of the most common dog diseases and may not be life-threatening for dogs but may cause ulcers once the acid damages the lining of the esophagus.
One of the most common dog diseases, acid reflux is caused by a damaged or weak sphincter muscle in the lower esophagus. The common signs and symptoms include:
- Burping
- Gagging
- Bad breath
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Evidence of pain like howling during or after eating
- Excessive salivation or drooling
Arthritis
Just like humans, arthritis is dubbed as a rite of passage for older dogs. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. This is a painful condition that may affect one’s activities. The abnormal rubbing or friction causes most cases of arthritis within the joint. Many causes have been linked to dog arthritis such as ligament damage, joint instability, abnormal cartilage development, and fractures.
Arthritis is one of the top dog diseases affecting them at an older age. The signs and symptoms include:
- Limping
- Difficulty moving
- Spinal problems
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Irritability
- Muscle atrophy
Atopic Dermatitis
There are more reasons why your dog is scratching more than the usual. It’s not just because of lice and ticks. Sometimes, dogs acquire a disease called atopic dermatitis. It’s an inflammatory, chronic skin disease linked to allergies.
Usually, the allergic reaction results from the exposure to dust mites and pollen, which are hard for pets to avoid. This is one of the most common dog diseases associated with the skin.
The common signs and symptoms include:
- Itching
- Excessive scratching
- Hair loss
- Flaky or greasy skin with a foul odor
- Excessive chewing on the paws or groin
- Rubbing on the carpet or floor
B
Bad Breath
Dog bad breath or canine halitosis isn’t just about having doggie breath. It’s usually a foul-smelling breath that could signal an underlying disease. Many culprits could cause bad breath in dogs such as bladder infections, gum disease, mouth cancer, poor digestion, poisoning, and digestive problems such as gas, constipation or diarrhea.
The only sign is foul-smelling breath. However, if the bad breath comes from a mouth infection or disease, other symptoms like loss of appetite, inability to eat and loose teeth may appear.
Blastomycosis
Blastomycosis is a fungal infection in dogs. The condition, caused by Blastomyces dermatitides, commonly infects animals via the respiratory tract. It happens when the fungal spores are inhaled and reproduce in the airways. These pores could also enter the body through the skin.
Male dogs are affected more than females. Consequently, dogs are at a higher risk of contracting the disease than humans and cats.
The fungi specifically target certain body systems. The most prevalent signs and symptoms include:
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Draining skin lesions
- Respiratory distress
- Infection of the eyes (may lead to blindness)
Bloat Dog Diseases
Bloat or Gastric Dilatation Volvulus in dogs is a severe and life-threatening condition that usually affects deep-chested and large dog breeds such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, St. Bernards, Irish Setters, Rottweilers, Boxers, Standard Poodles, Irish Wolfhounds and Old English Sheepdogs.
This condition is so fatal that it’s one of the top killers of dogs with a mortality rate of 50 percent. Bloat happens when gas, fluid or food fills the stomach making it expand. The stomach then puts pressure on the vital organs of the body like the lungs and heart. As a result, it may cause impeded blood flow to the stomach lining and heart, difficulty breathing and a tear in the wall of the stomach.
The signs and symptoms of bloat in dogs include:
- Nausea but unproductive attempts to vomit
- Enlargement of the stomach
- Retching
- Excessive drooling
- Restlessness
- Tiredness
- Collapse
- Abdominal pain
C
Canine Coronavirus Infection
Diarrhea is a common condition in dogs, but it has various causes. Canine coronavirus infection in dogs is a viral cause of diarrhea. Since it’s viral in nature, it’s a highly contagious intestinal disease that is common among dogs worldwide. The coronavirus, like any other virus, replicates itself inside the small intestine. It’s a non-fatal and self-limiting condition. However, if it happens at the same time with a parvovirus infection, it can be life-threatening. The common signs and symptoms include:
- Fever
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
Canine Cushing’s Disease
Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, Canine Cushing’s Disease is a common metabolic disorder triggered by too much steroid hormones produced by the adrenal gland. This disease progresses slowly eventually affecting the general health of your pet. Complications include high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, pancreatitis, diabetes, and blood clotting abnormalities.
Some symptoms you should be wary of include:
- increased appetite and thirst
- excessive urination
- lethargy
- neurologic signs (pacing, circling, a drunken walk, head pressing, or seizures)
- symmetrical hair loss on their body
- pot-bellied appearance
- wasting/weakening of the leg muscles
- Color changes in the fur and/or the skin
- skin disease (thinning and loss of elasticity, flaky scales, bumpy irregularities, black head pimples)
Cardiac Arrest In Dogs
Also dubbed as cardiopulmonary arrest, cardiac arrest is the failure of both the circulatory and respiratory systems in an acute manner. Simply put, this condition means that the heart suddenly stopped working. When cardiac arrest happens, the dog suddenly loses consciousness and stops breathing. The survival rate among dogs is relatively low, but resuscitation can be done to save the dog’s life.
The thing is, the survival rate depends on how long the dog has been unconscious and how long the vital organs like the brain and heart were deprived of oxygen. You can spot cardiac arrest when your dog suddenly has:
- Breathing abnormalities
- Respiratory distress
- Decreased Breathing
- Blue or white mucous membranes (due to lack of oxygen)
- Dilated pupils
- Unresponsiveness
Cataracts in Dogs
Older dogs tend to develop eye problems such as cataracts. This diseases happens when the lens becomes clouded or opaque leading to blurry vision and eventually, blindness. There are three kinds of cataracts you need to watch out for: Congenital Cataracts, Developmental (Early Onset) Cataracts and Senile (Late Onset) Cataracts.
It’s important to be aware of this type of eye disease. Look for signs and symptoms that may be due to cataracts, like:
- Cloudy or white pupils in one or both eyes
- Abnormal appearance in light reflection on the eye
- Signs of vision impairment, including bumping into door frames or furniture, barking at inanimate objects, walking with his nose to the ground, clumsiness, and difficulty finding toys.
Surgery is the only way for dogs with cataracts to improve their vision. Make sure you bring your dog to the vet for routine checkups.
Constipation
Dogs suffer from constipation, too. Dog Constipation is the inability to produce normal stools on a regular basis. For dogs, the normal defecation schedule is once or twice a day. There is a wide spectrum of causes that could lead to constipation such as blocked anal sacks, enlarged prostate for male dogs, dehydration, ingested dirt or debris, ingested grass, lack of exercise, insufficient fiber in the diet, kidney disease, hernias and tumors around the anus. You may suspect that your dog is constipated if they:
- Have hard, dry stools that feel like pebbles when you pick them up.
- Have hard, pebble-like stools
- Strain when trying to defecate
D
Diabetes
Canine diabetes mellitus is a complex disease in dogs wherein they either lack the hormone insulin, which is responsible for transporting glucose in the body, or there is an inadequate response to insulin. As a result, when there is the lack of the hormone insulin, glucose is not properly transported to the various tissues in the body. The blood glucose levels shoot up, leading to different systemic effects. This metabolism disorder is preventable and manageable. You can detect diabetes in your dog when:
- Change in appetite
- Excessive thirst (Polydipsia)
- Too much hunger (Polyphagia)
- More than the usual urinating (Polyuria)
- Unexplained and sudden weight loss
- Obesity
- Weakness
- Thinning or dull hair
- Cloudy eyes
- Dehydration
- Depression
- Common skin irritations that take a long time to heal
Distemper Dog Diseases
Canine distemper is a serious viral illness in dogs. It’s potentially-fatal and kills more dogs than any other infectious dog diseases. The good thing is, it’s preventable with a vaccination. Distemper is the most lethal dog disease there is, which causes severe illness as the paramyxovirus attacks several body systems including the respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. Once the infection sets in, it’s challenging to treat. The common signs and symptoms of distemper in dogs include:
- High fever
- Reddened eyes
- Clear nasal discharge
- Purulent eye discharge
- Anorexia
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
The late stages of the disease are characterized by the dog having:
- Seizures
- Convulsions
- Muscle Twitching
- Paralysis
- Head tilt
Dog Flu
Dog flu or canine influenza is a condition caused by the virus Influenza Type A (H3N8 or H3N2). The dog flu caused by the H3N8 strain is a contagious viral infection that once affected only horses. However, in 2004, the disease has been seen among canines. On the other hand, the H3N2 strain originated in Asia and initially affected birds.
The viral infection is typically self-limiting, which means it will go away on its own. However, if it’s left untreated, it could lead to pneumonia. The common signs and symptoms of dog flu include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Runny eyes
- Lethargy
- Nasal discharge
E
Ear Mites
Otodectes cynotis, most commonly called ear mites, are tiny parasites that live out their life cycle mostly inside the ear canal of dogs. They can cause irritation and itchiness of the ears. Usually, these parasites feed on ear wax and oils. Though these parasites don’t bite the skin, the itchiness may cause the dog to scratch excessively, leading to wounds and possible infection.
You can suspect your dog to have ear mites if he:
- Continuously scratch his ears
- Has dark, crumbly reddish-brown discharge (dried blood)
- Head shakes
Enlarged Gums In Dogs
Gingival hyperplasia or enlarged gums in dogs is a condition wherein the gum or gingival tissue becomes inflamed or enlarged. It can affect a single tooth or all the teeth. It usually starts due to an irritation from dental plaque or bacteria concentrating in the deep pockets of the growing gum. In the long run, untreated gingival hyperplasia may result in periodontal disease or inflammation.
The common signs and symptoms include:
- Thickening of the gums
- Swelling of the gums
- Teeth are covered with gum overgrowth
- Bleeding from the mouth when eating
F
Fainting In Dogs
Medically known as syncope, fainting in dogs is characterized by the temporary loss of consciousness that is usually due to the lack of blood flow to the brain. Syncope could be due to two main problems – cardiac or neurologic. Cardiac problems that are associated with fainting are an A-V block, abnormal heart rhythms, ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
On the other hand, neurologic problems that can cause syncope are seizures and abnormal brain activities. The most common signs and symptoms of this condition include:
- Flaccid and sudden collapse
- Sudden weakness
- Crying out
- No urination or defecation during the episode
- Dog is unresponsive
- Abrupt recovery
- Pale mucous membranes
Fever
Clinically known as pyrexia, fever is a common problem among dogs who have acquired an infection. Some of the most common conditions that could cause fever in dogs are a bladder infection, diabetes, dog flu, brain infection, distemper, food poisoning, kidney infection, leukemia or blood cancer, mange, Lyme disease, parvovirus, pneumonia, sore throat and valley fever, among others.
However, it is important to know the normal temperature of dogs. Unlike humans, who have a normal body temperature between 97.6 and 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit, the dog’s normal temperature ranges between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
The most common signs and symptoms of dog fever include:
- High body temperature
- Weakness
- Shivering
- Lethargy
- Depressed mood
- Nasal Discharge
- Coughing
G
Gas In Dogs
Gas in dogs or flatulence is the condition where excess gas accumulates inside the intestines. As a result, your dog will release this gas in the form of farting. This can be quite an unpleasant experience, especially for those who smell the gas – doggie gas can be foul-smelling, depending on his last meal.
The signs and symptoms of gas in dogs include:
- Distended abdomen
- Passage of gas
- Rumbling sounds coming from the abdomen
- Burping
- If the condition is caused by an underlying gastrointestinal disease, there is vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and anorexia
Glaucoma In Dogs
Glaucoma is an emergency eye condition where there is an increased pressure in the eye. Glaucoma can be painful, and about 40 percent of the cases may lead to permanent blindness.
- Increased pressure in the eye
- Eye blinking
- Redness of the blood vessels in the eye
- Cloudy appearance at the front of the eye
- Dilated pupil
- Loss of vision, in severe cases
H
Hair Loss
Dogs normally shed hair, especially during the summer. However, losing a massive amount of hair that causes balding may signal a more serious health condition. Hair loss in dogs or alopecia is the condition where they suffer from complete or partial loss of hair. The most common causes of hair loss in dogs are mange, trauma, allergies, infection and hormonal imbalance.
Signs and symptoms of hair loss in dogs include:
- Itching
- Bad odor
- Noticeable patches of hair loss
- Excessive shedding
Heart Attack In Dogs
Heart attack or myocardial infarction in dogs happens when there is a blockage of the vessel supplying blood to the heart muscles. However, canine heart attacks are very rare. You may catch an impending heart attack in your dog if you notice:
- Slight fever
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute
- Changes in behavior
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Poor appetite
- Collapsing
- Head tilt
- Seizures
I
Incontinence Dog Diseases
Urinary incontinence in dogs happens when a housetrained dog loses control of his bladder. Most people see this as an age-related condition, but it can be caused by an underlying health condition like spinal problems. This condition is treatable as long as early detection is performed. The signs and symptoms include:
- Wet bedding
- Damp legs
- Smell of urine on the dog or his bedding
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
When the dog’s intestine contains a high number of inflammatory cells, blocking the proper absorption of food, it’s called inflammatory bowel disease. These inflammatory cells infiltrate the intestinal walls causing inflammation. Lymphocytes, eosinophils, and plasmacytes are the most common inflammatory cells in the body. When there is chronic inflammation, normal tissues may become fibrous or scar-like, which damages the intestinal walls.
The common signs and symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
J
Joint Cancer
Joint cancer or synovial sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects dogs. The synovium is the lining of the joints. It contains the synovial fluid that prevents friction between joints, especially when the dog is moving around. Joint cancer originates from this area. The cancer cells in the synovium can develop in any joint in the body, regrow after conservative surgery and contain roots that can infiltrate through tissues in the joints. You may suspect your dog to have joint cancer if he is:
- Limping
- Experiencing slow and progressive lameness
- Losing weight
- Not eating properly
- Has a palpable mass in the joint
Joint Dislocation Or Luxation
Joint dislocation or luxation in dogs is very painful and usually results from an injury or accident. The term luxation is the complete disruption or dislocation of a joint. When this happens, your dog may suffer from mobility issues, and urgent veterinary care is needed. The earlier the injury is treated, the better the prognosis.
The symptoms of joint dislocation depend on its location.
- Knee – limping, immobility, pain
- Elbow – carried flexed
- Ankle – foot hanging loose or moving in different and unusual directions
- Hips – shortening of limb
A knee brace is usually attached to a dog’s leg in case of patellar luxation.
K
Kennel Cough
If your canine companion is coughing or hacking continuously like he’s choking, he may have a kennel cough. Also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis or a canine cough, this condition affects the upper respiratory tract of a dog caused by either a bacterium or virus (Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus).
Though the disease is not severe, puppies are more likely to suffer from serious complications because of their immature immune systems. Older dogs are also at a higher risk because of weakened immune systems. The most common signs and symptoms of the disease include:
- Persistent cough
- Retching
- Nasal Discharge
Kidney Dog Diseases
Kidney disease also affects dogs. The kidneys filter out wastes products and make sure there is a balance of the substances in the blood. When the kidneys fail to perform their job, it may lead to kidney failure. In dogs, kidney disease is quite common. In fact, about 1 in 10 dogs suffer from a kidney problem over a lifetime.
Many conditions may eventually lead to kidney disease or failures such as glomerular disease or damage to the kidney filters, pyelonephritis or infection of the kidneys, kidney stones, kidney blockage, leptospirosis, toxins, cancer and hereditary disease.
You may suspect your dog has kidney problem when you notice these signs and symptoms:
- Change in water consumption
- Urinary incontinence
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Increased thirst
- Blood in the urine
- Pale gums
L
Leptospirosis
Once a dog becomes infected with the Leptospira bacteria, they become sick with Leptospirosis which can be transferred to humans through their urine. Dogs can get infected if they swim in or drink infected water, or even when they get bitten by animals with the disease.
Look out for these Leptospirosis symptoms in your dog:
- Jaundice or yellowing of the skin
- Gait stiffness
- Stiffness of the muscles
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Fever or malaise
- Fast dehydration
- Anemia
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Diarrhea with or without blood in the stool
- Increased need to urinate
- Increased thirst
- Vomiting and nausea
Lice In Dogs
Lice are creature-specific, which means you can’t get lice from your dogs and vice versa. These parasites live on the skin and fur, causing itchiness and skin irritation. They feed on the host’s blood and when there is lice infestation, it’s now called canine pediculosis.
The good news is, lice are easily eradicated with the right type of products and remedies. You may suspect your dog to have lice if he:
- Scratching and itchiness
- Hair loss in specific body parts like the neck and ears
- Small wounds on the skin
- Anemia in extreme cases
Liver Disease
The liver is one of them most important organ of the body – both in humans and dogs. However, it also gets neglected the most. It often gets diagnosed at a later stage either from the liver being scarred itself or by being connected to another problem in the body.
Prevent life-threatening liver disease by watching out for these symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Disorientation or confusion
- Difficulty in walking or standing
- Sudden or massive weight loss
- Seizures
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Jaundice (or the yellowing of the skin, eyes, or gums)
- Signs of discomfort or pain
- Blood in stool
- Urgent need to pee
- Blood clotting issues (it may take longer for the wound to heal)
- Ascites or fluid buildup in the abdomen
Lyme Disease
Most dogs that have Lyme disease don’t exhibit symptoms. However, it can cause major complications to your pet. The Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that thrive in the gut of the Western black-legged tick or the deer tick causes the disease and they are particularly dominant during Spring and Summer.
Although not all dogs have symptoms, others may exhibit the following:
- Sensitivity to touch
- Difficulty breathing
- Lack of appetite
- Fever
- Depression
- Stiff walk with an arched back
- Swollen lymph nodes
- In rare cases, the dog may manifest heart problems and nervous system complications
Lungworms In Dogs
Lungworms in dogs are acquired through eating larvae found in infected snails, slugs or frogs. They can accidentally ingest lungworms when the infected snails are on their fur. Lungworms are parasites that infect the lungs and tracheas of dogs. This condition usually mimics other respiratory diseases, so it’s important for the veterinary doctor to make an accurate diagnosis.
The signs and symptoms of lungworms in dogs include:
- Breathing problems
- Coughing
- Intolerance of exercise like walking
- Nose bleeding
- Bloody urine
- Bloody stools
M
Miscarriage In Dogs
Just like humans, female dogs may suffer from a miscarriage. Though miscarriage is uncommon in dogs, when it happens, it’s usually during the last stage of pregnancy. A miscarriage is a spontaneous resorption or abortion of a dog’s litter. You may suspect that the dog has suffered an abortion if:
- Vaginal discharge
- Contractions
- Bleeding
- Expelled fetal tissue and placenta
Mushroom Poisoning
Dogs are innately playful and curious. They love the outdoors, and playing in vast lands and forests may lead to accidental poisoning. The most common poison the dogs consume is mushrooms. Mushroom poisoning is rare since 99 percent of mushrooms that grow in the yard or walkways are non-toxic. However, the remaining 1 percent can cause fatal consequences. When your dog has eaten a poisonous mushroom, you may expect the following signs and symptoms:
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Seizures
- Coma
- Hallucinogenic syndrome
N
Nose Bleeding
Nose bleeding or epistaxis in dogs is the severe outflow of blood from the nasal cavity or nostrils. Trauma to the snout usually causes this condition. Moreover, upper respiratory tract infection, extreme heat, and a possible tumor may also lead to nose bleeding. The common signs and symptoms of nose bleeding include:
- Slow drips or continuous flow of blood from the nose
- Continuous pawing of the nose
- Vomiting (dark-colored)
- Swelling
Nose Cancer In Dog Diseases
Nose cancer or adenocarcinoma in the nose happens when there is a tumor in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. The cells in the nasal and sinus passages mutate and reproduce uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a tumor. This type of cancer is more common in large dog breeds and more common in males.
The symptoms of this type of cancer include:
- Seizures
- Anorexia
- Nasal discharge
- Sneezing
- Pain in the nose
- Facial deformity
O
Obesity In Dogs
Obesity is the accumulation of excess body fat. About 25 to 30 percent of the general dog population in North America is obese. Moreover, the common consequences of being obese in dogs are increased veterinary costs, increased risk of cancer and other diseases and decreased quality of life. The normal signs of obesity include:
- Excess weight or weight gain
- Waddling gait
- Lack of mobility
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- No palpable rib cage
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) in dogs is characterized by the abnormal development of the cartilage on the end of the bone in the joint. The most common cause of this condition is trauma to the joint. The common signs and symptoms include:
- Lameness or limping on the affected legs
- Joint swelling
- Limited mobility
P
Parvovirus In Dogs
Considered one of the deadliest dog diseases, Parvovirus is a highly contagious infection that could threaten the lives of dogs, especially puppies. The infection manifests in two forms – intestinal and cardiac. In the intestinal form, the signs and symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and weight loss. In the cardiac form, the puppy may suffer from heart problems and this usually leads to death.
Parvo is deadly among puppies because of the severity of the symptoms and their weakened or immature immune systems. The good news is, this disease is preventable through proper care and vaccination.
Pneumonia In Dogs
One of the most common dog diseases, Pneumonia can be caused by various agents. However, bacteria are the most common pathogens that can cause this lung disease. Pneumonia is the inflammation of the lungs as a result of the body’s response to a bacterial infection. This is easily treatable, but if it’s not treated properly, it may lead to serious health consequences.
The signs and symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Nasal discharge
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
Q
Q-Fever In Dogs
Caused by the Coxiella burnetii, a rickettsial organism, the Q-fever is a worldwide endemic. A dog will become infected through exposure to infected bodily fluids such as urine, feces, discharges, and milk.
The common signs and symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Anorexia
- Depression
- Incoordination
- Miscarriage
- Seizures
Rabies
One of the most common dog diseases in third world countries, rabies is a deadly disease and can negatively impact a human’s health one bitten by an infected dog. Rabies is a severe, often fatal, viral polio encephalitis that affects the dog’s brain. If infected, humans, dogs, and cats have spinal cord issues. Fortunately, rabies is preventable through vaccination. The common signs and symptoms include:
- Fever
- Pica
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Hydrophobia
- Inability to swallow
- Change in the tone of bark
- Dropped jaw
- Unusual aggression or shyness
- Too much excitability
- Excessive salivation
- Changes in behavior
R
Red Eyes In Dogs
Many factors may cause the reddening of the eyes in dogs. Allergy and glaucoma may cause inflammation in eyes and eventually, redness. The signs and symptoms include:
- Pawing or rubbing the eyes
- Squinting in light
- Watery or teary eyes
- Red mass under the eyelid
- Eye puffiness
- Keeping the eye closed
S
Seizure (Epilepsy)
Epilepsy or status epilepticus is a neurological disorder that causes dogs to have uncontrolled and sudden seizures. The attack may happen with our without loss of consciousness. Trauma, brain tumors, liver disease, exposure to toxins or poison, head injury and encephalitis can cause seizures. Sometimes, the bouts happen for unknown reasons – called idiopathic.
The signs and symptoms include:
- Increased heart rate
- Fainting
- Swelling in the brain
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Muscle contractions
Skin Cancer in Dogs
Retrievers and Boxers are the most at risk to develop skin tumors when they reach their heightened years. However, all dogs can be afflicted by cancer. These tumors can be caused by an infection or an accumulation of fat. However, if they are malignant, then they become cancerous.
Your dog could get different kinds of skin cancer: malignant melanoma, mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma. If left untreated, it may result to death.
It’s important to spot the symptoms for skin cancer in dogs, such as:
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Offensive odor
- Loss of stamina
- Sores that do not heal
- Lumps and lesions on the skin
- Difficulty eating
Skin Mite Dermatitis
Skin mite dermatitis or cheyletiellosis is a condition caused by mites that feed on the skin’s outer layer. Each form of mange is highly contagious and the common signs and symptoms include:
- Excessive scratching
- Hair loss
- Inflammation
- Skin flaking
- Lesions on the back
Stroke In Dogs
Vestibular disease, cerebrovascular accident or a stroke in dogs, just like in humans, is caused by the blockage of blood flow to the brain. The lack of sufficient oxygen supply to the brain may cause stroke, and if it’s not treated immediately, it may lead to death. The signs and symptoms of a stroke in dogs are:
- Inability to walk
- Uncoordinated gait
- Head tilt
- Abnormal behavior
- Strabismus
- Abnormal eye movements
- Falling to one side
- Blindness
- Loss of consciousness
T
Teeth Misalignment
Normally, a puppy will have about 28 teeth when he reaches six months old. For adults, however, a full grown dog will have 42 teeth. Misalignment of the teeth or malocclusion happens when the baby teeth set incorrectly. To worsen the problem, the adult teeth follow. As a result, the teeth are misaligned, which will lead to the dog being choosy when it comes to his food.
The common signs and symptoms include:
- Eating bigger chunks than smaller sizes
- Noticeable overbite
- Inability to close the mouth
- Discomfort when eating
Toxoplasmosis In Dogs
Though usually found in cats, toxoplasmosis affects dogs and humans, too. Caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, the infection is an aggressive protozoal disease affecting all mammals. The parasites are usually acquired through the feces of cats. This parasite is dangerous for pregnant women, so if you have a cat litter, don’t go near it. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Weight loss
- Refusal to eat
- Muscle weakness
- Inflammation of the eyes
Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Poisoning In Dogs
Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used pain relievers. When dogs accidentally ingest high amounts of this drug, it may lead to serious complications. Thus, it’s important for owners to spot the signs and symptoms of Tylenol poisoning like:
- Brownish-gray colored gums
- Difficulty in breathing
- Facial swelling
- Neck and limbs inflammation
- Hypothermia
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
- Coma
U
Ureter Stones
When the ureter, the tube connecting the bladder to the kidneys, becomes blocked because of stones, the condition is called ureterolithiasis. Calcium oxalate stones, the most common stones in the ureter of dogs, are most commonly found in male dogs. The clinical signs include:
- Urinating only small amounts of urine more frequently
- Takes a long time to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Urine just drips, not a strong stream
Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs
One of the common dog diseases, urinary tract infections, happens when there is a proliferation of bacteria in the urinary bladder. Since this condition is common among dogs, it’s important to know the warning signs of a bladder infection:
- Hard time urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urination but excreting just small amounts
- Urinary incontinence
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Vertebral Disc Inflammation
Also known as Diskspondylitis, vertebral disc inflammation is the swelling of the vertebral disks caused by the invasion of either bacteria or fungi. The infection commonly reaches the discs through the blood. The signs and symptoms include:
- Hard time jumping or just standing
- Stiff gait
- Back pain
- Weakness in the limbs
- Fever
- Lameness
- Uncoordinated walk
W
Whipworms In Dogs
The whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) parasite can reach the dog’s body through the ingestion of infected matter. They thrive inside the large intestines of dogs where they can cause lining irritation. The most common signs and symptoms that your dog has whipworms are:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Anemia
X
Xanthine Urinary Tract Stones
Urolithiasis is the accumulation of xanthine as stones. Xanthine is a by-product of purine metabolism. When too much xanthine is present, it may form stones. The signs and symptoms include:
- Mustard colored urine
- Bladder, ureter or kidney stones
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination
- Blood in the urine
Y
Yeast Infection In Dogs
Yeast infections in dogs or candidiasis is a condition wherein candida, the sugar-digesting yeast which forms the normal flora of the dog’s mouth, ears, nose, genitals and gastrointestinal tracts become opportunistic. Sometimes, they colonized the tissues of those with weakened immune systems. The signs and symptoms include:
- Ear infection
- Oral thrush
- Excessive drooling
- Cystitis
Z
Zinc Poisoning
Zinc is essential in the body, but when there are excessive amounts of it, there will be negative health effects, too. In dogs, when they consume excessive amounts of zinc, it may lead to zinc toxicity which has the following signs and symptoms:
- Anorexia or loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Jaundice
- Orange-colored feces
Here are other dog diseases and their natural remedies by Veterinary Secrets:
There you go, a complete list of dog diseases from A to Z. We included the most common signs and symptoms so you can easily spot the possible disease your dog is suffering from. Becoming aware of all these diseases is important to be able to prevent them and detect them early before the condition worsens.
Do you now know the signs of the common dog diseases? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
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