I know I can't imagine the thought of losing my furkids, and I'm sure you can't either! That's why it's so important for us as pet parents to keep an eye on their health and recognize signs that something might be wrong. Understanding the common illnesses that can affect dogs and the symptoms to watch for can help ensure your furry friend receives prompt and effective care.
1. Ear Infections
One of the most common ailments in dogs, especially those with floppy ears, is ear infections. These can result from bacteria, yeast, allergies, or even ear mites.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Excessive scratching or pawing at the ears
- Redness or swelling in the ear canal
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Excessive Tilting or shaking of the head
If you notice these signs, consult your veterinarian. Ear infections are treatable but can lead to complications if ignored. Chronic ear infections can be signs of food allergies or a yeast overgrowth. I recommend switching to a homemade diet and adding Probio probiotic for dogs with recurring ear issues.
2. Vomiting and Diarrhea
Digestive upset can occur due to dietary indiscretion, infections, or more serious conditions like pancreatitis or poisoning.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Frequent vomiting or diarrhea
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
While I wouldn't freak out over the occasional spit up or runny poops, any time either accompanies lethargic behavior, it's time to go to the vet. There are too many life-threatening issues that could cause these symptoms and it's best to get to your vet ASAP.
However, if your dog is having a daily spit up in the morning that looks slimy and is mostly phlegm, it's likely they are trying to drain excessive dampness. This may make them uninterested in eating an early breakfast. I recommend dampness-draining herbs and Marshmallow Root be added to their daily regimen. This can also be true for regular diarrhea. Dogs who drain dampness through their stool will usually have bouts of diarrhea when it rains/snows, so keep an eye on the weather!
Also, if your dog feels inclined to eat their vomit back up, let them! I know it's gross, but sometimes it's their body's way of double digesting.
3. Skin Allergies
Allergies are a tough topic and hard to cure for most dogs eating a commercial diet. Western medicine gives options that have long-term effects that are extremely tough on the body and can cause more harm than good. Allergy tests can also be misleading if the dog is having so much inflammation they can appear to be allergic to everything! Which is usually not the case once the dog gets to a more balanced state.
My first suggestion when dealing with a dog who has symptoms exhibiting the below for more than a week is to start with a diet change. Switching to a homemade diet will usually solve most issues. However, there are the harder cases that have an excess of heat and dampness and will need the addition of TCM to help stay balanced.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Constant itching or licking
- Red or inflamed skin
- Hair loss in affected areas
- Presence of scabs or hot spots
- Smelly skin and raised bumps
For the more severe issues, and dogs who remain in a very inflamed state after changing to a homemade diet, I recommend getting an Alternative Health Consultation and to get started on some herbal formulas ASAP. I know it can be frustrating and defeating to watch your furbaby itch to no end and not be able to help them. However, I have seen every allergy issue I've encountered be repaired by herbal formulas!
It's also important to note that when there is an odor and a damp feel to the skin, yeast is usually the culprit. I recommend these dogs be put on the Probio probiotic and in approximately 6 months the dog should be balanced with few issues going forward.
Just remember that once a dog has gotten severely out of balance (any symptoms ongoing for 6 months or more) it will take time to rebalance. I always recommend giving all remedies a minimum of 6 months, to the amount of time the symptoms have persisted to show improvements.
4. Obesity
I know people like to joke about their dogs being pleasantly plump or chubby...I was one of them! The problem is that just a little extra weight on a dog can actually make them obese! We know what effects obesity has on human health, and if we are trying to make sure our furkids get as many healthy years as possible, we need to keep them at a healthy weight. Obesity can lead to numerous health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Noticeable weight gain
- Difficulty walking or exercising
- Visible fat deposits
- Heavy breathing
Feeding a homemade diet and healthy snacks can easily get your dog back to a proper weight. I don't recommend over-exercising as a way to get the LBs down, especially when your dog is in a state of unhealth. Take easy walks and stop when your dog acts tired. Diet is going to be your major focus for reducing their weight and regaining optimum health.
5. Dental Disease
Dental issues are extremely common, leading to tooth losses and bad breath. However, there are many things to keep an eye on, and keeping a weekly review of your dog's mouth will help you catch growths, broken teeth, and dental disease early.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Loose or missing teeth
- Refusal to eat
I know no one wants to brush their dog's teeth, but guess what, you have to do it if you want them to be as healthy as possible. I have a more detailed writeup on dental health and how to brush as well as my own personal homemade toothpaste recipe! But it's important to remember that planning to put your dog under anesthesia (not recommended as there is always a chance of death - it's happened to many dog owners I know), won't do anything for their gum health and gum disease is directly linked to heart disease. So I personally think it's worth 5 minutes of your day to do a quick brush!
6. Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory condition often picked up in places like boarding facilities or dog parks.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Persistent dry cough (sounds like a honk)
- Gagging or retching
- Nasal discharge
Vaccinations can help reduce the risk of kennel cough, but they are only effective against specific strains. Since many different strains exist, dogs can still contract the illness, especially in social settings like dog parks or boarding facilities. If your dog does catch kennel cough, rest and medication can help ease symptoms.
7. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs can make urination painful and uncomfortable for your dog and may lead to kidney problems if untreated.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Frequent urination or accidents in the house
- Straining or discomfort while urinating
- Blood in the urine
UTIs require prompt treatment with antibiotics prescribed by a vet.
8. Arthritis
As dogs age, they may develop arthritis, especially larger breeds prone to joint issues.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Stiffness or difficulty getting up
- Limping or favoring certain legs
- Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
While arthritis is not curable, weight management, supplements, and medications can improve your dog’s quality of life.
9. Heartworm Disease
Heartworm is a potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue after minimal activity
- Swollen belly due to fluid buildup
Prevention is key, as treatment can be lengthy and risky. Administer vet-recommended heartworm prevention medications regularly.
10. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Bloat is a life-threatening condition where a dog’s stomach fills with gas and may twist, cutting off blood flow.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Swollen or hard abdomen
- Unsuccessful attempts to vomit
- Restlessness and pacing
Bloat requires emergency veterinary care. Certain breeds, like Great Danes and German Shepherds, are at higher risk.
11. Lumps and Bumps
Checking your dog regularly for lumps and bumps is a must. Not all bumps are dangerous, but any bump that’s larger than an eraser head or grows quickly should be evaluated by a vet ASAP. Early detection can be lifesaving when it comes to things like tumors or cysts. Make it a habit to give your dog a quick "lump check" during grooming or snuggle time.
Final Thoughts
Catching the signs of illness early can make a huge difference in your dog’s recovery. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care play a vital role in keeping your pet healthy and happy. If you ever notice unusual behavior or symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian.
Your dog depends on you to be their advocate and caretaker. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure they live a long, healthy, and joyful life.