There are a number of reasons your dog can become sick. While taking good care of your dog can decrease their risk of problems, there are still some health issues that can occur. Taking steps to keep your dog healthy can minimize the incidence of issues like these. In addition, seeing your vet for routine wellness exams can help you discover health problems before they get out of control. Always watch your dog for any signs of illness. There are many health issues that can affect dogs. The following are among the most common.

  • 01
  • of 10
  • Skin Issues
  • charity myers / Getty Images
  • Many dogs experience a variety of skin issues. Itching and scratching are typical signs of skin issues in dogs. The skin may appear red, inflamed, flaky, scaly or otherwise abnormal. They may also lose patches of hair. There are several reasons a dog may develop skin problems, including allergies, parasites, skin infections, and more. If your dog is constantly scratching or chewing, or if its skin appears abnormal, see your vet before your dog becomes downright miserable.
  • 02
  • of 10
  • Ear Infections
  • Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images
  • Ear infections often cause dogs to shake their heads and scratch their ears. Often, there is ear discharge or debris, and the ears can have a bad odor. Ear infections may be itchy or even painful. When left untreated, they can cause serious damage. If your dog is exhibiting signs of an ear infection for more than a day or two, go to your vet. Ear infections sometimes accompany skin issues. In addition, they may be related to allergies.
  • 03
  • of 10
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Dan Steel / Getty Images
  • Urinary issues are common in dogs. It’s so frustrating to deal with a dog who is peeing in the house. Many owners chalk it up to behavioral issues or lack of training. However, your dog may have a urinary tract infection, especially if it is a puppy or has other underlying medical conditions. Signs of UTI include inappropriate urination, frequent urination, increased thirst, bloody urine, and lethargy. These symptoms can also be associated with other medical conditions, such as kidney disease and diabetes, so if this sounds familiar, bring your dog to the vet so the urine can be checked.
  • 04
  • of 10
  • Vomiting
  • shironosov / Getty Images
  • There are so many reasons a dog can develop vomiting. While you don’t need to rush to the vet every time your dog throws up, it’s also not something to ignore. Vomiting can be a sign of toxicity, gastrointestinal blockage, or other serious diseases. The cause can also be as simple as a dietary indiscretion. Don’t try to guess; if your dog keeps vomiting, or has other symptoms such as diarrhea, inappetance, or weakness, you should get your vet involved.
  • Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05
  • of 10
  • Diarrhea
  • Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images
  • Diarrhea may accompany vomiting or simply occur on its own. The potential causes of diarrhea are similar to those of vomiting. While one or two episodes of diarrhea is no emergency, ongoing diarrhea can lead to dehydration. See your vet if diarrhea persists, appears black or bloody, or if it accompanies vomiting and/or lethargy.
  • 06
  • of 10
  • Parasites
  • ThamKC / Getty Images
  • Parasites are everywhere in your dog’s world. They may be external parasites, like fleas and ticks, or internal parasites like heartworms and intestinal worms. Fortunately, there ways to prevent parasites from attacking your dog, usually with monthly preventive treatments. Educate yourself about canine parasites so you can protect your dog.
  • 07
  • of 10
  • Dental Disease
  • DjelicS / Getty Images
  • Dental disease (in particular, periodontal disease, a disease of the gums and tooth attachments), is a serious and often overlooked health concern for dogs. Bad breath is not normal in dogs and can be a sign of dental disease. Plaque and tartar in your dog’s mouth harbor dangerous bacteria, causing damage to the teeth and gums.
  • Even worse, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to damage to the heart and kidneys. The key to protecting your dog is prevention.
  • 08
  • of 10
  • Obesity
  • dageldog / Getty Images
  • Obesity is a common health problem seen in dogs. It’s also one of the most preventable. Obesity can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and orthopedic problems. Fortunately, obesity can be prevented (and can usually be reversed) through proper diet and exercise.
  • Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09
  • of 10
  • Arthritis
  • Eternity in an Instant / Getty Images
  • Arthritis is defined as inflammation of a joint or multiple joints in the body. In dogs, the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, also called Degenerative Joint Disease. Osteoarthritis most often occurs in seniors, though it may also be an effect of old injuries or congenital disorders like hip dysplasia. The good news is that it can typically be managed. If you suspect your dog has osteoarthritis, talk to your vet about the options.
  • 10
  • of 10
  • Toxicity/Poisoning
  • Hero Images / Getty Images
  • Dogs are curious and often food-driven. So, it comes as no surprise that they are susceptible to poisoning or toxicity. Toxins come in many forms and are often (but not always) ingested. Plants, medications, household items, and even some foods can poison your dog. Find out what dangers may exist in your dog’s environment.

Skin Issues

Many dogs experience a variety of skin issues. Itching and scratching are typical signs of skin issues in dogs. The skin may appear red, inflamed, flaky, scaly or otherwise abnormal. They may also lose patches of hair. There are several reasons a dog may develop skin problems, including allergies, parasites, skin infections, and more. If your dog is constantly scratching or chewing, or if its skin appears abnormal, see your vet before your dog becomes downright miserable.

charity myers / Getty Images

Ear Infections

Ear infections often cause dogs to shake their heads and scratch their ears. Often, there is ear discharge or debris, and the ears can have a bad odor. Ear infections may be itchy or even painful. When left untreated, they can cause serious damage. If your dog is exhibiting signs of an ear infection for more than a day or two, go to your vet. Ear infections sometimes accompany skin issues. In addition, they may be related to allergies.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary issues are common in dogs. It’s so frustrating to deal with a dog who is peeing in the house. Many owners chalk it up to behavioral issues or lack of training. However, your dog may have a urinary tract infection, especially if it is a puppy or has other underlying medical conditions. Signs of UTI include inappropriate urination, frequent urination, increased thirst, bloody urine, and lethargy. These symptoms can also be associated with other medical conditions, such as kidney disease and diabetes, so if this sounds familiar, bring your dog to the vet so the urine can be checked.

Vomiting

There are so many reasons a dog can develop vomiting. While you don’t need to rush to the vet every time your dog throws up, it’s also not something to ignore. Vomiting can be a sign of toxicity, gastrointestinal blockage, or other serious diseases. The cause can also be as simple as a dietary indiscretion. Don’t try to guess; if your dog keeps vomiting, or has other symptoms such as diarrhea, inappetance, or weakness, you should get your vet involved.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea may accompany vomiting or simply occur on its own. The potential causes of diarrhea are similar to those of vomiting. While one or two episodes of diarrhea is no emergency, ongoing diarrhea can lead to dehydration. See your vet if diarrhea persists, appears black or bloody, or if it accompanies vomiting and/or lethargy.

Parasites

Parasites are everywhere in your dog’s world. They may be external parasites, like fleas and ticks, or internal parasites like heartworms and intestinal worms. Fortunately, there ways to prevent parasites from attacking your dog, usually with monthly preventive treatments. Educate yourself about canine parasites so you can protect your dog.

ThamKC / Getty Images

Dental Disease

Dental disease (in particular, periodontal disease, a disease of the gums and tooth attachments), is a serious and often overlooked health concern for dogs. Bad breath is not normal in dogs and can be a sign of dental disease. Plaque and tartar in your dog’s mouth harbor dangerous bacteria, causing damage to the teeth and gums.

Even worse, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to damage to the heart and kidneys. The key to protecting your dog is prevention.

Obesity

Obesity is a common health problem seen in dogs. It’s also one of the most preventable. Obesity can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and orthopedic problems. Fortunately, obesity can be prevented (and can usually be reversed) through proper diet and exercise.

Arthritis

Arthritis is defined as inflammation of a joint or multiple joints in the body. In dogs, the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, also called Degenerative Joint Disease. Osteoarthritis most often occurs in seniors, though it may also be an effect of old injuries or congenital disorders like hip dysplasia. The good news is that it can typically be managed. If you suspect your dog has osteoarthritis, talk to your vet about the options.

Toxicity/Poisoning

Dogs are curious and often food-driven. So, it comes as no surprise that they are susceptible to poisoning or toxicity. Toxins come in many forms and are often (but not always) ingested. Plants, medications, household items, and even some foods can poison your dog. Find out what dangers may exist in your dog’s environment.

  • Dermatitis And Dermatologic Problems In Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual
  • Ear Infections And Otitis Externa In Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual
  • Infectious Diseases Of The Urinary System In Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual
  • Vomiting in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual
  • Dental Disorders of Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual
  • Consequences of Periodontal Disease. Veterinary Oral Health Council
  • Pet Obesity is a Growing Problem. Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
  • Osteoarthritis In Dogs. American College Of Veterinary Surgeons
  • Potentially Dangerous Items For Your Pet. U.S. Food And Drug Administration