
If only dogs could speak. Not only would it make for some very interesting online videos, but it would make diagnosing their illnesses a whole lot easier! When our furry friends get sick, they will hide their discomfort until they feel really ill, by which time they need a clinical diagnosis and veterinary treatment in order to feel better and have their health restored. If you notice your dog is looking a little under the weather, they have probably been feeling icky for a while and can no longer hide their symptoms or pain.
In this article we explore the most common illnesses that bring dogs to the vet’s office, which symptoms to look out for, and how the vet diagnoses and treats these illnesses.
Most common ailments in dogs
It’s the vet’s job to examine sick dogs, identify their symptoms, diagnose their illnesses and offer treatment that leads to the quickest, most effective recovery. When dogs are exposed to pathogens (bacteria, viruses) and poisons, develop a progressive illness, experience a poor lifestyle, or have an inherited illness, they can become sick and need veterinary intervention. The following illnesses are some of the most common canine health problems (in no particular order) that vets see and treat:
- dental disease
- skin allergies
- diarrhoea & vomiting
- arthritis/degenerative joint disease
- kennel cough
- ear infection
Dental disease in dogs
Just like us, dogs need daily toothbrushing from the time their permanent teeth erupt. Unfortunately, far too many dogs don’t get their teeth brushed, which is why up to 80% of pet dogs develop dental disease by the age of two years old. Dental disease – clinically referred to as periodontal disease – starts with dental plaque hardening into tartar and irritating the gumline. This gum inflammation (gingivitis) usually causes the gums to bleed easily, and if it’s not treated (by scaling the teeth and removing the tartar), the oral bacteria can get below the gumline and damage the tissue and surrounding tooth structures. Because all of this is taking place out of sight, the only real signs of disease in a dog’s mouth would be bad breath, yellow or brown tooth discolouration and reddish gums. It’s only at the advanced stages of periodontal disease – when the damage is already done – that symptoms of pain, loose teeth or even tooth loss, and infection become apparent.
Toothbrushing and dental check-ups are considered to be preventative treatment. It is more effective to prevent your dog from developing periodontal disease than to treat it. The best time to start brushing your dog’s teeth is from the day their permanent dentition is in (at about seven or eight months of age); the second-best time is now – as soon as possible. Puppies and even adult dogs can be taught to accept and even look forward to having their teeth brushed, using routine and positive reinforcement: make sure they have a positive (tasty!) experience whenever the doggy toothbrush is near, and show excitement when it’s toothbrushing time. Support your dog’s teeth cleaning regimen with a dental diet – dog food that is formulated to encourage more chewing (and saliva production), scrape teeth and work your dog’s jaw. Dental chews, anti-bacterial water additives, and oral rinses are also effective against dental decay, but nothing is as effective as toothbrushing and an annual check-up at the vet.
Symptoms of dental disease in dogs
- bad breath (halitosis)
- gum inflammation (gingivitis)
- bleeding gums
- receding gums, which indicate a loss of supportive structure around the teeth
- loose teeth
- tooth loss
- reluctance to chew toys
- a change in eating behaviours – reluctance to chew kibble/preferring softer foods
- unable to tolerate teeth being brushed
If dental disease goes unchecked for long enough, oral bacteria can get into your dog’s bloodstream and start to weaken their major organs like the heart, liver and kidneys. Good dental care doesn’t only protect your dog’s teeth, but their overall health and longevity.
Diagnosing dental disease in dogs
All dogs should have a routine annual dental check-up so that any deterioration in their dental health can be detected early and treated before it threatens their teeth and gum health. The vet will know what to look for to pick up any indication of inflammation or infection. There is usually a natural build-up of dental plaque and/or tartar, which dogs should routinely have removed during a dental descaling and polishing procedure. This involves placing the dog under anaesthetic, which allows the vet to examine below the gumline and remove any tartar, food debris and other byproducts of bacterial activity, before it can cause an infection. The diagnosis and treatment of dental disease happens during the same procedure.
Treating dental disease in dogs
While the dog is under anaesthetic, the vet will examine the condition of their teeth. If any inflammation, debris, decay and infection is found, it will be cleaned and treated during the same procedure. If there are loose, cracked or damaged teeth, the vet may assess whether they need to be removed, while remaining teeth will be scaled, cleaned and polished. If there is severe infection, the vet will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication. They will recommend an at-home dental care routine for your dog.
Read more about canine periodontal disease here.
Skin allergies in dogs
Many dogs experience skin allergies – red, itchy skin that makes them scratch relentlessly; sometimes even scratching to the point of injuring their skin. The constant rubbing and scratching can also cause hair loss and skin infections. Also known as allergic dermatitis, skin allergies can have many causes – from food allergies to flea bites to an allergic reaction to the environment (pollen, grasses, dust, etc.). It’s important for pet owners to find and treat the cause of the skin allergy – not just try to get rid of the symptoms.
Symptoms of skin allergies
Dogs many experience any or all of the following, depending on the cause:
- relentless itching, scratching and chewing own skin
- red, inflamed skin
- licking and rubbing skin
- hair loss (alopecia)
- thickening of affected skin
- warm, red ears/ear infection
- GI upset (especially when caused by food allergies)
Diagnosing skin allergies in dogs
If you notice your dog is licking, scratching, biting and nibbling on themselves a little (or a lot) more than usual, don’t wait too long before taking them to the vet. Take note of when this new behaviour started and the possible triggers: did you start feeding your dog a new brand of dog food? Did you move house to a different climate? Did the seasons change? Did you get a new pet or were you around other dogs at the park? Whether it’s a food allergy, an environmental allergy or a flea allergy, give the vet as much information as possible about when and how the scratching may have started. They can do some blood tests and/or a skin scrape test to narrow down the cause of the dermatitis.
Treating skin allergies in dogs
Depending on the cause of the skin allergy, the vet will prescribe a course of action to limit exposure to the allergens, as well as treatment to reduce the symptoms of the skin allergy. If the cause is a food allergy, the vet will recommend an elimination diet for your dog, which involves omitting potential allergens from their food bowl for a period of up to three months. If your dog’s skin (and gastrointestinal) symptoms improve, the potential allergens can gradually be added back to see which one re-triggers the symptoms. The vet may also recommend a hypo-allergenic dog food containing novel proteins, to avoid the potential allergens altogether.
If the skin symptoms are caused by flea allergy dermatitis, the signs will include flea bites and the presence of fleas themselves, or flea dirt. The vet will prescribe a topical cream to help soothe the itching, as well as anti-parasitic treatments for ticks, fleas and other external parasites. It may be more difficult to identify and control your dog’s exposure to environmental allergens, but heed the vet’s advice regarding where and when your dog walks and goes out during the day, so their symptoms can be properly managed.
Diarrhoea and vomiting in dogs
Gastrointestinal issues in dogs can have a wide variety of causes – from allergies to exposure to toxins, spoiled food and even stress. Since dogs discover their environment with their noses and tongues, they are bound to introduce little nasties like fungi, worms, bacteria and viruses, even plant toxins and poisons into their systems. Their immune system is sensitive enough to pick up and eject anything that shouldn’t be in their GI tract, which is the reason why vomiting and/or diarrhoea takes place. As a normal immune response, a single vomiting or diarrhoea event from time to time is nothing to worry about. However, if your dog has emptied their tummy and is vomiting up foamy, yellow bile or they have had diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, they risk being dehydrated and need to see the vet asap.
Symptoms of GI tract upset
Along with vomiting and diarrhoea, your dog may also experience:
- abdominal pain
- lethargy
- loss of appetite
- blood in the stool
- vomiting foamy bile
- fever
- dehydration
Diagnosing GI upset in dogs
You will need to give the vet as much information as possible about your dog’s behaviour and whereabouts leading up to their illness. What did your dog eat? Have they raided the bin? Were they visiting a different household? Was your dog boarded or have they experienced a period of intense stress? The vet’s questions will attempt to narrow down their condition. Your information as well as blood tests, a faecal sample, urinalysis and possibly an abdominal ultrasound will give the vet a clearer picture of what’s going on inside your dog’s gut.
Treating GI upset in dogs
If there’s an obstruction, it will need to be removed. Once the vet has diagnosed the cause of your dog’s vomiting and diarrhoea, they will be able to treat it and also offer supportive treatment by restoring hydration levels and blood electrolytes. If there’s a bacterial infection, the vet will prescribe antibiotics to treat it, as well as anti-emetics to stop the nausea and vomiting. Part of the treatment process may involve your dog fasting for a short period of time before eating a bland diet of easily digestible food. Make sure you comply with the vet’s prescribed medication and treatment plan, to ensure your dog’s gut health is properly restored.
Arthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD)
The cartilage in dogs’ joints can go through age-related wear-and-tear, no longer cushioning the leg bones, and causing painful friction, swelling and inflammation in the joints. Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a progressive condition that cannot be cured or reversed, but it’s progression can be slowed down with the use of supplements and managing the dog’s activity and lifestyle.
The main cause of osteoarthritis is age, but there are other risk factors that predispose younger dogs to this degenerative condition:
- large or giant breeds
- athletic, high-activity dogs like herders or those who participate in dog sports (which come with the added risk of stress fractures and ligament damage)
- the presence of hip and elbow dysplasia
- obesity (places additional compression and stress on their joints)
Symptoms of osteoarthritis/DJD
The symptoms are associated with the pain of friction in the joints and can include:
- stiff gait
- swelling in the joints
- difficulty getting up and lying down
- more sleeping
- reluctance to climb and descend stairs
- muscle wasting
- flinching at touch or brushing near or around the affected joints
- eliminating in inappropriate places
Diagnosing osteoarthritis in dogs
Osteoarthritis is more common in older pets, so it’s crucial to take your dog for an annual check-up throughout their adult years – even before the overt symptoms start to show. The vet knows what early signs of osteoarthritis to look for and they may suggest the use of nutritional supplements to slow down the rate of degeneration in the joints. Ask about the use of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and green-lipped mussel extract in supplement form, or a dog food containing these supplements in the ingredients list.
Treating osteoarthritis in dogs
Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but there are treatments that can slow its progression and the vet can prescribe pain medication to improve your dog’s quality of life. If your dog is overweight, the vet will recommend a weight management diet – as losing weight will ease the pressure on your dog’s joints and slow down the degeneration process.
The vet may also recommend regular moderate activity like walking or swimming, as this will help to prevent your dog’s hindleg muscles from atrophying, improve their range of motion, and offer more support to their joints. A good quality memory foam mattress will also cushion and warm your dog’s painful joints and help to reduce stiffness.
Kennel cough
Kennel cough (or canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) or tracheobronchitis) is identifiable by the hacking sound of the dog’s cough. It is a highly contagious disease that causes inflammation in the trachea (windpipe), and is usually contracted in an environment where there are lots of dogs in close quarters, such as at boarding kennels, the dog park, or the dog pound. If your dog has been boarded or has enjoyed a day out with lots of other dogs at the park, and develops this definitive type of hacking cough, immediately confine them away from other pets, and make an appointment with the vet. A dog with a strong immune system can usually recover on their own, but if a very young, old or sick dog gets kennel cough, it can quickly develop into pneumonia, which is dangerous.
Symptoms of kennel cough
The symptoms of kennel cough can include:
- a distinct hacking cough, as though something is stuck in their throat
- runny nose
- sneezing
- eye discharge
- fever
- decreased appetite
Diagnosing canine kennel cough
Give the vet as much information as possible regarding your dog’s whereabouts and behaviour prior to developing a cough. This information coupled with a physical examination and a process of elimination of other serious conditions (like cancer, heart disease, collapsed trachea and other respiratory infections), can lead to the diagnosis of kennel cough. Diagnostic testing only becomes necessary when the dog hasn’t responded to initial treatment or if they develop pneumonia.
Treating canine kennel cough
Kennel cough can be left to resolve on its own over two or three weeks, with the dog being isolated from other pets and encouraged to rest as much as possible. If the vet has any concerns about secondary infection, they may prescribe antibiotics and cough suppressants. To prevent an infection with kennel cough, it’s important to keep your dog’s 5-in-1 vaccination up to date.
Ear infections in dogs
A build-up of ear wax and dirt, allergic reaction, and dampness after swimming – these are all potential causes of ear infections in dogs. Ear infections can also be a symptom of ear polyps, cancer, or hypothyroidism. The infection can originate in the outer ear canal (otitis externa), in the middle ear (otitis media), or in the inner ear (otitis interna). The most common type of ear infection in dogs is otitis externa – occurring in the section of the ear canal outside of the ear drum.
Symptoms of ear infections in dogs
An ear infection is characterised by inflammation and itchiness, so the symptoms manifest as:
- scratching and pawing around the ears and face
- pain and redness in the ear (they may cry or whine if you touch their ears or head)
- heat around the ear
- yeasty odour
- dark(ish) ear discharge
- head-shaking
- tilting the head
Diagnosing ear infections in dogs
Ear infections should never be ‘left to heal’, because they will only get more inflamed and painful, and may progress deeper into the ear canal. At the first symptom of itchy or inflamed ears, make an appointment to get your dog’s ears checked out. The vet will use an otoscope to look inside your dog’s ear canal and, if necessary, swab the ear for a bacterial culture to see what type of bacteria are present. If the infection is very advanced, the vet will sedate your dog to be able to painlessly and more effectively examine their ears.
Treating ear infections in dogs
The treatment for the ear infection will depend on the type of pathogens present in your dog’s ears – this is why it’s important to not try to self-medicate your dog. The vet will also flush as much debris from their ears as possible and gently clean the ear canal/s before sending you home with antibiotics or antifungal medication and pain medication. If your dog’s ears are very painful, the vet will first place them under anaesthetic to make the cleaning process more comfortable. It’s important to follow the vet’s advice and comply with the medication prescription to properly clear up the infection and prevent a recurrence.
Conclusion
Dogs are resilient creatures, but they need your help – to recognise when something is not quite right with their health. This is why it’s best to practise preventative health: keep their vaccinations up to date, have an annual dental check-up (and brush their teeth at home), stay on schedule with their tick and flea medication and dewormer, and visit the vet for an annual general health check-up.