Health problems in dogs are common but tend to be overlooked because sometimes we miss out on important signs and symptoms. There’s a lot you should know about dog health problems as a dog owner and in this post we’re going to focus on five crucial things. Scroll down to learn more about signs that say something is wrong, common health problems, and more.
1. Change in behavior
What we love about dogs the most is their friendliness and the ability to bring sunshine even in the cloudiest days. Dogs make us happy instantly and it’s great to see them wagging their tail and running around. While dogs can’t say something is wrong, they can show it in more ways than one. The most obvious sign that something is not okay with the dog is the change in his or her behavior. Every dog owner knows the typical behavior of their furry little friend so subtle changes are easier to notice and should not be ignored. Common behavioral changes that indicate potential health problems in a dog include irritability, lethargy, agitation, withdrawal i.e. isolation, and needy or clingy behavior.
2. Unexplained weight loss
Even though weight loss itself is not necessarily a sign that something is wrong (it could be due to changes in diet and activity levels), unexplained weight loss points to the existence of some health problem. Most dogs don’t lose a considerable amount of weight unless their owners change their diet or encourage them to be more active. So if there were no lifestyle changes and your dog is still losing weight it’s time to take the little one to the vet and see what’s going on. This is important even if your dog doesn’t experience some other symptoms. It’s always better to take the dog to the vet as soon as you notice some changes rather than wait and see if something else will happen as well.
3. CBD oil could help manage some health problems
CBD oil is one of the most frequently talked about health-related subjects lately. The reason behind the ever-growing popularity of CBD oil is its outstanding health potential. What many people don’t know is that CBD oil can also help dogs and aid
Source: https://undertheweatherpet.com/blog/need-a-bland-diet-for-your-sick-dog/
4. Loss of appetite points to health problems
Your dog loves to eat and drink pretty much everything you give him (or her), but now the little furry friend is not interested? Sudden loss of appetite and interest in food the dog used to enjoy points to the existence of some health problem. Generally speaking, a dog won’t refuse to eat or drink especially something they love unless there’s some problem. Make sure to monitor closely your dog’s food intake. Changes in appetite should be taken seriously. Schedule an appointment and take your dog to the vet. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should panic. Not all health problems are serious, most of them are entirely manageable but to be on the safe side, it’s always better to have the dog checked out.
5. Most common health problems in dogs
All dogs are different, just like humans, and they may have different health conditions. However, some diseases and health problems are more common than others. Educating yourself about the most prevalent health problems in dogs allows you to be proactive and prevent or delay their onset. At the same time, getting informed can help you manage the dog’s health condition more effectively. Below are some of the most common health problems that dog experience:
- Skin issues
- Ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Parasites
- Dental disease
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Dementia
- Heart problems
- Gastrointestinal issues
As you can see, health problems in dogs are numerous but with a proactive approach, you can manage them and improve the little one’s quality of life. It all comes down to noticing subtle signs that say something is wrong.
Conclusion
The dog is a man’s best friend and a loyal companion. Like other humans and animals, dogs are also prone to various diseases and health conditions, but many of them are diagnosed when they become serious. To improve the dog’s quality of life and manage symptoms more effectively it’s crucial to notice changes in their behavior and act accordingly. Moreover, a healthy lifestyle can also help your dog live a happy life. Make sure your dog eats food that is good for their health and supplies their body with much-needed nutrients that protect against various health problems.
Mary Walton is a professional editor, content strategist and a part of MarijuanaDetox team. Apart from writing, Mary is passionate about hiking and gaming. Feel free to contact her via Facebook.