Common Health Conditions In Dogs. Dogs are one of man’s best friends, and you should treat yours with the utmost care and concern possible. While dogs can take care of themselves in many ways, they still need the help of their owners when it comes to their health and wellbeing. Today we’re going to talk about eight common health conditions that your dog might be experiencing, as well as some tips on how to handle them and what steps you can take if they worsen over time. Let’s get started!

Overweight

A common health condition in dogs is overweight. Dogs that are more than 10% above their ideal weight can have joint problems, heart disease, and shortened life spans. Luckily, there are a lot of things you can do to help get your dog back into shape: Get him up and moving more often. Add more activity to his daily routine. Start feeding him smaller meals more frequently throughout the day instead of one or two large ones. There’s no need to go on a strict diet; simply modifying his diet will probably take care of it for you. Remember: Dogs are carnivores; if your dog seems underweight, it might be time to put some meat on his bones! You can increase how much he exercises and offers small treats as rewards for good behavior.

Dry Skin

The opposite of oily skin, dry skin is relatively easy to deal with. Just keep your dog’s fur well-groomed and bathe them regularly using a mild, medicated soap. Oatmeal or oatmeal-based shampoos are usually best; if you’re in a pinch, try adding a tablespoon of ground oatmeal to your pup’s bathwater to help moisturize their skin.

Allergies

One of the most common health conditions in dogs is an allergy. It’s estimated that up to half of all canine cases involve food allergies, with beef, chicken, and dairy products being among those most commonly blamed. To check for allergies, try eliminating certain foods from your dog’s diet for a few weeks and then reintroduce them one at a time to see if there’s any negative reaction. A proper diagnosis may require blood work or other tests done by your vet. If you can’t pinpoint any trigger, consider switching foods—there are plenty of brands that cater to dogs with dietary restrictions and some vets even have their own lines.

Dental Problems

Dental issues are one of the most common health problems in dogs. Painful, abscessed teeth can make eating difficult for your dog, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. Your vet can treat dental problems with a variety of solutions, including tooth extraction and dental cleaning. However, it’s important to keep a close eye on your dog for signs of pain or difficulty chewing—it could be an indication that their dental issues have progressed from simple tartar buildup to more severe gum disease or infection. Routine visits at least once every six months are essential for your furry friend’s oral health. While some conditions may require emergency treatment, most will not so take notes and let them know what changes you notice or if you notice any consistent pain when they eat and chew.

Fleas And Ticks

Fleas and ticks are annoying pests that love to infest both you and your pets. While they can be easily treated with over-the-counter treatments, these pesky insects don’t stay gone for long. The best way to prevent a flea or tick problem in your home is to have your pet treated regularly by a professional veterinarian. Remember, prevention is always more effective than treatment!

Back Pain

The most common back problem dogs suffer from is intervertebral disc disease or IVDD. When a dog suffers from disc disease, they experience weakness in their hind legs, which leads to pain and difficulty walking. One of the biggest symptoms of IVDD is a dog that goes limp when lifted. If you see your pup go limp while he’s being picked up—or even if he suddenly becomes unable to move after jumping off of something—take him to see his vet right away as it could be an indication that he has been suffering from disc disease for some time and finally needs medical attention.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes pain and stiffness in a dog’s joints. The most common signs of arthritis include pain, loss of mobility, or lethargy. While there are many different types of arthritis, they can all be managed with a combination of natural supplements, diet changes, exercise, and physical therapy. If your dog is suffering from arthritic symptoms it’s important to speak with your vet about treatment options as soon as possible; although arthritis cannot be cured entirely, it can often be treated successfully in most dogs with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Lubricating injections are commonly used to provide temporary relief from pain while diet changes will help strengthen affected joints over time.