Common dog health issues

Unfortunately, dogs can’t tell us if they’re having problems with their health. So it’s up to us to keep an eye out for symptoms of potential illnesses or conditions. Here we’ll look at some of the most common canine conditions, what to look for, and how we can minimise the risk for our furry friends.

One of the best ways to look after our best friend’s health is making sure they have the right dog insurance in place.

What are the most common health issues in dogs?

Of the most commonly diagnosed health problems in dogs, the top three are:

• Gum disease
• Ear infections
• Obesity

This is according to joint research conducted by the Royal Veterinary College and The Kennel Club in 2021, looking at veterinary records of over 22,000 dogs.

Between May 2023 and October 2023, the most dog insurance claims made by Agria customers were for:

•  Hypersensitivity skin disorder
• Osteoarthritis (osteoarthrosis & degenerative joint disease)
• Atopy – which is an allergy to airborne particles (early signs of allergies can include ear infections and itchy skin)

The likelihood of your dog developing any of these disorders will depend on numerous factors, including their age, sex, breed and whether they’re neutered. Plus factors such as the amount of exercise they get and their diet will also play a part.

So while some factors will be out of owners’ hands, there are numerous things you can do to reduce your dog’s risk of developing health problems. These include:

• Keeping an eye out for dental issues
• Regularly checking your dog’s ears
• Keeping their weight healthy through regular exercise and a good diet. Find out more about exercising puppies and young dogs, and exercising senior dogs
• Taking them for regular check-ups at the vet

Prevention and treatment for common conditions in dogs

Next we’ll take a look at some common health problems in dogs, how to prevent them, and what steps to take if they do arise.

Gum disease in dogs

We need to look after our teeth and gums, and dogs are no different. They also produce plaque when food, bacteria, saliva and other particles in the mouth combine. And over time, this can harden, becoming tartar. This is tough to remove, and a good breeding ground for more plaque. 

The bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause gingivitis, and potentially more advanced gum disease. It can also produce an acid which erodes your dog’s teeth, potentially leading to cavities.

Signs of gum disease to look out for include:

• Bad breath
• Pawing at their face
• Bleeding gums
• Dribbling
• Lack of interest in chew toys or food

Find out more about gum disease in dogs, and how to brush their teeth. It’s also worth knowing how to potentially spot root tip abscesses, which can occur if a tooth root becomes exposed to bacteria – usually due to a broken tooth or after teeth loss.

Ear infections in dogs (otitis externa)

It’s easy for dirt and particles to gather and get trapped in your dog’s ear. Dogs’ ear canals are long and narrow, with a sharp bend, which make it tricky to keep them fully clean.

Some breeds are more prone to ear infections. Dogs with long floppy ears, for instance, may be at greater risk of getting ear infections. This is because their ear flaps trap moisture from escaping. The warm, wet environment is an ideal breeding ground for yeast and bacteria.

Breeds that are prone to ear infections include:

• Cocker spaniels
• Miniature poodles
• Old English sheepdogs
• Basset hounds
• Beagles
• Golden retrievers
• Labrador retrievers

Signs of ear infections include:

• Frequent scratching or rubbing of ears
• Discharge in the ears
• Unpleasant smell in their ears
• Head shaking or tilting
• Problems with balance
• Yelping or wincing when their ears are touched

Find out more about ear infections in dogs.

Obesity in dogs

It can be difficult not to spoil our dogs, but a good reason not to is the increasingly common problem of obesity. Any kind of dog can have issues with weight management. And according to PDSA research, veterinary professionals estimated in 2023 that 46% of dogs are overweight or obese.

Just like us, dogs need the right amount of exercise and a balanced diet to stay fit and healthy. If you’re worried that your dog might be getting a bit chunky, these are the signs to look out for:

• No clear waist when looking from above. They should be slimmer between the ribs and hips
• Hard to feel their ribs from the side
• Round face and thick neck
• Getting out of breath easily
• Difficulty walking
• Unwilling to exercise
• Frequently tired and sleeping a lot

Read more about obesity and weight management.

Overgrown nails

It’s a good idea to make sure your dog’s claws don’t grow too long. Overgrown nails can easily get chipped, split or break. This can require a trip to the vet, and can be very painful for your dog.

In addition, if a dog walks or stands on long-clawed paws, pressure is put on the wrong part of the foot. This can be uncomfortable and painful in itself, but can also cause problems in other parts of the limb, potentially causing lameness.

Find out how to clip your dog’s nails.

Anal sac problems in dogs

Ever wondered why dogs sniff each other’s bottoms? It’s to help them identify each other, as they have a unique scent which comes from two small glands on either side of their anus. These produce an oily smelly liquid used for identification, and to mark their territory. Interesting, if a bit gross.

The anal glands usually empty naturally when your dog goes for a poo. But these can become blocked, and in turn infected. This leads them to swell and become painful, meaning your dog may scoot on their bottom to try to relieve it.

Signs of problems here include:

• An unpleasant fishy smell
• Dragging their bottom on the floor
• Changes in colour of fluid from the glands

Find out more about anal sac inflammation in dogs (if you dare).

Diarrhoea in dogs

Typically, when your dog has diarrhoea, it won’t be anything serious. It may just be something they’ve eaten that’s disagreed with them. There can be other causes too. Some may be benign, such as changes to their diet. But some may be more of a concern, such as stress or parasites.

If it’s accompanied by other signs, or if you’re worried about their health, then it’s worth contacting your vet for advice. Here’s what you need to know about diarrhoea in dogs, and this is how to rehydrate your dog.

Vomiting in dogs

Much like us, dogs are usually sick to clear their system of something hard to digest. This is typically something gross they’ve eaten. But it can also be a warning sign of an underlying illness or health issue.

Here’s what to do if your dog is vomiting repeatedly, including what the cause might be, how to help stop it, and when to seek advice from a vet.

Lameness in dogs

There are several reasons why your dog might start limping. This could be just a sprain or minor injury. But it could be something more serious, such as trauma, or joint or bone disease. 

If your dog starts limping suddenly, this could be due to an injury, sprain or fracture. Whereas long-term issues usually cause a gradual onset of limping, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, or arthritis. 

If your dog has a persistent limp and you don’t know why, it’s best to get them seen professionally by a vet. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Arthritis in dogs

Arthritis in dogs is unfortunately commonplace. It’s one of the main causes of chronic pain in dogs, and can be debilitating – reducing their quality of life and enjoyment of everyday activities.

And while it’s a more common and severe health issue for older dogs, it can develop in canines of any age. It’s also more prevalent in larger breeds and heavier dogs, as their joints experience more strain.

Signs of arthritis in dogs include:

• Limping and lameness
• Stiffness, especially after spells of sitting or lying down
• Yelping or wincing when moving, or being touched in the affected area
• Swollen joints

Find out how to tell if your dog is in pain.

Other conditions to be aware of

These are some of the other common conditions it’s worth knowing about in dogs:

• Back pain
• Bronchitis
• Cherry eye – a large fleshy lump in the inner corner of their eye
• Epilepsy
• Heart defects and disease
• Kidney failure
• How to detect mammary tumours
• Mange
• Prostate enlargement and cancer
• Tonsillitis