List of Dog Illnesses
When your pets become ill it is your responsibility as pet owners to make sure that they get the proper veterinary care. They are not able to talk and tell you if they are sick, so you need to have good knowledge and understanding of your dog's health. By watching for any change in behavior patterns and activity levels you will know if your dog is not feeling well. All pet owners should be aware of the more common illnesses that can befall their pets, however it is not possible to know them all, as there are times when symptoms can be indicative of more than one problem and without proper veterinary care you may misdiagnose your pet.There are a number of different diseases and illnesses that can affect your dog, these are just a few of the more common ones you as a pet owner should be aware of.
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Worms
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Worms include tape worms, flat worms and round worms. These generally enter through fleas or even grass that the dog may have eaten. Restlessness, bowel distress and itching are common symptoms of worm infestation.
Periodontal Disease
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Periodontal disease affects the gums and teeth of dogs. The general symptoms include bad breath, redness and/or bleeding in the gums, tooth discoloration, and loss of teeth in the advanced stages.
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Cough
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A persistent cough may be a problem in itself or a symptom of a more serious underlying problem like coocidiosis, distemper, heart worms and tuberculosis.
Addison's Disease
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In this disease, the body fails to control the sodium levels in the dog's blood stream. If left unchecked, it can even lead to heart failure. The telltale signs are tremors, reduced appetite, pain in the hind limbs and weakness in the muscles.
Canine Diabetes
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Like humans, dogs can also become insulin resistant and develop diabetes. Frequent urination, excessive drinking of water and rapid weight fluctuations are some of the common symptoms.
Obesity
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Dogs have a tendency to overeat, which can lead to obesity and cause further complications.
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