The 10 most common diseases in dogs and how to prevent them

A dog's health largely depends on prevention - with proper nutrition, regular check-ups, and timely action, we can reduce the risk of many diseases. Below are three common health challenges in dogs and tips on how to prevent them.

Cardiovascular disease and how to keep your dog's heart healthy

Heart disease in dogs, such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and heart valve disease, is more common in older dogs, certain breeds (Dobermans, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels), and overweight dogs. (1*)

Prevention includes:

  • maintaining a suitable body weight,
  • a balanced diet with enough taurine and omega-3 fatty acids, (2*)
  • regular veterinary examinations (listening to the heart, ultrasound in high-risk breeds),
  • moderate, regular physical activity.

Preventing Joint Problems: Exercises and Nutrition Tips

Joint problems such as osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common in larger breeds, older dogs, and overweight dogs. (3*)

For prevention, we recommend:

  • maintaining a healthy body weight,
  • regular, low-impact exercise (walking, swimming),
  • a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin, (4*)
  • soft, comfortable surfaces to rest on.

Scientific research confirms that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and pain in dogs with arthritis. (5*)

Skin diseases: How to recognize and prevent them

Allergies, parasites, bacterial and fungal infections are among the most common causes of skin problems in dogs. (6*)

Signs of skin diseases include:

  • itching, scratching or biting the skin,
  • redness, hair loss,
  • rashes or scabs.

Preventive measures:

  • regular protection against fleas and ticks,
  • a balanced diet with sufficient amounts of essential fatty acids,
  • regular hair and skin care,
  • timely treatment of infections and allergies.

Conclusion

Preventive measures can greatly reduce the risk of many diseases in dogs. Regular check-ups, proper nutrition, weight control, and good care are the keys to a long, healthy, and happy dog life.

Literature: (*)

1. Source: Epidemiological study of congenital heart diseases in dogs: Prevalence, popularity, and volatility throughout twenty years of clinical practice, (PG Brambilla, M. Polli, D. Pradelli, M. Papa, R. Rizzi, M. Bagardi, C. Bussadori), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32716943/

2. Source: Taurine deficiency in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy: 12 cases, (AJ Fascetti, JR Reed, QR Rogers, RC Backus), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14584743/

3. Source: Osteoarthritis. Joint anatomy, physiology, and pathobiology, (SA Johnston), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9243777/

4. Source: Review of dietary supplements for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs in studies from 2004 to 2014, (F. Comblain, S. Serisier, N. Barthelemy, M. Balligand, Y. Henrotin), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26205697/

5. Source: Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs, (JK Roush 1, CE Dodd, DA Fritsch, TA Allen, DE Jewell, WD Schoenherr, DC Richardson, PS Leventhal, KA Hahn), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20043800/

6. Source: The ACVD task force on canine atopic dermatitis (I): incidence and prevalence, (A. Hillier, CE Griffin), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11553375/

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