Pet First Aid Wiki

Category: Dogs Health Problems

Ensuring your dog’s health and well-being requires understanding common health problems, recognising early symptoms, and implementing effective preventive care. This guide covers key areas of canine health, including ear, eye, respiratory, and gastrointestinal issues.

Common Ear Problems in Dogs

Ear infections and irritations are frequent in dogs, often caused by bacteria, yeast, allergies, or parasites. Signs of ear problems include:

Scratching or rubbing the ears
Redness, swelling, or discharge
Unusual odour from the ears
Frequent head-shaking

Regular ear cleaning and routine veterinary check-ups help prevent infections. Read our full guide on Common Ear Problems in Dogs.

Eye Problems in Dogs

Dogs can develop eye conditions due to injury, infections, or underlying health issues. Common symptoms include:

Red, swollen, or irritated eyes
Watery or thick discharge
Cloudiness or visible third eyelid
Frequent blinking or squinting

Early detection and veterinary care are key to preventing complications. Learn more in our Eye Problems in Dogs guide.

Respiratory Issues in Dogs

Respiratory conditions in dogs can result from infections, allergies, or anatomical abnormalities. Signs of respiratory distress include:

Persistent coughing
Laboured breathing
Wheezing or nasal discharge
Lethargy and reduced activity levels

Minimising exposure to pollutants and allergens can help maintain respiratory health. Read our full article on Common Respiratory Problems in Dogs.

Gastrointestinal Problems in Dogs

Digestive issues in dogs can range from mild discomfort to serious conditions requiring urgent care. Symptoms include:

Vomiting and diarrhoea
Loss of appetite
Abdominal bloating or discomfort
Constipation or difficulty passing stool

A healthy diet, hydration, and regular vet visits can prevent many gastrointestinal problems. Learn more in our article on Gastrointestinal Problems in Dogs.

Preventive Care for Dogs

Maintaining good health involves proactive care and early intervention. Key preventive measures include:

Routine veterinary check-ups
Regular vaccinations and parasite control
A balanced diet suited to your dog’s breed and age
Consistent exercise and mental stimulation
Monitoring for any changes in behaviour or appearance

By following these steps, you can help your dog live a long and healthy life.

Further Resources

Expand your knowledge of canine health and first aid with these resources:

/Dogs Health Problems /

Common Ear Problems in Dogs

Understanding and Managing Ear Problems in Dogs Ear problems in dogs are common and can arise from a variety of causes, such as infections, allergies, or parasites. By learning to recognise the symptoms and understanding the underlying causes, you can take steps to ensure your dog receives the best care. Symptoms of Ear Problems in […]

Eye Problems in Dogs

Eye Problems in Dogs: Understanding and Managing Them Eye problems in dogs can result from a variety of causes, including injuries, infections, or underlying health conditions. Identifying the symptoms early and understanding the potential causes can ensure your dog receives timely and effective treatment. Symptoms of Eye Issues in Dogs Look out for these common […]

Common Respiratory Problems in Dogs

Common Respiratory Problems in Dogs: Understanding and Managing Them Common respiratory problems in dogs can stem from a variety of causes, including infections, allergies, and anatomical abnormalities. Recognising the symptoms early and understanding the potential causes can help ensure your dog receives timely treatment and care. Symptoms of Respiratory Problems in Dogs Watch for these […]

Gastrointestinal Problems in Dogs

Gastrointestinal Problems in Dogs Gastrointestinal (GI) problems in dogs can range from mild to severe, significantly impacting their overall health and well-being. As a pet owner, recognising the signs of digestive issues and addressing them promptly is essential. Common Gastrointestinal Problems in Dogs 1. Vomiting Vomiting in dogs can occur for various reasons, including: Dietary […]

Bones and Consequences of Fractures and Disease

Bones are vital components of the human body, providing structure, support, and protection to various organs and tissues. They play several essential roles, including: Support: Bones act as the framework for the body, supporting its weight and shape. Protection: Bones protect vital organs, such as the skull, shielding the brain and the ribcage protecting the […]

Anal Glands in Dogs: Function, Issues, and Treatment

Anal glands, also known as anal sacs, are small, pea-sized glands located on either side of a dog’s anus, typically at the 4 and 8 o’clock positions. These glands secrete a pungent, oily substance that helps lubricate the anal canal during defecation and serves as a scent marker for communication with other dogs. Function and […]

Recognising Dehydration in your dog and Its Consequences

Hydration is essential for dogs, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining their overall health and well-being. Water helps regulate body temperature, aids digestion, supports nutrient absorption, lubricates joints, and facilitates waste elimination. Inadequate hydration can lead to serious health problems and, in extreme cases, even death. Signs of Dehydration in Dogs Pet owners […]

Why should you exercise your dog

As pet owners, we all love spending time with our furry friends, whether it’s snuggling up with them on the couch, playing games or taking them on walks. But when it comes to keeping our dogs healthy, exercise is one of the most important things we can do for them. In this blog post, we’ll […]

Eating faeces

Some animals will come in to see us because they will have been eating their own or other dogs’ faeces. This is called coprophagia and it can be quite common in young animals. It is normally because they are quite curious and just trying out whatever is out there. It can be an indication of […]

Choking causes

In 15 years of being a vet, I have only ever seen four cases of choking, three of the tennis balls and one of the foodstuffs that got stuck down the oesophagus of a working dog. Three of them, I have managed to clear. Sadly, one of them the tennis ball was so blocked that […]