Dog Diseases

This section details many of the dog diseases and conditions which frequently affect dogs and dog health. Please click on the links below for additional information about individual diseases, including the cause of the disease, symptoms of the disease, diagnosis of the disease, treatment of the disease, and preventive measures which are recommended in dealing with the disease.

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Abscesses result from wounds which become infected with bacteria.

Allergic Dermatitis a common skin disease in dogs and can cause your dog to become very uncomfortable. Itchiness can lead to severe skin lesions which are painful for your dog and ugly to look at.

Anal Gland Disease is a common condition. Scooting the rump across the floor may be the first indication you see of anal gland disease in your dog.

Arthritis is a common disease in older dogs and can result in painful joints which may cause your dog to have difficulty running, jumping, or going up and down stairs. Arthritis may also cause your dog to become much less active than normal.
Atopy is a skin disorder also known as atopic dermatitis or allergic inhalant dermatitis. It is caused by an allergic reaction to substances in your dog's environment which are inhaled or absorbed through your dog's skin.

Bladder Stones in dogs usually occur in the urinary bladder. They can range in size from very small, like grains of sand, to quite large, sometimes as large as your fist. They tend to cause difficult and sometimes painful urination, and can often result in blood in your dog's urine.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is a common disease in older dogs. It is the result of abnormal changes within the brain and the symptoms are not, as commonly thought, simply the result of "old age". It is estimated that almost 1/2 of all dogs over the age of 8 years exhibit at least one sign of cognitive dysfunction.
Canine Distemper Virus is a contagious disease of dogs which is frequently fatal, especially in young dogs. Vaccination against canine distemper is an important part of routine dog health care and your dog should be vaccinated regularly for canine distemper virus.

Canine Tracheobronchitis / Kennel Cough is frequently called "kennel cough" because it is easily spread in kennel situations, such as those found in boarding facilities, animal shelters, and pet stores. It is characterized by a deep-throated, "honking" type of cough.

Cataracts are common in older dogs, but can occur in younger dogs as well. When severe, cataracts can cause blindness.

Cherry Eye (Third Eyelid Gland Eversion) results in ugly, reddish-colored "lump" at the corner of your dog's eye. Your dog's vision is not usually affected, but many people find the "cherry eye" unsightly.

Coccidiosis is one of the causes of protozoan diarrhea (diarrhea caused by small one-celled organisms known as "protozoa"). It is common in young dogs and frequently seen in animals adopted from shelters and pet shops.

Congestive Heart Failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively enough to maintain normal body functions. Common symptoms are coughing, difficulty breathing, and tiring easily. Sometimes a bloated belly will be seen.

Conjunctivitis is redness and inflammation affecting the pink tissues surrounding the eyeball. Conjunctivitis has many causes and basically anything that irritates the area can be responsible. These causes may be allergies, infections, or foreign objects such as dust or hair.
Constipation occurs when a dog has difficulty moving the bowels, and the feces are usually very hard and often very dry.

Corneal Injuries are injuries to the front part of the eyeball itself. They can be extremely painful for your dog and, especially if not treated quickly, can result in permanent damage to your dog's vision.
Cruciate Knee Injuries result from injury to the ligaments supporting your dog's knee joint. They are especially common in over-weight dogs. Cruciate knee injuries result in a sore leg and your dog will usually limp on the leg because of the pain.
Cushing's Disease is a disease of the adrenal gland of the dog. Excessive adrenal gland secretions may cause your dog to have a poor hair coat, hair loss, an enlarged belly, excessive thirst, excessive urination and/or an excessive appetite. Cushing's disease is also called "hyperadrenocorticism".

Cystitis is inflammation in your dog's urinary bladder. Cystitis may cause your dog to urinate more frequently than normal. Urinating may be painful for your dog and your dog may strain when urinating. You may also see blood in your dog's urine.
Demodectic Mange is a skin disease caused by a mite (a specific type of insect). It is especially common in puppies, but can occur in older dogs as well. It causes hair loss and itchiness.
Dental Disease is common in dogs and can result in a painful mouth for your dog. Your dog may even lose some of the teeth as a result. Regular dental care is an important part of a routine dog health care program.
Diabetes is caused by a deficiency of insulin, which causes increased levels of glucose (sugar) in your dog's blood stream. Symptoms vary, but often the first sign noticed is excessive thirst and excessive urination. If untreated, diabetes can become life-threatening.

Disk Disease (Intervertebral) is sometimes referred to as a "slipped disk". It is a painful back condition, which can cause symptoms varying from pain in the limbs, back or neck to paralysis.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle which affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. It is common in certain breeds of dogs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, labored breathing, coughing, tiring easily, bloated belly, puffy or swollen legs, lethargy, and/or weight loss.

Ear Hematoma is a blood-filled area of swelling between the cartilage and skin of the ear. The most common cause are ear infections which result in your dog shaking the head excessively, although there are other potential causes also.
Ear Mites are parasites (insects) which live primarily inside the ear canal and cause your dog's ears to be itchy and uncomfortable.
Ehrlichiosis is a disease spread through the bite of an infected tick. It can be a serious, even life-threatening disease for your dog. People are also susceptible to being infected with ehrlichiosis. Though you can't get the disease directly from your dog, it is possible for your dog to bring infected ticks into your home. For this reason, using products which help prevent your pet from picking up ticks is an important part of routine dog health care. Checking your dog's skin on a regular basis for ticks is also recommended as part of a routine dog health care program. These simple tasks can help protect both you and your dog from disease.
Epilepsy is a disease which causes seizures. Seizures can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. It is important for any dog experiencing a seizure to be examined by his/her veterinarian, even if recovery seems complete within a few moments after the seizure.

External Parasites include insects such as fleas and ticks. These pests frequently infect dogs and can make your dog very uncomfortable. They can also carry other types of diseases which can cause serious health issues for your dog.

Gastric Dilatation/Volvulus (GDV) is a serious, frequently fatal disease resulting from a bloated stomach. In some cases, the stomach can even twist within the belly. If you suspect your dog has a bloated stomach, you must seek veterinary care for your dog immediately in order to save your dog's life.
Heartworm Disease is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. Though it is more common in some areas than others, it has been diagnosed in every state within the US. Heartworm disease is easily prevented with medications which are safe and easy to give. Regular screening of your dog's blood for heartworms and preventive heartworm medications should be part of your routine dog health care program.
Hip Dysplasia is a deformity within the hip joints. It is inherited from your dog's parents. Early in life, it can sometimes cause abnormal gaits and pain for your dog. As your dog ages, the deformity within the hip joints causes arthritis to form in your dog's hips, resulting in pain and discomfort.

Hypothyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland in which the gland does not secrete sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. One of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism is hair loss and/or other abnormalities within the hair coat. It is also frequently associated with obesity in dogs.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a disease affecting the stomach and/or intestinal tract of your dog. It can result in both vomiting and diarrhea and is usually chronic in nature. It can be a difficult disease to diagnose.
Intestinal Parasites include worms and other parasites which live inside your dog's intestines. They frequently cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes weight loss (or the inability to gain weight properly). Regular examinations of your dog's feces should be performed by your dog's veterinarian. These fecal examinations are performed under a microscope and should be part of any routine dog health care program.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) is also sometimes called "dry eye". It results from a lack of tear production within the eye. It causes excess mucous accumulation in the corner of the eyes and reddened eyes. The front part of the eye may appear dull and dry. Your dog may also squint and rub at the eyes.

Kidney Disease is common, especially in older dogs. Symptoms may include increased thirst, increased urination, lack of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or a poor hair coat. Blood screens and urine tests can usually detect kidney disease.
Leptospirosis causes kidney and liver disease and can be quite serious, even life-threatening. It is spread through contact with infected animals or contact with infected body fluids, such as urine. Rodents, such as rats and mice, are frequent carriers of the disease and your dog can become infected through contact with these rodents or their urine.

Lyme Disease is transmitted to dogs (and people) through the bite of an infected tick. The most common symptom of Lyme disease in dogs is lameness, which sometimes changes from one leg to another. Kidney disease is also possible.
Mammary Tumors are tumors located within the mammary gland. A large percentage of these tumors are malignant (cancerous), although some are benign (not cancerous). Spaying at an early age can significantly decrease your dog's chances of developing mammary tumors later in life and is one of the major health benefits of spaying your dog at a young age.
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms of pancreatitis may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and intense pain in the belly. Bloating of the belly may also be seen.
Panosteitis is a disease of the bones affecting primarily young, large breed dogs. It causes pain and lameness.
Parvovirus is a severe intestinal disease which causes bloody diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite and dehydration. There is also a form of the disease which affects the heart. It is frequently fatal, especially in young dogs. Vaccination against parvovirus is an essential part of any routine dog health care program.
Mastitis/Metritis/Aglactia is a series of diseases affecting the uterus, mammary glands, and milk of nursing mothers. The uterine infection and infection within the mammary glands can make the nursing mother very ill. The infection in the milk can make the puppies extremely ill and even cause them to be unable to nurse.
Obesity is one of the most common problems seen in dogs. Being over-weight predisposes your dog to numerous health problems which may be avoided by keeping your dog at the proper weight.
Otitis is an inflammation within the ear canal. There are many different causes of otitis, but symptoms include shaking the head, scratching at the ears, and a discharge or odor from the ears.
Patellar Luxation occurs when the kneecap "pops" out of place. It causes pain and lameness.

Prostate Gland Disease occurs in male dogs and is much more common in intact males (males which are not neutered). There are many causes of disease and symptoms include difficulty urinating, bloody urine, difficulty moving the bowels, pain in the rear-quarters, a "hunched-up" appearance, and/or a discharge of blood or pus from the penis.
Protozoan Diarrhea is a complex of diseases causes by small, one-celled organisms called "protozoa". The most common symptom is diarrhea. Puppies are frequently affected and may become dehydrated easily.
Pyoderma is a bacterial infection in the skin. It can make your dog very uncomfortable and very ill. It is usually the result of damaged skin and is frequently seen secondary to other types of skin disease, such as allergies, atopy, mange, etc.
Pyometra is a uterine infection which occurs in intact female dogs (female dogs which have not been spayed). It usually occurs shortly after a heat cycle. It is a serious disease which can be fatal to your dog. Because spayed females cannot develop pyometra, it is recommended that any female dog not used for breeding purposes be spayed as part of a routine preventive dog health care program.

Rabies is a disease which is contagious not only to dogs, but also to cats, people and many other mammals. Vaccination against rabies should be part of any routine dog health care program. Because of the threat to people, it is usually also required by law for your dog.
Ringworm is a fungal disease which affects the skin of affected dogs and causes hair loss, a skin rash, and itchiness. It is contagious to people and you can get ringworm from your dog.

Scabies is a skin disease which is caused by a mite which lives on your dog's skin. Scabies will make your dog very itchy. It is also contagious to people.
Seborrhea is characterized by excessive accumulation of oil on the skin. It is a common skin disease of dogs and there are two forms of the disease: a dry form and an oily form.
Tapeworms are intestinal parasites. They are very common and often diagnosed by seeing tapeworm "segments", which may look like small grains of rice, around your dog's rectum or in the feces. Fleas are the most common means of transmission, although hunting can play a role as well. Effective flea control and restricting hunting activities are necessary to prevent your dog from getting tapeworms.
Tracheal Collapse is a condition common to smaller breeds of dogs. It occurs when the "windpipe" collapses on itself and causes coughing. The cough is often described as a "goose-like honk".
Urinary Incontinence is frequently seen in older dogs, especially older spayed females. Because of a lack of control over the bladder, your dog may leak urine when sleeping or dribble urine. Your dog will often be unaware of this leaking or dribbling.
Von Willebrand's Disease is an inherited disorder which causes your dog to bleed easily. A deficiency of a specific factor in the blood makes it impossible for the platelets, which are responsible for the normal clotting of the blood, to perform properly. When blood is unable to clot properly, excessive bleeding results.