Wondering, “What are the most common dog health problems I should watch out for?” In this article, we discuss 15 of the most common dog health problems, how to spot them, and what to do if you think your dog might be showing signs of a health issue. Please note that this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical concerns.
What Do I Do If I Think My Dog Has a Health Problem?
As your furry friend’s closest person, it’s natural for you to be tuned into their moods, behavior and daily activities. If something seems off, don’t panic – remember, they can sense your anxiety and this can make them nervous too! It’s always best to err on the side of caution when facing potential dog health problems; if in doubt, consult your vet as soon as possible. You’re doing the right thing by getting your pup checked out, even if it turns out that they just had a bad day, or didn’t like that particular new chew you were trying out.
Table of Contents: Common Dog Health Problems & How To Treat Them
- Lethargy & Ongoing Exhaustion – Why Is My Dog Always Tired
- Asthma in Dogs – Does My Dog Have Asthma, and How To Treat It
- Diabetes In Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
- Epilepsy in Dogs – The Most Common Chronic Neurological Disorder
- Arthritis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Help
- Dog Luxating Patella: Causes, Signs & Treatment Options
- Cancer in Dogs: Early Warning Signs
- Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
- Sight & Hearing Loss in Dogs
- Conclusion: Common Dog Health Problems & What to Do
Lethargy & Ongoing Exhaustion – Why Is My Dog Always Tired
Your pup’s tiredness can be normal, or it might signal something more serious. Dogs, like us, slow down for lots of reasons. Age is a big one – puppies need lots of sleep to grow, while senior dogs often rest more to cope with stiff joints. External factors matter, too: hot or cold weather, long walks, or even meds (like heartworm or flea treatments) can leave your dog dozing more than usual.
If your once-lively buddy suddenly seems uninterested in meals, playtime, or walks, it may be a sign of a health problem, such as stomach upset, infection, pain, or even emotional distress, like sadness or boredom, following significant life changes.
So what can you do? First, monitor for other red flags, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and unusual lethargy. Don’t wait: if your dog shows signs of illness, call your veterinarian immediately.
For everyday tiredness, you can support your dog with balanced nutrition, daily mental and physical stimulation, and safe play. Keep your home pup-friendly and give extra TLC if you suspect emotional fatigue. With some simple lifestyle tweaks and advice from your vet, you’ll be helping your canine companion feel their best again.
Asthma in Dogs – Does My Dog Have Asthma, and How To Treat It
Just like humans, dogs can get asthma. It’s caused by inflammation in the lungs triggered by allergens like pollen, smoke, dust, mould or even scented sprays.
More common in smaller breeds and middle-aged pups, asthma symptoms in dogs include wheezing, excessive panting, coughing, lethargy, and even mucus build-up. During a severe asthma attack, a dog’s lips and gums may turn blue, a sign that oxygen isn’t circulating properly, and this needs emergency vet attention. Staying calm, creating a cool, well-ventilated environment, and using prescribed medication as directed can help keep your pup safe during an episode.
If you suspect your furry friend has asthma, take them to the vet promptly. A diagnosis may involve bloodwork, x-rays, or ruling out conditions like heartworm. Treatment might include bronchodilators, antihistamines, steroids, or even a special dog inhaler (yes, really!).
Living with an asthmatic dog is absolutely doable – keep their environment clean and allergen-free, avoid smoking or strong scents indoors, and consider an air purifier. Bathing and wiping them regularly helps, too. With the right care and support, your pup can breathe easy and live a full, tail-wagging life.
Diabetes In Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Just like humans, dogs can develop diabetes, specifically diabetes mellitus, when their pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or their cells stop responding to it. This mostly affects middle-aged to older pups, often around 7–10 years old, with female and overweight dogs at higher risk. Genetics can also play a role; certain breeds like Beagles, Dachshunds, and Pugs may be more prone.
If your dog has diabetes, you might notice signs like excessive thirst and urination, sudden weight loss despite a healthy appetite, lethargy, recurring infections, cloudy eyes (from cataracts), and even sweet or fruity-smelling breath from ketones.
Left untreated, high glucose can lead to serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis, neuropathy, and organ damage, but early detection makes all the difference. The good news? With proper veterinary care, diabetic dogs can enjoy happy, well-managed lives. Diagnosis usually involves blood and urine tests, sometimes with glucose curves or fructosamine checks to confirm long-term control.
Treatment centers on twice-daily insulin injections and consistent, balanced meals, ideally formulated for slow-release energy, and regular at-home blood glucose monitoring using pet-specific meters . You can also help by ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight, monitoring them for complications like cataracts or neuropathy, and keeping up with vet checkups. With the right routine, your four-legged friend can thrive, and that’s pawsome news!
Epilepsy in Dogs – The Most Common Chronic Neurological Disorder
Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder in dogs, affecting about 0.75% of pups, and it’s typically lifelong. It causes recurring seizures, which range from subtle muscle twitches (focal seizures) to full-body convulsions and loss of consciousness (generalized seizures).
Seizures are the result of sudden, irregular electrical activity in the brain and often begin without warning. A single seizure might last less than a minute, but prolonged episodes (over 5 minutes) or multiple fits close together, called cluster seizures, are emergencies requiring immediate veterinary care. It’s wise to keep a detailed seizure diary (time, duration, movements) to help your vet diagnose and tailor treatment.
Although there’s no cure, epilepsy is typically manageable. Vets diagnose it by ruling out other causes through exams, blood tests, and sometimes MRI or CT scans. Treatment usually involves anticonvulsant medications, like phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam, or imepitoin, to reduce seizure frequency and intensity. These meds are often lifelong and require regular bloodwork to ensure safety and dosage accuracy . Some pups may benefit from dietary support, such as MCT-enriched meals, to help maintain seizure control. With vigilant monitoring, medication consistency, and prompt response to seizures, many dogs with epilepsy go on to live comfortable, fulfilling lives.
Arthritis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Help
Arthritis in dogs, especially osteoarthritis, is an incredibly common dog health problem, affecting about one in five pups. Dog Arthritis develops when the joint tissues (like cartilage and fluid) gradually break down and become inflamed. While ageing is the main culprit, other factors like obesity, genetic joint conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia or loose kneecaps), injuries, and breed-specific conformation issues all contribute to the wear and tear.
Symptoms tend to be subtle at first, stiffness after resting, slower on stairs or walks, difficulty jumping, limping, or decreased interest in play, so noticing these early is key. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to help. Managing weight is vital, less strain on joints means less inflammation. Pair that with gentle exercise like swimming or slow walks to build supportive muscle.
At home, supportive measures like orthopedic beds, non-slip surfaces, ramps, and warm resting areas make daily life easier. Your vet can also recommend anti-inflammatory meds (like NSAIDs), physical rehab, or even surgery in severe cases. With early intervention and a thoughtful care plan, many dogs stay comfortable and spirited into their golden years.
Dog Luxating Patella: Causes, Signs & Treatment Options
Luxating patella, also known as a “trick knee”, happens when a dog’s kneecap shifts out of its normal groove in the thigh bone, especially when the knee bends. This condition affects around 1.3% of dogs and is most common in small breeds like Chihuahuas, French bulldogs, and Yorkshire terriers due to genetics or developmental quirks. Symptoms vary, from occasional “skipping” gaits (lifting one leg for a few steps) to persistent limp or stiffness. Vets classify the issue into 4 grades. Lower grades may cause minimal problems, but higher grades can harm cartilage, trigger arthritis, or lead to unstable joints and pain.
Good news: many cases don’t require surgery. For mild cases (Grades I–II), managing weight, controlled exercise, and physiotherapy can keep joints healthy and pain-free. Hydrotherapy and muscle-building support are especially helpful. But for more severe Grades III–IV, or if your dog is limping regularly, surgical correction is often the best route. These procedures typically realign muscles and bones, deepen the knee groove, and tighten joint tissues to hold the kneecap in place. Recovery involves rest, possible physical therapy, and eventually a return to normal activity levels, helping many dogs regain comfort and mobility. Working closely with your vet lets you pick the right path, so your pup can stay active and joyful.
Cancer in Dogs: Early Warning Signs
Cancer is the most common cause of death in older dogs, nearly half of pups over age 10 will develop it. Early signs aren’t always obvious: you might notice swellings or lumps that don’t go away, persistent sores, unusual discharges, or even foul breath. Subtle symptoms include loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, increased lethargy, difficulty breathing or urinating, and sudden limping, things most pet parents might chalk up to “getting old”. Staying vigilant about these changes, especially in large or older breeds, can lead to earlier diagnoses when treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or focused palliative care are most effective.
If you do spot one of these warning signs, don’t wait – contact your veterinarian. They’ll likely recommend exams like physical check-ups, imaging (X-rays or ultrasound), and possibly needle‑aspirates or biopsies to identify abnormal growths and check for metastasis.
While treatments can vary from removing a tumor to managing symptoms, prompt veterinary intervention not only improves treatment options but also supports your pup’s comfort and quality of life. Regular health screenings and yearly check-ups are key – early detection can make all the difference in helping your four‑legged friend stay healthy and happy.
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Hip dysplasia is a common dog health problem that develops when a puppy’s hip joint, the “ball and socket”, doesn’t form properly, leading to joint looseness. Over time, this instability leads to abnormal wear and tear, inflammation, and ultimately, arthritis. It’s most often seen in large breeds, like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Great Danes, but smaller dogs can be affected too. Signs usually appear between 6 months and 2 years of age and include hindlimb limping, bunny-hopping, muscle loss around the thighs, stiffness after rest, trouble jumping or climbing stairs, and even a swaying gait.
Treatment depends on severity. For mild cases, managing body weight and undertaking low-impact exercise (like gentle walks or swimming) can help. If pain becomes persistent or mobility worsens, vets may recommend anti-inflammatory meds (NSAIDs) or surgical options, ranging from realignment procedures to full hip replacement in severe cases.
Preventing hip dysplasia starts before puppyhood: choose breeders who screen (using OFA or PennHIP evaluations), avoid rapid growth and obesity, delay neutering until joint maturity, and implement a balanced diet with appropriate exercise. With early detection and the right support, many dogs live well, with their discomfort under control.
Read More About Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Sight & Hearing Loss in Dogs
As dogs age, they may experience gradual vision and hearing loss, often due to natural aging processes. Signs of vision loss include bumping into objects, reluctance to navigate stairs or unfamiliar areas, and cloudy or red eyes. Dogs may also exhibit increased anxiety, confusion, or pawing at their face. Hearing loss symptoms include not responding to commands, excessive barking, or being easily startled. These changes can be subtle, so it’s essential to observe your dog’s behavior closely for any signs of sensory decline.
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian for a thorough examination. While some causes of sensory loss are irreversible, many can be managed with appropriate care. For vision loss, maintaining a consistent home environment and using tactile cues can help your dog adapt. For hearing loss, training with hand signals and ensuring your dog can see you when you approach can reduce anxiety. In both cases, early detection and intervention can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life.
Conclusion: Common Dog Health Problems & What to Do
Throughout your dog’s life, it is likely that they will experience a range of common dog health problems. Regular veterinary checkups are vital to ensure that any potential issues are picked up and addressed as soon as possible. Annual visits allow your vet to perform thorough physical exams, run important diagnostic tests, and catch early signs of common dog health problems before they become serious.
Whether you have an energetic puppy, an active adult dog, or a senior companion, these routine assessments help identify issues like arthritis, diabetes, sensory loss, or cancer early on – when treatment and management are most effective. Early diagnosis not only improves your dog’s quality of life but can also save on costly emergency care down the road.
Beyond vet visits, maintaining your dog’s wellbeing is a team effort that starts at home. Feeding balanced, age-appropriate nutrition, providing regular exercise tailored to your dog’s needs, and offering mental stimulation all support long-term health.
For seniors, extra attention to joint support, comfortable resting spaces, and environmental adaptations can make a big difference. Puppies benefit from socialization, vaccination schedules, and consistent training to set them up for a happy, healthy future. By staying proactive with both preventive care and daily lifestyle choices, you give your furry friend the best chance to thrive and enjoy many joyful years together.
