Dog diseases are just as serious as human diseases. They can be more problematic because dogs can’t communicate where it hurts. They can’t tell us when something has changed or when they feel better.
Most canine cancers and degenerative diseases are similar to those in humans, while many of their infectious diseases are species-specific. Like other domestic animals, dogs are at risk for various infectious and genetic diseases, but many can be prevented through screening, vaccination, and proper care.
The first sign of health deterioration in a dog is a change in behavior. A dog may appear depressed, withdrawn, and less active than usual. Its appetite may vary, sometimes improving and sometimes worsening. Generally, a healthy dog is active, lively, interested, hydrated, eating, drinking, defecating, urinating normally, free of lumps and hair loss, and in normal body condition. If symptoms appear, a veterinary examination should be conducted immediately and regularly every six months if no symptoms are present.
We aim to describe as many dog diseases as possible to help owners keep their pets healthy!