5 Most Common Health Problems for Adult Dogs

Whether you already have a dog or are thinking about adding a dog to your household, you need to be aware of the five most common health problems in dogs in America. This list is compiled annually by America's largest pet health care insurance agency, VPI. Be sure to choose a veterinarian before emergencies strike, not after. Keep the veterinarian's phone number in the car, in the home and near every phone, advises author and long-time dog breeder Liz Palika in "KISS Guide to Raising a Puppy" (DK Publishing; 2002.)

Ear Infections
Dogs get ear infections for many reasons, but the signs are the same. They include fruity or foul-smelling ears, shaking the head far more than usual, scratching the ears far more than usual, keeping the head tilted to one side, and a strange discharge from the ears.

Causes vary from a small object such as a grass seed stuck in the ear, parasites such as ear mites, and bacterial infections. Since ear mites are highly contagious to dogs and other pets like cats and ferrets, the affected dog needs isolation from other pets. Wash your hands after handling the dog before touching other pets.

Skin Allergies
This does not mean that the dog is allergic to its skin but that the dog is allergic to something else and the reactions show up on the skin. These signs include redness, hives, intense itchiness and bald spots. They may or may not be coupled with other signs of allergies such as problems breathing or restlessness.

Dogs exhibiting such signs need to see a vet as soon as possible. The vet may need both skin and hair samples and will need to physically examine the dog in order to help determine just what the dog is allergic to. Some of the most common allergies dog have include flea saliva, pollen, ragweed and particular foods such as soy or wheat.

Hot Spots
Also called acute moist dermatitis, hot spots are one of the most frustrating canine medical conditions to treat. Symptoms are similar to skin allergies, but far more intense. The dog may itch so intensely that he'll scratch the skin open. Hot spots can occur anywhere on the body.

There are numerous causes of hot spots, but all of them produce bacterial skin infections which causes such intense itchiness. Treatment focuses on relieving the itch and letting the skin heal. The dog may need antibiotics in order to treat skin ripped open.

Vomiting
There are far too many reasons why dogs vomit and often they do not need to see a vet. But always call a vet immediately if the dog is vomiting blood, worms, or what appears like coffee grounds. If the dog shows other symptoms like diarrhea, and if the dog has gotten into any toxins such as chocolate or human medications, call a vet.

Diarrhea
Like vomiting, there are many reasons why dogs develop diarrhea. If the stool is bloody or accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting or uncontrollable trembling, call a vet immediately.

References
VPI Pet Insurance. "Top 10 Pet Medical Conditions of 2010." February 22, 2011.
http://press.petinsurance.com/pressroom/02222011Pet_Conditions_2010.aspx
Dog Channel. "Top 10 Reasons Why Pets Are Taken to a Vet." June 18, 2008.
http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-news/top-10-reasons-why-pets-are-taken-to-vet.aspx
WebMD. "6 Most Common Dog Health Problems."
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/6-most-common-dog-health-problems
"KISS Guide to Raising a Puppy." Liz Palika. DK Publishing; 2002.