If you've just adopted a dog or are still thinking about it, you've probably already read up on all the possible information and responsibilities that will come your way. Unfortunately, this also includes health problems that are common among dogs. In this article we will introduce you to some of the most common health problems that can affect dogs throughout their lives and what you can do to prevent them.
Dental problems (periodontal disease) 
Because dogs don't brush their teeth three times a day, diseases such as tartar and periodontal disease, an inflammatory disease of the gums that can ultimately lead to tooth loss and other ailments, are also part of the equation. Symptoms of gum disease include bad breath, bleeding gums and pain, which can also affect your dog's eating habits - and can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. Because dogs are at such a high risk of dental disease, veterinarians often recommend regular dental cleanings. You can also brush your dog's teeth yourself with a special dog toothpaste.
skin and coat problems
Some dogs are more sensitive than others or already suffer from pre-existing conditions and therefore need more coat and skin care than others. If your dog's coat suddenly appears dull and your furry nose keeps scratching itself in a certain spot, this could indicate that he is suffering from a rash. These can either occur alone or be a side effect of other diseases and should therefore be treated differently. However, if you want to support your dog's skin and coat independently of this, you can make sure, for example, that he gets enough vitamins and zinc in his food to support your four-legged friend's skin and hair growth in a natural way.
Parasites (worms, mites, ticks)
Dogs love to explore their surroundings and, unlike us humans, are not careful to avoid small creepy-crawlies. In general, a distinction can be made between endoparasites and ectoparasites. The former infect the dog's internal organs such as worms, while the latter concentrate on the skin of their hosts such as fleas or mites. If you already own a dog, you know that you should deworm your four-legged friend on a quarterly basis to rid them of any possible worms. If you also want to protect your dog from the outside, you should brush it daily, especially in summer, and check it for ticks or other crawling animals. If you are concerned that your dog has contracted parasites, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible for treatment.
Allergies (environmental allergies)
Unfortunately, hay fever and allergies to house dust and other environmental influences also affect our four-legged friends and cause unexpected symptoms. If you notice that your dog is frequently suffering from conjunctivitis and ear infections, is constantly scratching certain spots and is having breathing problems, you should definitely contact your veterinarian. Allergy testing is now also a common procedure for dogs and can provide a lot of information about symptoms that may have previously been a mystery to you. If your four-legged friend is diagnosed with an allergy, it can be treated with tablets and other medication. Depending on the allergy (pollen, house dust, etc.), it is advisable to dust, brush and wash your dog more often after you have taken him for a walk.
conjunctivitis
Unfortunately, eye problems such as conjunctivitis are not uncommon for our beloved four-legged friends. When your dog is playing with other dogs or exploring its surroundings, it's easy to get dust, germs, or other foreign objects in its eyes, causing an infection. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include eye discharge, red conjunctiva, and swelling around the eyes. The good thing is that conjunctivitis is easily treated with ointments or other medications. However, if your dog has certain allergies or other pre-existing conditions, he may be more prone to recurrent conjunctivitis.
Prevention is better than aftercare
As pet parents, we have often found that prevention is essential when it comes to the health of our pets. While all of these diseases may sound scary, it's important that you know about them and can identify them early - and ideally, even prevent them.
If you want to know more about the life and health of dogs, feel free to read more blogs and subscribe to our newsletter so you don't miss anything.
