Being yelping, yipping, groaning and growling creatures, our canine companions are seldom capable of letting us know how they feel. This is particularly true when it comes to illnesses. We can inform other people when we feel the onset of a stomach ache or high temperature. Dogs can’t, and it can be challenging to identify when something is wrong.

Most diseases, including those that your pup may suffer from, start with less noticeable symptoms before becoming easily visible. But we know that prevention is better than cure, especially when the latter involves a hefty vet bill. That’s why it pays to be aware of the main health problems and their causes.

In doing so, you can eliminate the risk of having to deal with them in the first place. With this in mind, here are 6 common dog diseases that you can prevent.

Gastric Torsion

If your pooch has a penchant for wolfing down their food, they may be at risk of gastric torsion. Also known as bloat, gastric torsion is characterised by a ballooned stomach, which can lead to further complications if their stomach turns. This makes it difficult for acidic fluids to escape, stopping your dog from being able to belch or vomit.

Fortunately, the symptoms are quite noticeable and include:

• Restlessness

• Salivation

• Oversized stomach

• Retching and struggling to vomit

While gastric torsion can affect dogs of any age, certain breeds are more prone to bloat than others. This includes large breeds with deep chests like German shepherds, Great Danes and Labrador retrievers. As for smaller dogs, those with longer chests such as dachshunds and basset hounds are the most susceptible.

Try to have your dog eat at a steadier pace. Putting food into toys can help, as will using a food bowl with a timed-release mechanism. Both options have the added benefit of making eating more stimulating, so it’s a win-win.

Parvo

The canine parvovirus is usually prevented by a vaccine given to dogs when they’re young. Parvo affects the heart and intestines, with low chances of survival. Those that don’t get the vaccine are typically puppies that grow up in shelters or breeding facilities. Coming into contact with an infected dog’s stool can also cause it to be transmitted.

Here are the main symptoms:

• Weight loss

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Lethargy

Depending on age and the severity of the virus, some dogs may survive the virus. Swift medical treatment is key. If you’re unsure about whether your pup has received the vaccination, getting it now is a good idea.

Kidney Disease

Commonly known as renal failure, kidney disease is particularly prevalent among senior dogs. It develops slower than other diseases and can arise as a result of complications with certain treatments or other conditions. Unfortunately, kidney disease is typically chronic, which means it will develop over the course of a dog’s lifetime.

The most at-risk dogs are those that are genetically predisposed to it. One cause that’s more easily preventable is dental disease, which can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs in its later stages. That’s why every owner should take some time each week to keep their pup’s teeth clean with regular brushing and chew toys.

Acute kidney disease is another preventable condition worth noting. It has the same causes in addition to poisoning. Symptoms are sudden and severe, including:

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Changes in eating and drinking habits

• Changes in the amount of urination

Avoiding acute kidney disease is largely a matter of keeping toxic substances away from your dog. This includes human medications and antifreeze, which some dogs tend to have an unfortunate liking for.

Pancreatitis

This increasingly common health problem is still relatively misunderstood. Pancreatitis occurs in the small organ that gives it its name. The pancreas contains live enzymes that are essential to proper digestive system function. The inflammatory condition can be chronic or acute, with the following symptoms being the most noticeable:

• Loss of appetite

• Difficulty breathing

• Dehydration

• Pain and discomfort

A primary cause of pancreatitis in dogs is the starch-heavy contents of processed foods like kibble. Our canine companions aren’t designed to digest all the carbohydrates, which puts stress on their organs and damages the pancreas. This is only worsened by the rancid fats and additives that commercial feeds are filled with.

Switching to a natural diet comprised of raw foods is one of the most effective solutions. To learn more, you can read about pancreatitis in dogs on the Bella and Duke blog. They’re a raw dog food subscription service that offers pre-made meals based on the ideal diet for your specific dog. Free delivery to your door makes it an even more convenient option.

Heartworm Disease

Despite preventative medications being fairly affordable, most owners end up paying for costly and painful treatment when their dog experiences heartworm disease. The scary part is that it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito. Dogs that live in endemic areas are particularly prone to being infected.

As a recent study found, the disease is a growing threat in the UK, which is why it’s better to take the safe route and pick up some medication to ensure your dog never has to deal with heartworm. You can find treatments in the form of pills, creams and injections. Many of them even reduce the risk of other types of worms so there’s less to worry about.

Lyme Disease

Another easily preventable disease, this tick-borne condition comes from deer ticks that have fed from your dog for more than 17 hours. Lyme disease is one of the most widespread illnesses that originate from ticks. If not identified soon enough, it can lead to costly kidney problems and eventually organ failure.

Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics and will usually exit the system within one month. Staying away from areas such as fields and checking for the presence of ticks on your dog’s skin will go a long way in reducing their risk. That said, the most reliable solution is to get a preventative medication.

Not only do they stave off Lyme disease, but also a number of other tick-borne illnesses. From wearable collars to topical medications, there are many great options here. Just keep in mind that their effectiveness can reduce over time, especially if exposed to water. Year-round prevention is the way forward.

Other Diseases

The diseases mentioned above should be at the front of your mind when it comes to taking all the necessary preventative measures. Make sure that your dog is also safe from chocolate poisoning, which is characterised by seizures, vomiting and an irregular heartbeat. Fungal diseases transmitted by airborne spores are another potential risk.

You can also add kennel cough and certain types of cancers to the list. A bit of research can help you determine how to prevent these diseases. In most cases, ensuring that your pup maintains a healthy lifestyle and stays away from dangerous areas is all it takes.

Remember that keeping your pup healthy isn’t all that different from maintaining your own wellbeing. Proper diet, enough exercise and plenty of love for better mental health are the keys to success. Have those areas covered and you’ll eliminate a myriad of potential problems from the get-go.