Taking care of man’s best friend is a priority for all dog owners. That’s evident in the amount people invest in their dogs over the course of their furry friends’ lifetimes. A 2023 study from MarketWatch Guides found that the lifetime cost to own a labrador retriever in the United States is $28,801, which shows the lengths dog owners will go to in an effort to ensure their pets’ health and happiness.
Preventive care is one way dog owners can protect their pets’ long-term health. Ensuring dogs stay up with their vaccinations and scheduling routine well visits are part of preventive care. Recognition of common conditions that affect dogs is another component of preventive care. Such knowledge increases the chances dog owners can spot issues before they escalate into something that can pose a threat to dogs’ long-term health. With that in mind, the ASPCA notes the following are common illnesses that affect dogs.
Diabetes: The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that diabetes occurs in female dogs twice as often as male dogs. In addition, the AVMA notes that certain breeds may be predisposed to the condition. Dog owners can speak to their veterinarian to see if their dog is predisposed. The ASPCA notes signs of diabetes in dogs include changes in appetite, excessive thirst/increase in water consumption, weight loss, lethargy, and cataract formation or blindness.
Cancer: The AVMA estimates that nearly half of all dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer. The ASPCA notes that hereditary and environmental factors can contribute to the development of cancer in dogs, so it’s important for dog owners to keep an eye out for symptoms of the disease. Such signs may include lumps, swelling, persistent sores, abnormal discharge from any part of the body, bad breath, and rapid, often unexplained weight loss. Sudden lameness, lethargy, stools that are black and tarry, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating are some additional symptoms of cancer in dogs.
Canine parovirus: The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University notes that canine parovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious viral disease. Unlike other conditions affecting dogs that tend to strike when dogs are older, CPV typically affects dogs between six and 20 weeks old, though it can affect mature dogs as well. Symptoms of CPV include lethargy, depression and loss or lack of appetite. The CVM notes that sudden onset of high fever, vomiting and diarrhea also are indicative of CPV infection. The ASPCA notes that CPV can be transmitted to people, animals or objects that come in contact with an infected dog’s feces.
Ringworm: Ringworm is caused by a fungus that can infect the skin, hair and nails of a dog. The ASPCA indicates ringworm is highly contagious and can be passed from dogs to humans. Skin lesions on the head, ears, paws, and forelimbs are some signs of ringworm in dogs. Patchy, crusted, circular bald spots that appear red in the center is another sign of ringworm, which will not necessarily produce any symptoms in dogs.
