Learn to identify and treat 7 common dog health problems
Common dog health problems are easily preventable or treatable if identified in time. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Feed your dog a healthy diet and make sure he gets plenty of exercise.
Use these tips to watch for common dog health problems and understand treatment options you can use to keep your pup happy and healthy.
For the latest science on helping your dog live longer, see our related article on the Dog Aging Project.
| ⚑ Most common dog health problem: Dental disease Periodontal (gum) disease is now recognized as the single most prevalent health problem in dogs. Studies from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and VCA Animal Hospitals show that more than 80% of dogs over age 3 have active dental disease — and most owners never notice it because the early signs are hidden below the gumline. Warning signs: bad breath, pawing at the mouth, dropping food, jaw chattering, or visible tartar. Prevention: daily tooth-brushing is the gold standard. Annual professional dental cleanings under anesthesia are also recommended. Left untreated, periodontal disease has been linked to heart, liver, and kidney problems. → Ask your vet for a dental check at every routine visit. |
Fleas and ticks
These blood-sucking parasites are prevalent and dangerous. Fleas and ticks weaken your dog’s immune system and can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.
After time outdoors — especially in wooded or grassy areas — check your dog’s neck, armpits, and between the toes. Use fine-tipped tweezers to pinch any tick close to the head, pull slowly and straight out, then swab the bite with alcohol or 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Prevention: The biggest shift in flea and tick prevention over the past few years is the rise of the isoxazoline class of oral and topical treatments. Products including NexGard (afoxolaner), Simparica Trio (sarolaner), Bravecto (fluralaner), and Credelio (lotilaner) are now the dominant vet-recommended options.
They work by over-stimulating the nervous system of fleas and ticks, killing them quickly — often before a tick can transmit disease.
The FDA considers isoxazoline products safe and effective for the majority of dogs. However, in September 2018, the FDA issued a class-wide notice that a small number of animals experienced neurologic side effects (muscle tremors, loss of coordination, or, rarely, seizures), particularly in those with a pre-existing history of neurological disease. Always discuss your dog’s full medical background with your vet before choosing a product.
Traditional topical options such as Frontline Plus (fipronil) and collar-based treatments (Seresto) remain available alternatives for dogs with contraindications to isoxazolines.
Diabetes
If your dog is unusually thirsty, urinates frequently, seems irritable, tires quickly, loses appetite, or is losing weight and vision, he may have diabetes.
Other warning signs include recurring infections or wounds that will not heal. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to help transport glucose from the bloodstream to the cells.
Consult your vet promptly. Management usually involves dietary adjustments and, in many cases, daily insulin injections. With proper care, diabetic dogs can live full, active lives.
Obesity
Obesity is one of the most common — and most preventable — dog health problems. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) 2022 prevalence survey found that 59% of dogs evaluated by veterinarians were classified as overweight or obese, a figure that has been consistent for several years.
A critical awareness gap: APOP’s 2024 opinion survey found that only 35% of dog owners recognized their pet as overweight or obese, despite clinical data indicating the true figure is far higher. Most owners rate their dog’s body condition as ideal when it is not.
Why it matters: Overweight dogs are at elevated risk for joint pain and arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, and certain cancers.
What you can do:
- Ask your vet to assess your dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS) at every visit
- Feed measured portions of an age- and size-appropriate diet rather than free-feeding
- Limit treats to no more than 10% of daily calories
- Ensure daily, age-appropriate exercise
Joint pain
Dogs — especially large and giant breeds — are prone to joint pain, arthritis, and ligament injuries. Warning signs include reluctance to play, climb stairs, or go for walks; yelping when a joint is touched; swelling or stiffness around joints.
One of the most common orthopedic injuries is rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), the canine equivalent of the human ACL. CCL tears almost always require surgery.
TPLO vs. lateral suture: Two surgical approaches are most widely used:
- Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) — a bone-cutting procedure that changes the mechanics of the stifle joint so it no longer relies on the CCL for stability. It is the preferred technique for medium, large, and active dogs, with most studies showing superior weight-bearing and return-to-function outcomes compared to lateral suture repair.
- Lateral suture (extracapsular) stabilization — a less invasive procedure, placing a synthetic suture outside the joint to mimic the CCL. Long-term data are more mixed; it is generally recommended for smaller, less active dogs or where cost or surgical access is a factor.
A 2019 evidence review in Veterinary Evidence concluded that TPLO results in superior limb function and owner satisfaction compared to lateral suture for most dogs. A 2023 long-term cohort study (Veterinary Record) found more nuanced results, underscoring that the best choice depends on your individual dog’s size, activity level, and surgeon experience. Your vet or a board-certified veterinary surgeon is best placed to advise you.
General joint support: weight management, controlled exercise, joint supplements (glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids), and, where appropriate, prescription anti-inflammatories can all help dogs with arthritis or mild joint pain.
Tooth abscess
Your dog may eat clumsily — tilting his head to one side, dropping food, or refusing to eat. Check inside his mouth for swelling and redness localized to the gums, which may indicate an abscess at the root of one or more teeth.
Other warning signs: abnormally bad breath, facial swelling, or an inflamed eye (an abscess on the upper fourth premolar can put pressure on the eye socket).
Diagnosis typically requires dental X-rays. Treatment involves antibiotics to control infection and — usually — extraction of the affected tooth. See your vet promptly before the infection spreads. See also the dental disease callout above: regular professional cleanings dramatically reduce the risk of abscesses forming in the first place.
Cataracts
Cataracts — a white, opaque film coating the lens of the eye — are common in older dogs. Warning signs include stumbling, bumping into objects, or moving in unexpected directions.
Cataracts are often hereditary and may affect one or both eyes. Diabetes, inflammation, or traumatic injury can also trigger them. Talk with your vet: In some cases, surgical removal can prevent further deterioration and restore useful vision.
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is the canine equivalent of Alzheimer’s disease. Affected dogs may forget familiar routes or objects, fail to recognize family members, stare blankly into space, or pace aimlessly.
There is no cure, but environmental enrichment, dietary support, and some medications can slow progression or ease symptoms. Speak to your vet early if you notice signs — the sooner it is managed, the better your dog’s quality of life will be.
Final thoughts on common dog health problems
Along with tender loving care, learn to observe your dog’s behavior and watch for the warning signs covered here.
Preventive care — regular vet visits, dental checks, weight management, and year-round parasite prevention — is almost always cheaper and less stressful than treating problems after they develop.
Kathreen Miller is a pet health expert at Pet Bounce for Dogs. She lives in Chicago with her daughter and pet dog, Buddy. Kathreen regularly contributes articles to pet health-related websites and blogs. She loves listening to music, watching TV, and traveling in her free time.