Dogs aren’t just pets; some dog owners may admit they love them even more than their human family members. So, it’s no surprise that when our four-legged companions aren’t feeling their best, we often wonder how to help. But that raises a question: what conditions do they actually suffer from? Can dogs catch colds? Do they get the flu? Today, we will look at what routine health concerns plague dogs and what you can do to help them once again feel their best.
How Canine Health Differs from Humans
While dogs can certainly get sick, their illnesses aren’t always the same as those we face. One of the key things to remember is that dogs are biologically different from humans, and the assumptions you make about us don’t apply to them 1 to 1. Their bodies function in unique ways, so while they may experience similar symptoms, the causes and nature of these symptoms often diverge.
For example, if you notice your dog sneezing, coughing, or acting lethargic, it’s tempting to assume they have a common cold like you might. However, dogs don’t actually catch the “common cold” or other common human illnesses like we do. Instead, these symptoms could be signs of conditions like kennel cough—a respiratory illness unique to dogs. These conditions are highly contagious between dogs in close proximity and are caused by a specific bacteria and virus combination unique from what makes us sick.
The canine immune system is also built from the ground up to combat a range of illnesses quite different from those humans’ face. As a result, dogs’ entire gut biome and way of tackling diseases have developed independently. Humans may have influenced dogs’ development over time, but dogs are still their own species and anthropomorphizing them isn’t the best way to keep them healthy.
What makes us sick often doesn’t affect our dogs, and vice versa. However, just like us, they can suffer from symptoms like fever, aches, or congestion that you shouldn’t ignore. Let’s look at some specific canine concerns you may need to visit the vet to address.
Common Illnesses Dogs Experience Throughout Their Lives
One of the most common categories of illnesses in dogs includes infections and parasites. Humans get parasites and infections, too, but our lifestyle and biology generally mean they aren’t as massive of a risk.
Ear infections are a frequent problem, especially for dogs with floppy ears. Bacteria, yeast, or trapped moisture can be the culprit, and dogs cannot easily express their concerns or take a shower to clean hard-to-reach areas. Similarly, fleas and ticks are common problems that most dogs will experience unless preventative measures are taken.
Allergies are typically seen as a human condition, but they affect canines as well. While you might experience watery eyes and sneezing, your dog may show signs of allergies through symptoms like itching, paw licking, and skin irritation. Dogs are commonly allergic to mold, pollen, inside dust buildup, outdoor plants, and even ingredients in their food, similar to humans.
Dog owners understandably play a massive part in keeping their furry friends safe and healthy. Dogs can’t drive themselves to the vet, so you must act as their health advocate as well as a loving owner. Through regular vet visits, a balanced diet, and proper hygiene, you can help prevent some of the most common illnesses. And here’s where training comes in—a well-trained dog is easier to care for, whether cooperating during vet visits or following instructions to stay active. Ultimately, good training, paired with preventative health care, can go a long way in making sure your furry friend lives their best life.
If you’re interested in learning more about keeping your dog both healthy and well-behaved, don’t hesitate to reach out to Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training today.
