Common Dog Health Problems

Ear infections (otitis externa)

Ear infections are among the most common reasons dogs visit a vet, particularly in breeds with floppy ears (Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers) or heavy hair growth in the ear canal. The warm, moist environment inside a floppy ear is ideal for yeast and bacterial overgrowth. Signs include head shaking, scratching at one or both ears, a noticeable odour from the ear, redness or swelling at the ear opening, or a dark, waxy discharge.

Ear infections are generally very treatable with appropriate medication, but they can become chronic or penetrate deeper into the ear canal if left alone. A dog showing ear discomfort for more than a day or two, or with visible discharge, should be seen by a vet rather than treated with over-the-counter products, which may not address the specific type of infection present.

Dental disease

Dental disease is extremely common in dogs, with estimates from veterinary organisations suggesting that the majority of dogs over three years old have some degree of periodontal disease. It often goes unnoticed because dogs rarely show obvious pain from dental problems -- they continue eating even with significant tooth and gum disease.

Signs that dental disease may be present include bad breath that is noticeably worse than a dog's normal 'dog breath,' brown or yellow tartar buildup on the teeth (particularly the upper back teeth), red or swollen gumlines, and in more advanced cases, drooling or reluctance to eat hard food. Regular dental check-ups and, where appropriate, professional veterinary dental cleaning are the most effective prevention. Daily or frequent toothbrushing with dog-safe toothpaste is widely recommended by veterinary organisations as the gold standard of at-home dental care.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the most prevalent preventable health conditions in dogs. Carrying excess body weight increases the risk of several serious conditions: joint disease (particularly in larger breeds), diabetes, respiratory problems, and a shortened lifespan. It also worsens the trajectory of conditions a dog may already have, such as arthritis.

A dog at a healthy weight should have ribs that are easily felt with light pressure (but not visibly prominent), a visible waist when viewed from above, and an abdominal tuck visible from the side. A dog whose ribs require firm pressure to feel, or whose waist is not discernible, is likely overweight. Weight management in dogs is most effective when addressed early -- the longer excess weight is carried, the harder the return to a healthy range becomes.

Arthritis (osteoarthritis)

Arthritis is extremely common in older dogs and in large or giant breeds, and it is one of the most under-recognised causes of slowing down, behaviour changes, and reluctance to exercise in middle-aged and senior dogs. Because dogs rarely vocalise pain clearly, owners often interpret reduced activity as a dog simply 'getting old' rather than as a sign of joint pain that can be meaningfully managed.

Signs include stiffness after rest (particularly after sleeping), reluctance to use stairs, difficulty getting in and out of a car, reduced interest in walks, lameness that may be worse in cold or damp weather, and changes in temperament (a previously social dog becoming quieter or more irritable). Arthritis cannot be cured, but it can be managed effectively with veterinary guidance -- weight management, appropriate exercise, joint supplements, and in many cases medication can substantially improve quality of life.

Skin allergies

Allergic skin disease is one of the most common reasons dogs are seen repeatedly by a vet across their lifetime. Allergies in dogs typically manifest through the skin and ears rather than as sneezing as they do in humans -- signs include persistent itching and scratching, recurring skin or ear infections, redness between the toes (often from licking), hair loss, and recurring hot spots.

Allergens can be environmental (grasses, pollens, dust mites), food-related, or from contact sources. Diagnosis often requires eliminating other causes and may involve food trials, skin testing, or allergy testing. Long-term management varies by cause and severity, from dietary changes to immunotherapy, and is best guided by a vet -- many dogs with skin allergies benefit from seeing a veterinary dermatologist for complex or recurring cases.

Common mistakes and misconceptions

A very common mistake is attributing behavioural changes in a dog to personality or age without considering an underlying health cause. A dog that has become less active, quieter, or more irritable deserves a veterinary check -- these changes frequently reflect pain, dental disease, or a developing health condition rather than simply 'ageing.'

Another frequent misconception is that dental disease is only a cosmetic issue. Severe periodontal disease has been associated with a higher risk of heart, kidney, and liver disease in dogs, because bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream -- it is a systemic concern, not just a breath problem.

Owners also sometimes delay vet visits for recurring issues (a dog that 'always gets' ear infections, or 'always scratches in summer') without investigating the underlying cause. Recurring problems usually signal an unresolved root cause that can be better managed with a proper diagnosis than by repeatedly treating the surface symptoms.

When to see your vet

Many of the conditions above are chronic and benefit from early diagnosis. As a general principle: if a sign persists for more than two to three days, is worsening, or is causing your dog obvious discomfort or behavioural change, schedule a vet visit rather than waiting. For any sudden change -- acute vomiting, severe lameness, collapse, difficulty breathing, or significant behaviour shift -- contact your vet or an emergency clinic promptly.

Annual wellness exams are one of the most practical tools for catching developing problems before they become serious. Many of the conditions listed here -- dental disease, early arthritis, early-stage weight gain -- are detectable during a routine physical exam before they cause visible symptoms.