Our dogs are a part of our family and their wellbeing is always our number one priority. When they aren’t feeling well, or don’t seem themselves it’s so easy to worry and to not know what to do.
We see such a variety of canine health issues each day. This has taught us how important it is for pet owners to have access to clear and reliable information.
Our guide will teach you to be alert about some of the most common dog diseases. We will go over what the typical symptoms look like and more importantly how to spot when emergency veterinary care is needed for your fluffy friend. Knowledge is power, and it can save lives!
Understanding common health issues can help you recognise symptoms early and know when to seek veterinary care. Below is a guide to various conditions, their descriptions, symptoms, and important advice.
Tummy Troubles (Gastrointestinal Issues)
Issues affecting your dog’s digestive system.
| Condition |
Description |
Symptoms |
Key Advice / Management / Prevention |
Additional Notes |
| Vomiting & Diarrhoea |
Upset stomach, can be mild or serious. |
Upset stomach symptoms. |
Call if vomiting won’t stop (more than 2-3 times in a few hours) or severe/bloody diarrhoea. Very tired (lethargic), weak, or seems dehydrated (sunken eyes, dry gums). Stomach pain, or repeatedly trying to vomit with nothing coming up (could be bloat, an emergency). Call if you’re concerned. |
Common Causes: Eating something toxic, worms, infections, stress, food allergies. |
| Pancreatitis |
Inflamation of the pancreas , often after fatty meals. |
Severe, repeated vomiting, extreme stomach pain (your dog might hunch), tiredness, lack of appetite. |
Needs immediate vet care. |
Severity: Very painful and can be life-threatening. |
Breathing Problems (Respiratory Conditions)
Issues affecting your dog’s nose, throat, or lungs.
| Condition |
Description |
Symptoms |
Key Advice / Management / Prevention |
Additional Notes |
| Kennel Cough |
Very contagious dog cold. |
A loud, dry, “honking” cough. Also runny nose, sneezing, mild tiredness. |
Call if symptoms worsen, your dog is very tired, won’t eat, or struggles to breathe. Vaccinations help prevent Kennel Cough. |
Spread: Airborne from other dogs (e.g., at parks, kennels). |
| Dog Flu (Canine Influenza) |
Another contagious dog virus. |
Similar to kennel cough but often worse: coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, tiredness, no appetite. |
If you are concerned your pet has a high fever, severe breathing trouble, or signs of pneumonia. Vaccinations are available. |
Can lead to pneumonia. |
Skin Issues & Allergies
Itchy skin, rashes, and hair loss can really bother your dog.
| Condition |
Description |
Symptoms |
Key Advice / Management / Prevention |
| Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) |
Severe itch from a flea bite (allergic reaction to flea spit). |
Intense scratching, licking, chewing (especially tail base, inner thighs). Leads to red skin, hair loss, scabs. |
Strict, year-round flea prevention for all pets is key. |
| Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis) |
Chronic itching from allergies to things like pollen, dust mites (like human hay fever, but on skin). |
Constant itching of paws, ears, face, armpits. Can cause red skin, hair loss, ear infections. |
Management varies, but often involves allergy meds, special foods, and good skin care. |
Movement Problems (Musculoskeletal Issues)
Painful issues with bones, joints, and muscles that affect how your dog moves.
| Condition |
Description |
Symptoms |
Key Advice / Management / Prevention |
Additional Notes |
| Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) |
Joint pain from worn-out cartilage, common in older dogs. |
Limping, stiffness (especially after rest), struggling to jump or get up, less active, pain when touched. |
Pain relief, supplements, weight control, gentle exercise. |
Causes: Age, old injuries, obesity, genetics. |
| Cruciate Ligament Injuries |
Tear in a key knee ligament, causing lameness. |
Sudden limping (may just touch toes), swelling, reluctance to use the leg. |
Often needs surgery to fix. |
Severity: Painful. |
Serious Infections (Infectious Diseases)
Illnesses caused by viruses or bacteria. Vaccinations are crucial!
| Condition |
Description |
Symptoms |
Key Advice / Management / Prevention |
Additional Notes |
| Leptospirosis |
Bacteria found in contaminated water/soil, often from wildlife urine. Can infect dogs and humans. |
Fever, muscle pain, tiredness, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, yellow skin/eyes. Can cause kidney/liver failure. |
Vaccination |
How It’s Caught: Drinking contaminated water, swimming in affected areas. |
| Parvovirus (Parvo) |
Very contagious and severe virus, mainly affects puppies. Attacks gut and immune system. |
Severe, often bloody, vomiting and diarrhoea, extreme tiredness, no appetite. |
Vaccination is vital for puppies and adult dogs. |
Severity: Extremely serious, often fatal for puppies. |
When to Call The Lighthouse: Urgent Symptoms
If your dog displays any of the below concerning symptoms call your closest emergency vet urgently.
- Very tired or collapses.
- Struggling to breathe (gasping, blue gums).
- Uncontrolled bleeding.
- Repeated, severe vomiting or bloody diarrhoea.
- Trying to vomit repeatedly with nothing coming up (bloat concern).
- Seizures (shaking, losing consciousness).
- Severe pain (whining, hunching, avoiding touch).
- Can’t pee or poop (straining with no result).
- Ate something poisonous or a foreign object.
- Sudden lameness after an injury.
Even if you are a little unsure, please trust your gut. Call an emergency veterinary hospital.
Key Takeaways
Knowing and understanding dog diseases is a powerful tool and will make you a much smarter, prepared pet owner. If you know what to look out for, you can spot symptoms far quicker and therefore react quicker, which will significantly improve your dog’s recovery, health and wellbeing.
It is important to remember that your pet always trusts you to spot their symptoms. Being vigilant is the key to managing illnesses and giving your dog a happy, healthy life.
Here at The Lighthouse we have a dedicated emergency team who are always here to support you and your pets. Whether it’s something small that’s been bothering you or your dog for a while or an urgent emergency, we are here. Call us on 01243 765247
