Every dog owner is aware of common health problems that come up when owning a dog. Sometimes it is something that you can easily treat yourself but other times it requires a veterinarian's intervention.

Diarrhea

One of the most common problems in both puppies and dogs is diarrhea. Many times, it is something you did to cause the problem, such as switching dog foods too quickly, which can cause digestive upset. Other times, it may be the dog was outside and ate something he should not have. Dogs are scavengers by nature and tend to eat many things they should not. Puppies are especially prone to diarrhea. If you have recently changed dog foods and this is when the problem began, switch back to the old food.
Additionally, you can purchase a can of pumpkin at a grocery store and add a teaspoon to the dog's food. This is a natural way to cure both constipation and diarrhea in dogs and puppies and they love the taste.

Excessive Scratching with No Fleas

If your dog begins scratching and rubbing his ears on the carpet or furniture, but has no fleas after thoroughly checking, it could be a food allergy or intolerance. Some dogs are very sensitive to grains; therefore, you might try a small bag of grain-free dog food and switch your dog very slowly to the grain-free variety. Other dogs are allergic to common meats such as chicken and beef. Therefore, it can be beneficial to find an alternative meat source such as duck, lamb, or venison.

Canine Diabetes

Unfortunately, canine diabetes is more common than most people think. Early signs of diabetes include excessive water intake, lethargy, excessive urination, and they can develop cataracts. You will need to take your dog to the veterinarian in order to be screened for diabetes. Dogs, like people have different severities of diabetes and some can be controlled with food and an oral medication, while other dogs will need to be given insulin injections for the rest of their lives.

Canine Obesity

Unfortunately, as many people become more sedentary, so do their dogs, and as a result, the dog eats more, but does very little exercise and as a result begins packing on the pounds. Obese dogs have a very good chance of dying at a very young age. It is vital to get the dog some exercise in order to take off some of the weight. Your dog will feel better and live happier and longer if you maintain a healthy weight.

Canine Warts

As the dog ages, his skin begins to change and these changes can cause warts on the skin. All warts need to be checked by your veterinarian to make sure it is not cancerous. Most are harmless and can be removed with a laser treatment. Warts that are quick to grow are more likely to be cancerous than those that are slow growing are.

Final Thoughts

There are many common canine health problems and many of them are mild and can be treated at home while others require medical attention.