For most people, dogs are more than pets. They are also comforting, vibrant, loving members of the family. Like all members of a family, their health and well-being are very important and something to be aware of. There are a number of common health ailments that can prove to be highly inconvenient to dogs while others are a bit more serious. Let's take a look at some of these health issues.

Skin Issues

One of the most common health issues that most dogs will experience at some point during the course of their life relates to the skin. Skin conditions are more irritant than a serious health issue, but no one wants to set their dog go through that. Skin issues can be caused by a number of factors. Among these are fleas, food allergies, bacterial and yeast infections, Mange, and ringworm. Signs that your dog has skin issues are excessive scratching and biting. Skin that is red inflamed, flaky or scaly are all signs that it's time for a trip to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment.

Parasites

Parasites are simply things that dogs cannot avoid encountering. Whether they are external parasites like fleas and ticks or internal parasites such as worms of the heart and intestines, these things inhabit the world of dogs. Thankfully vets can typically diagnose and treat dogs for parasites rather easily. As with most things, early treatment is best, so when dogs show signs of a problem, a visit to the vet should soon follow. Powders, collars and baths are all used to combat external parasites. Sometimes medicine is also required. Tablets are usually prescribed to address worms. Conveniently, you can buy dog worming tablets online.

Joint Problems

Many dogs will at some point suffer from arthritis. Unfortunately, this inflammation of a joint or multiple joints in the body of dogs is the result of the heredity of the breed. The most common form of arthritis in dogs is Osteoarthritis. It is a degenerative condition that affects the joints usually during old age, but it can also affect younger dogs as well. Luckily it and most forms of arthritis in dogs can be managed though it is a difficult process. Early detection leads to best results. This requires dog owners to be mindful and aware of any changes in their dog's behaviour because they rarely exhibit when they are in pain or suffering.

Parvo

One of the health issues of dogs that can potentially prove to be fatal is Parvo. Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects dogs. The virus impacts dogs in two ways. The first way attacks a dog's intestinal systems and is the more common of the two. The second way affects the heart. There are a number of signs and symptoms that illustrates the presence of Parvo in a dog. These include bloody diarrhoea, fever, weight loss, vomiting, and anorexia. The virus is spread through direct contact from one dog to another. It has also been found to lay dormant in ground soil where an infected dog has defecated. Due to its viral nature, there is no cure for Parvo. Treatment, therefore, is left for the symptoms rather than the disease itself. Dogs can recover from Parvo. This is less likely with puppies, however. The best course of action to achieve prevention of an occurrence starts with early vaccinations.

Like humans, there are many health issues that can affect dogs. Unlike humans, they don't have to means to speak up to let their owners know that there is something wrong. It is prudent for dog owners to be dutiful and highly observant of their dog's behaviour and mannerisms. These are the things that signal that something may be wrong. Early detection and diagnosis, regardless of the medical issue, always leads to best outcomes for the dog.