Knowing which common diseases in dogs are and how to recognize them is essential for anyone who has a furry friend. Do you know what health problems your dog may suffer throughout their life? Are you wondering what you can do to help them?

Vitamins and supplements for dogs are a fundamental support to care for the health of our four-legged companions. At Kunkay, we specialize in pet supplementation, making products with natural ingredients that provide your furry friend with that extra they need to stay healthy and/or recover from any illness or ailment. Even in chronic problems, natural supplements for dogs are a fundamental support to relieve and combat symptoms. In short, these solutions help your buddy have a healthy, long, and happy life.

At Kunkay we know that the most important thing for you is that your dog is healthy and happy, so we have prepared a guide with the most common diseases in adult and puppy dogs and what you can do to improve their evolution.

1. Typical diseases in adult dogs

Common diseases in adult dogs can occur due to many factors, from poor nutrition to lack of vaccination, being a consequence of a virus, or appearing due to genetic predisposition.

At any warning sign or change in your pet’s behavior, it is essential to go to the veterinarian so they can correctly diagnose the problem.

Although, as information and initial guidance, we tell you what the most typical diseases in adult dogs are, their main symptoms, and how to fight them.

1. Kennel cough

Kennel cough is a very common condition in dogs that are in contact with other dogs. It affects the respiratory tract and produces a very recognizable harsh cough. It is not a very serious disease and rarely complicates if treated in time.

The main problem with kennel cough is that it is very contagious. Therefore, it usually occurs in animals coming from shelters or those that interact with many dogs in the park or dog run.

Simply avoid contact with other dogs to prevent the disease from spreading and follow your veterinarian’s recommendations. Usually, rest will be enough until symptoms improve.

2. Canine parvovirus

Canine parvovirus is a virus that can cause a potentially fatal intestinal infection, both in adults and puppies. Parvovirus causes fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea, with or without blood. It is a very dangerous disease because the virus is very resistant and can survive for long periods outside, making it highly contagious.

The good news is that parvovirus can be prevented almost 100% thanks to vaccination. In this case, it is recommended to avoid taking your puppy for walks (you can carry them in your arms but not put them down) until four months old, when they will receive the vaccine. For adult dogs, vaccination is essential! If your dog’s vaccines are up to date, you have nothing to worry about.

3. Rabies

Rabies is another potentially fatal disease that can be fought thanks to vaccination. Although the rabies vaccine is not mandatory in all autonomous communities, at Kunkay we strongly recommend vaccinating your dog against rabies even if it is optional in your area.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of all types of mammals; this includes dogs, cats, and also humans. Once symptoms appear, it is a fatal disease but can be prevented with a simple vaccine given annually or every three years.

4. Ringworm

Ringworm is a highly contagious disease, both in dogs and humans, that can affect the skin, hair, and nails. You will recognize it because it causes irregular bald patches on your dog’s coat and can also cause inflammation and/or skin reaction.

Once diagnosed, treatment for ringworm is quite simple. Usually, a topical solution, lotion, or powder is used and applied to the dog’s body to eliminate the fungus.

5. Intestinal parasites

Intestinal parasites can affect dogs of any age. They do not always produce symptoms at first but can become potentially fatal for your pet.

Parasites can cause diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, or abdominal swelling, including more dangerous symptoms like anemia or even intestinal blockage.

The best way to fight intestinal parasites is prevention. Your dog needs to take medication for internal deworming as recommended by your veterinarian and have a strong immune system. In this regard, supplements for dogs like Enterokun Mild are a fundamental support; they can help care for your pet’s intestinal health and also offer extra support for those recovering after having parasites.

6. Mange

Like ringworm, mange is also a skin disease caused by an infection, in this case by mites. What happens is that the mites that lodge in the dermis and coat of the dog start feeding on their skin, sebum, and keratin, producing very intense itching that will make the dog scratch compulsively, possibly causing wounds.

There are different types of mange, but all can be easily treated by going to the veterinarian. To facilitate your four-legged friend’s recovery, we recommend using supplements recommended to care for their skin and coat, such as Dermakun.

7. Canine leptospirosis

It is a quite common disease caused by a bacterium called spirochete. It is usually not very serious but is quite contagious. Your dog can get infected if their skin or a wound comes into contact with the urine of an infected animal.

Canine leptospirosis usually is not very severe and is cured using antibiotics.

8. Arthritis and osteoarthritis

Over time, most older dogs tend to experience muscle and joint ailments. Arthritis and osteoarthritis can also occur in very active or working animals and those who are overweight.

Unfortunately, to date, there is no way to reverse this disease, but we can prevent its progression and combat its symptoms using supplements with anti-inflammatory properties like Arthrokun. If you want more information on how they work, don’t miss our article on the effectiveness of anti-inflammatories in dogs!

9. Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease mainly transmitted by the bite of a sandfly mosquito. It is a very serious and incurable disease that has different progression and symptoms in each dog.

If your dog contracts Leishmaniasis, they will need lifelong treatment to alleviate symptoms, so it is much more advisable to act preventively. If you live in a risk area, it is essential to use an anti-parasitic product against sandflies, ideally a collar or pipette combined with an anti-parasitic lotion like Antibugskun.

10. Idiopathic epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy is a chronic neuronal disease without a determined cause. Dogs suffering from it can lead a completely normal life, although there is a possibility of seizures.

To minimize the chance of your dog having an epileptic seizure, it is important to help them stay as relaxed and calm as possible at all times. For this, you can use our supplement Mindkun, especially useful in stressful situations like routine changes, trips, or moves.

2. Common diseases in puppies

Many of the common diseases in adult dogs can also occur in puppies. However, there are four problems more common in puppies during their first months of life.

1. Vomiting and diarrhea

Although, as we already told you in our article about the causes of gastroenteritis in dogs, this problem can occur at any age, puppies are more prone to vomiting, diarrhea, and other intestinal disturbances because their immune system and intestinal flora are still developing.

In this case, it is best that your puppy follows a diet specially recommended for small puppies and that you avoid any sudden changes in their diet. Due to their small size, it is also important to be careful to prevent dehydration; if your puppy has diarrhea and/or vomiting, make sure they drink plenty of water.

2. Ascaridiasis

It is a highly contagious parasitic infection that can cause coughing and diarrhea and, if not treated in time, can evolve into more severe symptoms such as distension, abdominal pain, growth problems, and weight loss. In more advanced cases, there is a risk that ascaridiasis leads to respiratory complications.

As with any parasite, prevention is fundamental. Avoid taking your puppy for walks before their first vaccines and make sure they are always up to date with their deworming.

3. Canine distemper

It is a highly contagious disease, especially in puppies whose immune system is not yet strengthened. It causes symptoms such as fever, conjunctivitis, cough, and nasal and ocular discharge.

At any of these symptoms, it is important to go to the veterinarian immediately so your dog receives the appropriate treatment. With good veterinary care, distemper is not lethal, but it is important that it is correctly diagnosed and treated in time.

4. Intestinal worms

Worms are a quite common problem in puppies because their immune system is still immature and they tend to suck and bite everything. Treated in time, worms only cause intestinal inflammation and diarrhea, although it is important to act quickly to avoid more severe consequences.

As with any parasite, the best option to fight it is deworming and good prevention.

Now you know what the most common diseases in dogs are, how to recognize them, and what you can do to help your four-legged buddy. At Kunkay, we want to emphasize the importance of prevention. In this regard, a healthy and balanced diet that provides your dog with everything they need is more than fundamental. Besides choosing the best food for them, remember you can also complement it with our supplements for dogs. All Kunkay supplements have been specially formulated to give your little one that extra they need to have a long, healthy, and happy life.

We have options to combat specific problems like those we have recommended throughout the article and also perfect proposals when you seek an extra to care for their health in general. Superbrownkun and Supergreenkun will become your go-to supplements so your furry friend enjoys ironclad health. Also, dogs love their taste, your buddy will lick the plate clean! Try them and see!