Dog health conditions
What each condition is, the signs to watch for, how vets diagnose and treat it, and what you can do to lower the risk.
Condition
Allergies
Dog allergies are an immune overreaction to things like flea saliva, pollen, dust mites or certain food proteins, and t…
Condition
Arthritis
Arthritis in dogs usually means osteoarthritis, a gradual breakdown of joint cartilage that causes stiffness, pain and…
Condition
Bloat (GDV)
Bloat, or GDV, happens when a dog's stomach fills with gas and can twist on itself, cutting off blood flow and sending…
Condition
Dental Disease
Dental disease in dogs is mostly periodontal disease, an infection and inflammation of the gums and the tissues that ho…
Condition
Diabetes
Diabetes in dogs is usually caused by too little insulin, so blood sugar stays high. The classic signs are drinking mor…
Condition
Ear Infections
Most dog ear infections are infections of the outer ear canal, usually bacteria or yeast taking advantage of an underly…
Condition
Fleas
Fleas are tiny blood-feeding insects that cause itching, skin allergies, and sometimes tapeworms or anemia. Scratching,…
Condition
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is caused by worms that settle in a dog's heart and the blood vessels of the lungs after an infected…
Condition
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency in which a dog's body temperature rises higher than the dog can bring it dow…
Condition
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a developmental problem in which the hip's ball and socket fit poorly, so the joint becomes loose and…
Condition
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland makes too little hormone, slowing the body's metabolism. Typical signs in middle…
Condition
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
IVDD happens when a cushioning disc between the spinal bones bulges or ruptures and presses on the spinal cord, causing…
Condition
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a contagious airway infection that causes a sudden, honking cough, and most mild cases clear up on thei…
Condition
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease in dogs comes in two forms: chronic kidney disease, which creeps up over months or years, and acute kidn…
Condition
Luxating Patella
A luxating patella is a kneecap that slips out of its groove, which often makes a dog skip a few steps or hold a back l…
Condition
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that dogs catch from the bite of an infected blacklegged (deer) tick. Many infect…
Condition
Obesity
A dog is generally called overweight at about 10 to 20 percent above ideal body weight and obese beyond that. Extra wei…
Condition
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is painful inflammation of the pancreas, often set off by a fatty meal, table scraps or raiding the trash.…
Condition
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a tough, highly contagious virus that attacks a dog's intestines, causing severe vomiting and often blood…
Condition
Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria travel up the urethra and multiply in the bladder, causing freque…
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy