Health-related problems are a part of life. Not just for us humans, but also our pets. No matter how hard we try, we cannot always control the fate our pets are subjected to. 

The only thing that can be controlled by us is what type of treatment we are able to render to our furry friend. 

Health problems in dogs are very common and people usually choose to secure dog health insurance to make sure all the common to complex health problems are managed without leaving a burning hole in your pocket. 

Below is a well-rounded list of the most common dog health issues.

Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the most common conditions in aging dogs. Cataracts in dogs are just like the ones in humans and can affect their eyesight. 

Also, in some dogs it is not just old age that impacts their cataract growth, sometimes it can be trauma or caused by a disease. Sometimes, cataracts can be present in dogs at birth or can start growing a few days after it is born.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a very common disease in older dogs. Odds are that 1 out of every 5 dogs suffer from arthritis or osteoarthritis. 

Common signs of osteoarthritis in dogs may be when they start slowing down and become less active in cold weather and mornings. Having a dog medical insurance plan can help you with managing your dog’s condition, along with exercise, weight control, and anti-inflammatory drugs to overcome pain of arthritis.

Ear Infection

Dogs surely have sharp ears but they are as prone to infection as any human ear. Dirt or any foreign objects such as grass seed can become lodged in your dog’s ear and can cause irritation and sometimes cause infection. 

A licensed vet may prescribe some eardrops or recommend manually cleaning your dog’s ears.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is a condition often acquired amongst dogs who have been exposed to other animals at a vet or animal shelter. Unfortunately, you cannot completely avoid it, but of course it is not life threatening. 

It is just like a common cough in humans which requires them to take as much rest as they can and drink and eat food properly. In case you find the cough to be persistent for more than a few days, you should take them to the nearest vet and get some antibiotics that will improve the progress.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea in dogs can be a caused from so many things; it is not just about bad food. It can be an allergic reaction too. 

Any time you find your dog suffering from diarrhea, you should immediately get them checked as the problem may not just be caused by a common ailment, but may also indicate serious illness.

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas are pesky nuisances that are common in dogs and usually are treated with a number of products available on the local pet stores. However, blood-sucking ticks can be the worst thing and threaten the health of your dog. 

Depending on the part of the world you are living, dangerous ticks can cause your dog to go into paralysis.

Heartworm

Some of the best pet insurance plans offer you financial support if your dog is affected by parasites. Heartworm parasites are one of the most common parasites and modern vaccinations are available to treat this dangerous issue. 

If left untreated, this health condition can even cause a sudden death of your pet.

Broken Bones

In the case of an accident, your dog may experience some broken bones. They can exhibit limping or their bones may be protruding from skin and they may whimper or whine when touched.

Obesity

Even dogs are subjected to obesity which means they can get related conditions such as kidney disease, arthritis, heart disease, and much more. 

If you see any signs of obesity, talk to your vet to discover ways to manage it.

Cancer

Unfortunately, dogs too are prone to cancer and tend to develop this disease as they age. Some of the most common cancers are lymphoma, melanoma, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. 

Proactive treatments may include surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatment and more.

These are just some of the common health issues your dog may experience in their lifetime. It is important to keep an eye out for symptoms that may indicate the need for a professional diagnosis. 

Having a comprehensive pet medical insurance plan can help you avoid high, out of pocket costs and ensure that your dog receives the best treatment.