3 “Silent Killers” That Every Dog Owner Needs To Know

 

Estimated Read Time: 6 minutes

Summary: Dogs are excellent at masking pain, and therefore if you're asking "is my dog sick?", it can be tricky to tell! However, there are some serious conditions that you dog may be doing their best to hide, so as responsible pet parents, we should know what to look for...

 

Dogs are incredibly good at hiding their pain. By instinct, they are pack animals, so they hate to show any sign of weakness, it’s against their nature! Unfortunately though, your dog’s silence allows diseases and conditions to spread or get worse, which can, in worst-case scenarios, end up being fatal!

Here at PetLab Co., we've taken a look at the four most common and serious ailments and diseases dogs may experience, which you should be aware of, as your pup might not let on their developing symptoms. Some pups won't even display symptoms, so regular health checks at the vets are extremely important to attend to make sure your pup is not at risk...

Cancer

The leading cause of death in dogs over the age of 10 is cancer, with about 50% of older dogs developing some form of this deadly disease.

Some cancers can be visibly spotted when a tumour appears - when there is abnormal cell growth in the body that cluster together. However, some cancers don’t show, and even those that do produce tumours aren’t always very obvious. These ones are likely to be caught at a later stage, and can be impossible to treat.

There are different types of cancers that are commonly seen in dogs. They can affect the skin (e.g. mast cell tumours), the lymph nodes (which create tumours on the glands), and the breasts of female dogs. Female dogs who are spayed are less likely to develop cancerous tumours, but are still not exempt from them.

When found early on, cancer can be treatable through surgical removal of tissues and tumours, or chemotherapy. Of course, you want your dog to live as long as possible, but you need to decide with your vet if it’s worth putting them through surgery, as some pets could find it too traumatic. Pain relief is essential to keeping your dog as comfortable as possible during those hard times.

Symptoms Of Cancer In Dogs

Symptoms of cancer in dogs may include: swollen body parts, a loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, breathing difficulties, digestive problems and limping. However, different types of cancers can cause different variations of symptoms, if any. Yearly check-ups with your vet are essential as your vet will be able to observe them with a professional, experienced set of eyes. 

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is an incurable condition in dogs, and the onset is often correlated with the age of your hound. Deterioration of body parts occurs over time, and the kidneys are no different. When kidneys are diseased, they fail to filter out the toxins in the body, which can affect the function of other vital organs.

It is said that dogs can go months - even years - without showing their owners any symptoms of kidney disease, as it could take two-thirds of the kidneys to destruct before signs appear. Since it can take a while for symptoms to show, it's difficult to know how to help your poor friend if it happens to them. Just be aware that bigger dogs age faster, so if they are going to get kidney disease, insist on a checkup from the age of 7. Smaller dogs are likely to hold off until 10 years old. (This is a rough guide - if you have concerns, take your dog to the vet).

Symptoms Of Kidney Disease In Dogs

One symptom that your dog could be developing kidney disease is if they get a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Ask your veterinarian to check their kidney health, which they can do through urine and blood tests. There is no treatment to fix the problem, but your dog can be given medication to slow down the progression and relieve some discomfort.

Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of joints, and it affects a huge 65% of dogs over the age of 7 in the United States! While there are ways to reduce the amount of pain your four-legged friend might be in, there is no way to cure it (aside from joint replacements). When your dog’s joints become inflamed, they lose cartilage and fluid, which allows the bones to rub together – this wears down the bones and can be extremely painful!

It tends to happen with age or injury, so as your pooch gets older, their bones may become weaker, and joints become squeakier. It can also be caused by excess weight, so if your dog is overweight, their joints are strained. As there is a link to more pressure on the bones, it is more likely to occur in larger sized dogs, such as Labradors or German Shepherds.

You may think arthritis is just painful, but it can lead to further life-threatening problems. There is the risk of becoming overweight – if your pet is finding it difficult to be active, they’re likely to put on weight. Being overweight, or becoming obese, puts your dog at risk of heart disease, skin disease (due to the rolls in the skin causing irritation), and even worsen the joint and ligament pain they may already suffer!

Signs Of Arthritis In Dogs

Signs that your dog could be suffering from arthritis include excess licking of their joints, less movement, loss of appetite and lethargy. Dogs with joint pain can also shy away from exercise, and not want to jump, run, or play like they used to. 

Is My Dog Sick?

Whether or not you see symptoms in your dog, it is vital that you get them checked by the veterinarian on a regular basis. Your dog can’t tell you what’s hurting, nor can they fix it themselves. Keeping an eye on their behaviour will help, so note any changes and tell the vet when you see them. Keeping your dog fit and healthy is as important as it is for humans. While you can’t prevent all of these silent killers, you can take steps to relieve your furry friend from any unnecessary pain with the correct medication and let them live a longer and happier life with you.

Sources

Author Eckstein, Sandy "Dogs And Cancer: Get The Facts" Pets Web MD https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dogs-and-cancer-get-the-facts#1

Author Barnette, Catherine DVM and Ward, Ernest DVM "Heartworm Disease In Dogs" VCA Hospitals https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heartworm-disease-in-dogs

Author Ward, Ernest DVM and Weir Malcolm, DVM MSc MPH "Kidney Disease In Dogs" VCA Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/kidney-failure-chronic-in-dogs

"Osteoarthritis In Dogs - Signs & Treatments" American Kennel Club, Feb 17. 2021 https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/osteoarthritis-signs-treatment/