Unfortunately, our beloved pets can’t tell us when they’re sick or not feeling well. So to make it a little easier on us pet parents we have put together a list of the common dog illnesses, the symptoms, and ways we can help get them back to full health.

Ticks or Fleas

Fleas and ticks love the heat of our dog’s body. They are some of the most common problems with dogs, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be taken seriously. The silver lining with ticks and fleas is that they are easy to treat and can be prevented with some basic care and attention. Ticks can be removed with a special tool/tweezer, so make sure you check your dog regularly.

Symptoms for Ticks

Loss of appetite

Lethargy or general laziness that seems abnormal

Lameness

Symptoms for Fleas

Scratching and itching

Scabs

Biting at skin

Irritated skin

Treatment for Ticks and Fleas

For ticks and fleas, prevention is the best form of defense. You can do this by routinely giving your dog a tick and flea treatment that kills parasites to make sure that they are less likely to develop when they are more active. Try flea collars, flea shampoo, and other treatments, and make sure you invest in a tweezer to remove ticks easily.

Ear Infection

These are more common in breeds with longer ears, like Dachshunds, but it can be an issue for all dogs. Ear infections are usually caused by inflammation in the ear canal and as a result, a visit to the vet will be required. A dog insurance policy with an illness benefit will usually cover the cost of this treatment.

Symptoms

Shaking their head vigorously

Rubbing their head on the sofa, table, or floor

Scratching their ears more than usual

Causes

The most common cause of ear infections is an underlying allergy. Insects or objects in the ear canal, parasites, or dirty ears can also cause ear infections. Your dog’s ears shouldn’t be brown or have any waxy discharge. Keep a nose out for any unusual smells as this can be a sign that there is an issue.

Treatment for Ear Infection

Again, prevention is the best method if it’s dirt causing your dog’s ear infections. Use an ear cleaner once a week or follow the recommended guidelines on the packaging. If your dog’s allergies are the cause of the infection then you may need to change their diet or use antihistamines and anti-inflammatories. Some ear infections can get treated quickly while others may need ongoing care to stop them from returning so speak with your vet for the correct treatment.

Insurance Cover

Treating a sick dog can be very expensive. It’s no surprise to learn that we are strong advocates for the correct level of cover and the importance of having dog insurance. It will help you and your dog by giving them the best possible treatment while protecting your financial position. Naturally, we all hope that we will never need to use the services of an insurance company, but if you do it can take the stress out of a very stressful time.

To find out how much it would cost to insure your dog, use our Quick Quote tool for a free pet insurance quote.