Dental Disease
Dental disease is a common health issue in dogs over three years old. Dental disease in dogs occurs when plaque and tartar build up on teeth, leading to gum inflammation, infection, and eventually tooth loss.
- Who’s most at risk: Small breeds and older dogs are particularly susceptible, though any dog can develop dental problems.
- Signs to watch for: Bad breath, yellowing teeth, red or bleeding gums, difficulty eating, loss of appetite, pawing at the mouth, or dropping food while chewing.
- What you can do: Regular tooth brushing at home makes a big difference. Feed a quality diet that supports dental health, and schedule annual dental check-ups with your vet. Professional dental cleaning may be necessary to treat advanced cases.
Obesity
Obesity is a serious health condition that puts strain on your dog’s joints, heart, and overall well-being. Dogs gain weight in the same way humans do. When they take in more calories than they burn with exercise, they put on weight.
- Who’s most at risk: Less active dogs, certain breeds like Labradors and Beagles, and dogs who’ve been neutered or spayed tend to gain weight more easily.
- Signs to watch for: Difficulty feeling your dog’s ribs, loss of visible waistline, reluctance to exercise, excessive panting, and difficulty moving.
- What you can do: Feed appropriate portions based on your dog’s size and activity level. Cut out table scraps and excessive treats. Increase daily exercise gradually. Your vet can help you create a safe weight-loss plan tailored to your dog’s needs.
Allergies
Dogs can develop allergies to environmental triggers (pollen, grass, dust mites), food ingredients, or flea bites. Allergies cause an overreaction by the immune system, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.
- Who’s most at risk: Certain breeds like Bulldogs, Retrievers, and Terriers are genetically predisposed, though any dog can develop allergies at any age.
- Signs to watch for: Persistent scratching, red or inflamed skin, ear infections, excessive licking (especially paws), hair loss, and skin infections.
- What you can do: Support your dog’s immune system with products like Anima-Strath and feed them a high-quality diet. Your vet may recommend an elimination diet to identify food triggers. For severe cases, prescription medications from your vet may be necessary. You can read more about dog allergies in this article.
Ear Infections
Ear infections develop when bacteria, yeast, or parasites multiply in the warm, moist environment of your dog’s ear canal. They’re painful and require prompt attention.
- Who’s most at risk: Dogs with floppy ears (like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds), dogs who swim frequently, and dogs with allergies.
- Signs to watch for: Head shaking, ear scratching, odour from the ears, redness or swelling, discharge, and sensitivity when you touch your dog’s ears.
- What you can do: Keep your dog’s ears clean and dry, but be gentle. Over-cleaning can also cause problems. Regular checks help you catch issues early. Always consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment, as different types of infections require different medications.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Stomach troubles can range from mild upset to serious conditions. Dogs often suffer from stomach upsets because they eat something they shouldn’t. Infections, parasites, or chronic conditions can also cause gastrointestinal illness in dogs.
- Who’s most at risk: Dogs who like to scavenge, puppies with sensitive digestive systems, and dogs with chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
- Signs to watch for: Vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, excessive gas, and abdominal discomfort.
- What you can do: Support digestive health with probiotics and prebiotics. Products like Protexin and Canigest help maintain healthy gut bacteria. For persistent or severe symptoms, consult your vet.
Parasites
Internal parasites (worms) and external parasites (ticks and fleas) are common in South Africa’s warm climate. They can cause anything from mild discomfort to serious diseases like biliary and ehrlichiosis.
- Who’s most at risk: Puppies, dogs in rural areas, and dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Signs to watch for: For worms: visible worms in stool, weight loss despite good appetite, bloated belly, dull coat. For ticks and fleas: visible parasites, excessive scratching, skin irritation, and lethargy.
- What you can do: Regular deworming is essential. Follow your vet’s recommended schedule. For tick and flea prevention, discuss options with your vet, as they’ll recommend products suitable for your area and your dog’s needs. Groom your dog regularly and keep their bedding clean. Make sure your dogs don’t have access to cat litter boxes.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative joint condition that causes inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility. It’s a progressive condition that requires ongoing management for your dog’s comfort.
- Who’s most at risk: Senior dogs, large breeds, overweight dogs, and dogs with previous joint injuries.
- Signs to watch for: Stiffness (especially after rest), difficulty climbing stairs or jumping, limping, reluctance to exercise, and behavioural changes like irritability.
- What you can do: Weight management is important for dogs with arthritis. Every extra kilogram adds strain to painful joints. Gentle, regular exercise can help keep their joints mobile. Your vet may also prescribe pain medication or anti-inflammatories. Pegasus Pet Arthritis Complex provides natural support for joint health. THRESHHold Real MSM can relieve pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.
Skin Conditions
Dogs can develop various skin conditions, from hot spots and bacterial infections to fungal issues and autoimmune disorders. South Africa’s hot, humid climate can make skin problems worse.
- Who’s most at risk: Dogs with allergies, breeds with skin folds (like Bulldogs and Shar-Peis), and dogs with compromised immune systems.
- Signs to watch for: Persistent scratching, redness, rashes, hair loss, scabs, crusty or flaky skin, and unusual odour.
- What you can do: Anima-Strath supports overall health and immune function, which can help your dog’s system manage skin conditions more effectively. Skin conditions vary enormously in cause and severity, so consulting your vet is essential for diagnosis and treatment options. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs occur when bacteria enter and multiply in the urinary tract, causing inflammation and discomfort. They’re more common than many pet parents realise.
- Who’s most at risk: Female dogs (due to their anatomy), older dogs, and dogs with diabetes or immune system problems.
- Signs to watch for: Frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in urine, accidents in the house (in previously housetrained dogs), excessive licking of the genital area, and strong-smelling urine.
- What you can do: UTIs require veterinary attention. Your vet will perform tests to identify the infection and prescribe appropriate antibiotics. Don’t try to treat this at home. Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney infections and serious complications.
Cancer
Cancer encompasses many different diseases where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
- Who’s most at risk: Older dogs face a higher risk, though cancer can affect dogs at any age. Certain breeds are predisposed to specific cancer types.
- Signs to watch for: Unusual lumps or bumps, wounds that don’t heal, weight loss, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing or swallowing, persistent lameness, bleeding from orifices, and changes in bathroom habits.
- What you can do: Regular check-ups with your vet are crucial for early detection. If you notice any concerning signs, don’t wait. Prompt veterinary consultation is essential. Treatment options vary depending on cancer type and stage, and your vet will discuss what’s best for your dog.
Preventable infectious diseases
- Parvovirus: This devastating viral infection attacks the intestinal tract and immune system, causing severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, and rapid dehydration. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are extremely vulnerable. Symptoms appear suddenly and can be fatal within days without aggressive treatment. Vaccination is essential.
- Canine Distemper: A highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Signs include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, vomiting, and, in advanced cases, neurological symptoms like seizures. There’s no cure, only supportive care. Vaccination prevents this devastating disease.
- Kennel Cough: This respiratory infection spreads easily in crowded places like kennels or rescue centres. The hallmark sign is a harsh, honking cough, often described as sounding like something’s stuck in the dog’s throat. Most dogs recover with supportive care, though puppies and senior dogs may need antibiotics. Vaccination provides good protection.
- Rabies: Rabies is fatal and has no treatment. This viral disease affects the nervous system and is transmitted through bites from infected animals. Once symptoms appear, including aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis, there is no treatment. Prevention through vaccination is absolutely vital and legally required in South Africa.
When quality of life matters most
As much as we wish our dogs could live forever, there comes a time when we must consider their quality of life above our own feelings. This is perhaps the most difficult decision a pet parent faces, but it’s also one of the most loving.
If your dog is suffering without improvement, if treatment options have been exhausted, or if their pain cannot be managed despite medication, it may be time to consider humane euthanasia. Watch for signs that your dog is no longer enjoying life. If they can’t eat, experience constant pain, loss of dignity through incontinence, difficulty breathing, or withdrawal from family interaction, it may be time to say goodbye.
Your vet can help you assess your dog’s quality of life objectively and guide you through this decision. Choosing a peaceful goodbye, surrounded by love, is the final gift we can give our faithful companions.
Your dog depends on you to notice when something’s wrong and to seek help when needed. Trust your instincts. You know your pet best. Regular vet check-ups, proper nutrition, appropriate exercise, and prompt attention to health concerns will give your dog the best chance at a long, comfortable life. Remember, natural support products from the Pegasus Pet range and Anima-Strath work safely alongside veterinary treatments, providing additional support for your dog’s wellbeing. Your vet should always be your first port of call for any health concerns.
References and additional reading:
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (2025) Dental disease and home dental care. Available at: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/dental-disease-and-home-dental-care
- Hill’s Pet Nutrition (n.d.) Dental Disease in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment. Available at: https://www.hillspet.co.za/dog-care/healthcare/dental-disease-in-dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual (2025) Dental Disorders of Dogs. Available at: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/dental-disorders-of-dogs
- Royal Veterinary College (n.d.) Dog Dental Issues and Services – Dentistry. Available at: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/general-practice/practice-services/routine-pet-healthcare/pet-dentistry/dog
- Marina Village Veterinary (2024) ‘Weight Gain in Dogs: Common Causes and Solutions’, 22 September. Available at: https://marinavillagevet.com/why-has-my-dog-gained-weight/
- Vetster (2025) ‘Can allergies in dogs be cured?’, 4 December. Available at: https://vetster.com/en/wellness/can-allergies-in-dogs-be-cured
- VCA Animal Hospitals (2024) Ear Infections in Dogs. Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ear-infections-in-dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual (2025) Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines in Dogs. Available at: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/disorders-of-the-stomach-and-intestines-in-dogs
- VCA Animal Hospitals (2024) Diarrhea in Dogs. Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/diarrhea-in-dogs
- Bergbos Veterinary Clinic (n.d.) Tick Bite fever (Ehrlichiosis). Available at: http://www.bergbosvet.co.za/tickbitefever.htm
- Knysna Veterinary Clinic (2022) ‘Tick-borne disease’, 6 March. Available at: https://knysnavet.com/2022/03/07/tick-borne-disease/
- Linden Veterinary Clinic (2024a) ‘Is Tick Fever and Tick Bite Fever the same disease in dogs?’, 8 December. Available at: https://lindenvet.co.za/is-tick-fever-and-tick-bite-fever-the-same-disease-in-dogs/
- Linden Veterinary Clinic (2024b) ‘Tiny but deadly’, 8 December. Available at: https://lindenvet.co.za/tiny-but-deadly/
- MSD Animal Health South Africa (2020) ‘Biliary in Dogs’, 11 March. Available at: https://www.msd-animal-health.co.za/informative-articles/biliary-in-dogs/
- Teva Veterinary Clinic (2022) ‘Tick-borne diseases (Biliary/Ehrlichia)’, 6 June. Available at: https://tevavetclinic.co.za/2022/06/06/tick-borne-diseases-biliary-ehrlichia/
- Welgelegen Animal Clinic (2023) ‘Why Biliary is Dangerous for Dogs?’, 16 November. Available at: https://www.welgelegendierekliniek.co.za/2023/11/17/why-biliary-is-dangerous-for-dogs
- Simon Vet Surgical (2024) ‘How to Manage Canine Arthritis Pain: Medications and Home Remedies’, 27 November. Available at: https://www.simonvetsurgical.com/news/how-to-manage-canine-arthritis-pain-medications-and-home-remedies
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (2025) Canine skin autoimmune diseases. Available at: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/canine-skin-autoimmune-diseases
- VCA Animal Hospitals (2024) Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Dogs. Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/urinary-tract-infections-utis-in-dogs
- American Kennel Club (2024) Dog Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. Available at: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-cancer-signs-symptoms/
- Merck Veterinary Manual (2025) Canine Distemper. Available at: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/disorders-affecting-multiple-body-systems-of-dogs/canine-distemper
- VCA Animal Hospitals (2024) Canine Parvovirus. Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/canine-parvovirus
- WKG Veterinary Clinic (n.d.) What is rabies and why should I care? Available at: https://www.wkgvet.co.za/what-is-rabies-and-why-should-i-care