As a dog owner, you are responsible for providing your dog with all you can to ensure good health. Many different health conditions can affect dogs; therefore, you need to do your best to take care of your canine family member and to learn about some of the common conditions. Remember that some breeds are more prone to developing certain conditions than others are. Therefore, educate yourself. Visit your veterinarian regularly in order to take preventative measures and detect early signs.

Heart Disease affects the heart of the dog in one of two ways. The heart valves lose their ability to close properly (this causes abnormal blood flow), or the walls of the heart become thinner and weaker. Both can lead to heart failure. Great Danes are among the dog breeds that are susceptible to this condition.

Hip Dysplasia is the result of the abnormal formation of the hip socket. It can cause lameness while moving and painful arthritis. The Cairn Terrier is among the many dog breeds that are prone to developing it.

Cancer, the potentially deadly disease, affects many different body parts of dogs. The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the breeds that is prone to it.

Skin Allergies may be the result of a reaction to flea saliva, pollen, dust, mold, and so forth. The Smooth Fox Terrier is among the breeds that are often afflicted with skin allergies.

Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures. It is common among some breeds of dogs like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Retinal Atrophy is marked by the degeneration of the retina. The result is deteriorating vision and even blindness. The Samoyed is a breed that may develop this health condition.

Cataracts involve the breakdown of the lens fibers or its capsules of the eye. The result is deterioration of vision. Dog breeds that are prone to cataracts include the Standard Schnauzer.

Bloat occurs when the stomach gets dilated because of gas buildup. It can be deadly. Dog breeds that are prone to it include the Gordon Setter.

Hypothyroidism is the most common hormone disease in dogs. It is caused by the underproduction of the hormone thyroxin. The Australian Shepherd is susceptible to it.

Hyperthyroidism is the result of overproduction of the hormone thyroxin. The Shetland Sheepdog is among the breeds that are prone to developing this health condition.

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