Common dog diseases
Your dog's health is important to us. To help you recognize early on if something is wrong – and know how to prevent it – you will find an overview of common illnesses, their symptoms and effective preventative measures here.
Infectious diseases
Parvovirus
What is it?
- highly contagious viral disease
- primarily affects young,
unvaccinated dogs
- The virus is transmitted through
feces or contaminated surfaces and
can survive in the environment for
months
Typical symptoms:
- severe, often bloody vomiting,
diarrhea, fever, weakness, loss of
appetite
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- clinical examination, antigen test or
PCR
- treatment is intensively supportive:
- Fluid and electrolyte replacement,
care
- Antibiotics may be prescribed for
secondary infections
Prevention:
Regular vaccinations and good hygiene.
When to see a vet?
If your dog suddenly vomits severely, has bloody diarrhea, or appears lethargic, it should be taken to a veterinary clinic or animal hospital immediately. Parvovirus infection is a veterinary emergency.
Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
Leptospirosis
What is that?
- bacterial infectious disease
- caused by Leptospira bacteria
- commonly transmitted to dogs via
puddles or stagnant water through the
urine of infected wild animals (e.g.,
rats)
Typical symptoms:
- fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea,
yellowing of the mucous membranes
(liver involvement), increased or
decreased urination
- in severe cases, bleeding, respiratory
distress, or circulatory failure
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- detection via blood and urine tests,
serology, or PCR
- early antibiotic therapy and
supportive measures (IV fluids,
intensive care) are crucial
Prevention:
- annual vaccination against Leptospira
strains
- provide clean drinking water
- avoid contact with wild
animals/rodents and puddles
When to see a vet?
If your dog suddenly seems lethargic, vomits, or has yellowish mucous membranes, go to the vet immediately!
Sources: StIKo-Vet Guideline 2023; Small Animal Clinic, University of Bern; MSD Animal Health Germany
Canine Distemper
What is it?
- a viral infection affecting the
respiratory tract, digestive tract, and
nervous system
- transmission via droplet infection or
direct contact Typical
symptoms:
- cough, fever, nasal/ eye discharge,
diarrhea, neurological disorders
(e.g., seizures)
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- clinical findings, possibly virus
detection
- symptomatic and supportive
therapy
Prevention:
The distemper vaccination is one of the most important basic vaccinations and offers reliable protection.
​
When to see a vet?
If your pet has a persistent cough, fever, nasal or eye discharge, and especially neurological symptoms (tremors, seizures, unsteady gait), please seek veterinary care immediately.
Source: StIKo-Vet Guideline 2023
Canine papillomavirus
What is it?
- a virus that usually causes benign
warts (papillomas) on the mouth,
lips, or eyes
- primarily in young dogs
- is highly contagious to other dogs
- transmission occurs through direct
contact with infected dogs or
through contaminated objects such
as toys or food bowls
- transmission to humans is not
possible
​
Typical symptoms:
- wart-like, cauliflower-like growths
- usually painless, occasionally causes
swallowing difficulties ​
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- detection usually through visual
examination
- papillomas typically heal
spontaneously
- in cases of severe infestation, they
can be removed
Prevention:
- no standard vaccination
- avoid direct contact with infected
dogs
When to see a vet?
If the warts grow rapidly, bleed, interfere with eating, or do not heal within a few weeks, a veterinarian should examine them and remove them if necessary.
Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
Mediterranean disease in dogs
Mediterranean diseases are infections that originally occurred primarily in southern and Mediterranean countries. They are mainly transmitted by blood-sucking parasites such as ticks, mosquitoes, or sandflies. These include, in particular, leishmaniasis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and dirofilariasis. Due to travel, imported animals, and climate change, their vectors are now spreading to Central Europe—even to some extent in Germany. Effective tick and mosquito protection is therefore more important than ever.
canine leishmaniasis
What is it?
- a chronic parasitic infection
transmitted by sandflies (Leishmania
infantum)
- occurs particularly in Mediterranean
regions, but also in dogs that
originate from or travel to these
areas
Typical symptoms:
- skin changes, hair loss, weight loss,
fatigue, swollen lymph nodes
- over time, organs are also affected
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- serological tests and PCR
- combined with clinical examination - treatment is lengthy and involves
specific medications
Prevention:
- effective protection against sandflies
(repellents, collars)
- regular health checks after travelling
​
When to see a vet?
If your dog shows signs of skin problems, weight loss, or chronic fatigue after traveling to southern countries, you should have it examined by a veterinarian to rule out a leishmaniasis infection.
Source: ESCCAP Germany
heartworm disease (Dirofilariasis)
What is it?
- a parasitic infection transmitted by
mosquitoes
- larvae develop into adult worms
inside the body, which settle in the
heart and pulmonary arteries
Typical symptoms:
- chronic cough, decreased
performance, weight loss, shortness
of breath, heart/lung problems
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- blood tests & imaging procedures
- therapy is complex and requires
veterinary monitoring
Prevention:
- regular mosquito protection and
preventative medication
(especially when traveling to
southern countries)
When to see a vet?
If your dog shows signs of coughing, decreased performance, or weight loss after a trip abroad, it should be tested for heartworms – early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of recovery.
Source: ESCCAP Germany
Babesiosis
("Canine malaria")
What is it?
- it is a tick-borne infectious disease
caused by single-celled blood
parasites of the genus Babesia
- the pathogens destroy red blood
cells and lead to anemia and organ
damage.
Typical Symptoms:
- high fever, fatigue
- loss of appetite, weight loss
- dark or reddish urine (dissolved
blood cells)
- pale or yellowish mucous
membranes (anemia, jaundice)
- in severe cases: shortness of breath,
neurological deficits, kidney failure
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- blood tests (microscopic detection
of the pathogen in blood smear or
PCR)
- therapy involves specific
antiparasitic drugs as well as
supportive treatment (infusions,
blood transfusions, and anti-
inflammatory medication)
- early intervention is crucial, as the
disease can quickly become life-
threatening
Prevention:
- year-round tick protection with
approved repellent products (spot-
on, collar, tablet)
- carefully remove ticks after every
walk
- when traveling to southern
countries treat preventively in a
timely manner
When to see a vet?
If your pet has a fever, weakness, dark urine, or jaundice after a tick bite, see a vet immediately – babesiosis can quickly become life-threatening.
Source: ESCCAP Germany 2024; Merck Veterinary Manual; Parasites & Vectors (2016)
Ehrlichiosis
What is that?
- it is a bacterial disease, caused by
Ehrlichia canis, which is transmitted
by ticks
- it originates from southern
countries, but is increasingly being
detected in Central Europe
Typical symptoms:
Acute phase (1–3 weeks after infection):
- fever, fatigue, loss of appetite
- swollen lymph nodes, enlarged
spleen
- pinpoint hemorrhages on the skin or
mucous membranes
(thrombocytopenia)
Chronic phase:
- weight loss, paleness, recurring
fever
- joint pain, nosebleeds
- weakness, anemia, increased
susceptibility to infections
Diagnosis & treatment:
- via blood count (reduced platelet
count)
- serological tests or PCR
- treatment is carried out with specific
antibiotics
- additional supportive therapy may
be necessary, e.g. B. Immune system
support and treatment of secondary
infections
Prevention:
- reliable, year-round tick protection
- check after every walk
When to see a vet?
If your dog shows fever, bleeding tendencies, or weakness after a tick bite or a trip to warmer climates, please have your dog examined promptly.
Source: ESCCAP Germany 2024; Merck Veterinary Manual; VCA Animal Hospitals; AKC Health Library
Orthopedic and genetically determined diseases
Patellar luxation
What is that?
- a misalignment of the kneecap,
in which it temporarily or
permanently dislocates from its
normal groove
- primarily affects small breeds such
as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, or
Toy Poodles, but can also occur in
larger dogs
- the cause is usually hereditary, but
can also result from accidents or
ligament instability
Typical symptoms:
- short hopping on three legs,
sudden limping that often
disappears spontaneously,
or permanent lameness in severe
cases
​
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- orthopedic examination and
X-rays if necessary
- depending on the severity,
treatment is conservative
(movement control, physiotherapy,
weight reduction) or surgical
​
Prevention:
- selective breeding
- joint-friendly training
- avoid overexertion Growth
When to see a vet?
If your dog suddenly pulls up one leg briefly while walking, limps, or resumes walking normally after a short time, the joint should be checked by an orthopedist.
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual 2023; VCA Animal Hospitals 2022; TVT Guidelines 2021
Hip dysplasia
What is it?
- a malformation of the hip joint,
where the hip socket is too shallow
or the joint is too loose.
- this leads to osteoarthritis and
chronic pain.
- primarily affects large dog breeds
(Labrador, German Shepherd,
Rottweiler).
Typical symptoms:
- lameness after exercise
- difficulty getting up, climbing stairs,
or jumping
- reluctance to move
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- X-ray or CT scan
- physiotherapy, pain management,
up to surgical intervention
​
Prevention:
- breeding control
- joint-friendly exercise during growth
- maintaining weight, avoiding
obesity
​
When to see a vet?
If your dog is lame after getting up, shows pain when climbing stairs, or avoids movement, an X-ray should be taken for clarification.
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual 2023; ACVS 2024; GRSK e.V. Guideline 2023
Elbow dysplasia
What is it?
- a developmental disorder in the
elbow joint that leads to
misalignment, cartilage damage,
and osteoarthritis
- primarily affects large breeds such
as Labrador Retrievers or Saint
Bernards
​
Typical symptoms:
- front leg lameness
- facing the leg
- restricted movement
- pain when bending or extending
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- X-ray, CT scan, arthroscopy
- depending on the findings,
conservative therapy (rest,
physiotherapy) or surgical removal
of loose bone fragments
​
Prevention:
- balanced diet
- controlled exercise
- weight control
​
When to see a vet?
If your dog is lame after exercise or favors a front paw, an early orthopedic examination is advisable – the earlier it is detected, the better it can be treated.
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual 2023; ACVS 2024; DVG 2022
Hotspots
(acute wet dermatitis)
What is it?
- dudden onset of severely
inflamed and weeping skin lesions
- often caused by excessive licking or
scratching
- common triggers include flea bites,
allergies, or skin irritations
​
Typical symptoms:
- reddened, moist, painful skin lesions
with intense itching and an
unpleasant odor
​
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- clinical examination
- shaving of the affected area
- local therapy with antiseptic
or anti-inflammatory agents,
possibly antibiotics
Prevention:
- regular skin care
- parasite control
- hypoallergenic diet
When to see a vet?
If a skin lesion spreads rapidly, weeps heavily, or has a foul odor, it should be treated by a veterinarian – untreated hotspots can worsen quickly.
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual 2023; Cornell University CVM 2022; AniCura Germany 2023
Cough and kennel cough
What is it?
- it describes a group of infections
collectively known as "kennel
cough"
- various pathogens are involved
(e.g., Bordetella bronchiseptica,
parainfluenza virus, adenoviruses,
canine influenza)
Typical symptoms:
- dry, barking cough that sounds
like a "choking" sound, often after
excitement or exercise
- sometimes nasal discharge, fever,
loss of appetite
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- in persistent cases, laboratory or
PCR tests
- symptoms usually subside after
1–3 weeks of rest and, if necessary,
antibiotics
​
Prevention:
- vaccination against Bordetella
bronchiseptica and parainfluenza
virus in high-risk situations (dog
training schools, boarding kennels,
shows)
- a clean environment and good
ventilation prevent infection
​
When to see a vet?
If the cough lasts longer than 3 days, or if fever or loss of appetite develops – especially in puppies or older dogs.
​
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual 2023; WSAVA 2023; TiHo Hannover 2022
Conjunctivitis
(inflammation of the conjunctiva)
What is it?
- a common eye condition, caused by
irritants (dust, drafts), allergies,
bacteria, or viruses
- dental problems or anatomical
abnormalities can also play a role
Typical symptoms:
- redness of the eyes
- swelling of the eyelids
- itching
- rubbing with the paw
- yellowish-green discharge
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- eye examination with dye test,
possibly microbiological
examination
- treatment with antibiotic, antiviral,
or anti-inflammatory eye drops
Prevention:
- regular eye care
- protection from drafts
- early treatment of allergies
When to see a vet?
If your dog has red or watery eyes for more than two days
and your dog is frequently rubbing its eyes and there is discharge, a veterinarian should determine the cause – especially to rule out injuries or infections.
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual 2023; VCA Animal Hospitals 2022; AniCura Germany 2024
TBE
(Tick-borne encephalitis )
What is it?
- a tick-borne viral infection that,
while rare in dogs, can be potentially
serious
- affects the nervous system and can
be transmitted by infected ticks in
endemic areas
​
Typical symptoms:
- fever
- lethargy
- movement disorders, tremors,
seizures, or paralysis
​
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- detection through serology or PCR
- there is no causal therapy, only
symptomatic treatment (Pain
medication, IV fluids, neurological
support)
​
Prevention:
- year-round tick protection
- regular coat checks
- remove ticks immediately
- there is no approved TBE vaccine for
dogs
When to see a vet?
If your dog shows fever, coordination problems, or neurological abnormalities after a tick bite.
Sources: TiHo Hannover 2024; FLI 2024; ESCCAP Germany 2024
Sources / Guidelines:
Infectious Diseases:
-
Merck Veterinary Manual (MSD, 2023): Canine Parvovirus Infection; Leptospirosis in Dogs; Canine Oral Papillomatosis
-
StIKo-Vet Guideline (Friedrich Loeffler Institute, 5th edition, 2023): Vaccination recommendations for small animals (parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis)
-
Small Animal Clinic, University of Bern (2024): Leptospirosis in dogs – diagnostics and treatment recommendations
-
MSD Animal Health Germany (2023): Product information on leptospirosis vaccines
-
ESCCAP Germany (2024): Vector-borne diseases in dogs (leishmaniasis, dirofilariasis)
-
OpenAgrar (FLI, 2023): Distemper and parvovirus vaccination protocols for dogs
Mediterranean diseases:
-
ESCCAP Germany & Switzerland (2024): Travel-related diseases in dogs – babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, leishmaniasis, dirofilariasis
-
Merck Veterinary Manual (2023): Babesiosis in Dogs; Ehrlichiosis in Dogs; Heartworm disease
-
VCA Animal Hospitals (2024): Ehrlichiosis in Dogs – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
-
Parasites & Vectors Journal (2016–2023): Epidemiology of tick-borne protozoal diseases in Europe
-
American Heartworm Society (AHS, 2024): Heartworm Guidelines for Veterinarians
​​​
​Orthopedic & genetic diseases:
-
Merck Veterinary Manual (2023): Patellar Dislocation; Canine Hip Dysplasia; Elbow Dysplasia
-
VCA Animal Hospitals (2022): Patellar Luxation in Dogs
-
American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS, 2024): Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – Overview and Treatment Options
-
GRSK e.V. (2023): Guideline for Hip Dysplasia Diagnosis in Dogs (Germany)
-
DVG (2022): Guideline for Orthopedic Examination in Young Dogs
-
Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT, 2021): Guideline on Breed-Related Diseases – Chapter PL
Skin & Respiratory Diseases:
-
Merck Veterinary Manual (2023): Acute Moist Dermatitis (Hot Spots); Kennel Cough (CIRDC); Conjunctivitis in Dogs
-
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (2022): Pyotraumatic Dermatitis in Dogs (Hot Spots)
-
AniCura Germany (2023–2024): Hot Spots in Dogs; Eye Inflammation in Dogs
-
WSAVA (2023): Respiratory Disease Guidelines (CIRDC & Bordetella Vaccination)
-
University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo, 2022): CIRDC in Dogs – Clinical Presentation and Prevention
-
TiHo Hannover (2024): Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Dogs – Current Findings and Case Reports
-
Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI, 2024): TBE in Dogs and Tick-borne Diseases in Germany
-
ESCCAP Germany (2024): Tick-borne Diseases in Dogs