Dog Health Guide

Health conditions in dogs explained clearly: how to recognise them, what is behind them and when you should see a vet.

23 topics from allergies to tartar
Clearly explained and carefully researched
Does not replace a visit to the vet

All topics at a glance

Choose an area of the body or browse all 23 topics.

All Joints & bones Spine & nerves Digestion & organs Mouth & teeth Skin & defences Senior dogs

Skin & defences Allergies Allergies and intolerances explained clearly. Read more ›

Joints & bones Arthritis Inflammatory changes in the joint and their possible causes. Read more ›

Mouth & teeth Bad breath Where it comes from and when to take a closer look. Read more ›

Spine & nerves Cauda Equina A narrowing of the nerve roots where the lumbar spine meets the sacrum. Read more ›

Senior dogs Dementia When your older dog becomes forgetful and restless. Read more ›

Digestion & organs Digestion From a change of food to stress: what upsets the tummy. Read more ›

Joints & bones Elbow dysplasia When the elbow joint does not grow to fit properly. Read more ›

Mouth & teeth Gums Take red gums seriously: causes and signs. Read more ›

Spine & nerves Herniated disc Not just a dachshund issue: signs and causes. Read more ›

Joints & bones Hip dysplasia A developmental disorder of the hip joint, often partly hereditary. Read more ›

Digestion & organs Incontinence When your dog can no longer reliably hold its urine. Read more ›

Spine & nerves Myelopathy A progressive condition of the spinal cord that usually starts with weak hind legs. Read more ›

Joints & bones Osteoarthritis The slow wear of joint cartilage, often in old age. Read more ›

Digestion & organs Pancreatitis Understanding inflammation of the pancreas. Read more ›

Joints & bones Patellar luxation When the kneecap slips out of its groove. Read more ›

Spine & nerves Polyradiculitis A rare inflammation of many nerve roots that can lead to paralysis. Read more ›

Joints & bones Radius-Curvus When the ulna and radius in the foreleg grow unevenly. Read more ›

Digestion & organs Renal insufficiency What declining kidney function means. Read more ›

Spine & nerves Spondylosis Bony growths along the spine, often in older dogs. Read more ›

Mouth & teeth Tartar How deposits form and why dental care matters. Read more ›

Senior dogs Tumours What tumours in dogs mean and what to look out for. Read more ›

Spine & nerves Vagus nerve The rest nerve and what it controls in your dog’s body. Read more ›

Spine & nerves Vestibular syndrome Sudden balance problems, often in older dogs. Read more ›

What are you noticing in your dog?

A quick way in via typical signs. It does not replace a diagnosis. If symptoms are sudden or severe, go straight to the vet.

Struggles to get up, limps, avoids stairs Osteoarthritis Hip dysplasia Patellar luxation Elbow dysplasia

Walks unsteadily, weak hind legs Herniated disc Cauda Equina Spondylosis Myelopathy Polyradiculitis

Tilts the head, staggers, falls to one side Vestibular syndrome

Bad breath, deposits on the teeth Bad breath Tartar Gums

Soft stools, rumbling tummy, poor appetite Digestion Pancreatitis Allergies

A look at the health of our dogs

Dogs, man's closest companions for thousands of years, not only delight us with their loyalty and loving nature, but are also a reflection of the care and attention we give them. However, domestication and the accompanying changes in lifestyle and diet have meant that our four-legged friends today face a variety of health problems that were less prevalent in the wild nature of their ancestors. From overbreeding to inappropriate husbandry and nutrition, the effects of human influence on the health of our dogs are manifold and require us to act responsibly and attentively.

Whilst joint disease is one of the more well-known challenges, the range of health problems that dogs can face today is wide and includes a variety of conditions ranging from easily treatable conditions to complex and chronic diseases. In this overview, we look at the most common conditions that can affect our dogs. For each disease mentioned, you will find a more detailed explanation via a link. There we explain how responsible dog owners can take preventative action and provide support if necessary.

Which nutrients play which role in a dog’s diet? Our ingredient glossary explains 43 ingredients from Agaricus to zinc.

To the ingredient glossary

Veterinary expertise at the heart of our team

Dr. med. vet. Sibylle Ott has been part of our team at DOG FIT by PreThis^® from the very beginning. As an experienced vet, she supports our work professionally and contributes her knowledge of dog health. Her experience and her deep understanding of dogs’ needs are an important guide for us. She is a valuable treasure for our team and for the well-being of many dogs.

This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a vet. Our products are complementary feed for dogs. They do not replace a veterinary examination or treatment. If your dog has any health problems, please contact your vet.