Updated: Sep 17
A bit less energy. A little itchy. Bad breath you’ve learned to ignore. A new lump you assume is harmless. Sometimes the earliest signs of illness are easy to dismiss, which is why knowing what to watch for matters.
Key points
The most common dog diseases and conditions we see in claims are allergies, gastrointestinal issues, and cancer, followed by ear and urinary infections.
Many dog illnesses are far easier to treat when you catch them early, so learn your pup's normal and act on changes fast.
A few canine illnesses can spread to people, but everyday habits like handwashing, vaccines, and parasite prevention keep the risk low.
You don’t need to memorize every disease a pup can get. But knowing the most common dog diseases and conditions, what they look like, and when to call your vet can make you a much more prepared pet parent.
The most common diagnoses among Pumpkin pups
We reviewed data from more than 124,000 Pumpkin pet insurance claims filed. These diagnoses reflect Pumpkin’s claims data, so they aren’t necessarily a ranking of every disease dogs develop, but they do offer a useful snapshot of the health issues showing up most often in our insured population.
Here are the top 10 diagnoses, in order of how often they showed up:
Allergies
Gastrointestinal issues
Cancer
Ear infections
Urinary tract infection
Inflammatory bowel disease
Periodontal disease
Giardia
Canine respiratory diseases
Intervertebral disc disease
The quick guide to common dog diseases and conditions
If you’re looking for the basics, start here. This quick-reference chart covers the 10 most common dog diseases and conditions, along with the key signs and what you need to know right now. We’ll get into more detail on each condition below.
Signs | What to do
| |
Allergies | Itchy skin, licking, recurring ear issues | Call your vet to pin down the trigger |
Gastrointestinal issues | Vomiting or diarrhea | Watch hydration, call your vet if it persists |
Cancer | New lump, weight loss, low energy | Get any new lump checked promptly |
Ear infections | Head shaking, odor, scratching | Clean your pup’s ears and see the vet for meds |
Urinary tract infection | Straining, frequent or bloody pee | Book a vet visit for a urine test |
Inflammatory bowel disease | Chronic vomiting or diarrhea | Ask your vet about a workup |
Periodontal disease | Bad breath, red gums, tartar | Schedule a dental exam |
Giardia | Soft, greasy, or watery stool | Bring a stool sample to your vet |
Canine respiratory diseases | Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge | Rest, isolate, and call your vet |
Intervertebral disc disease | Back pain, hunching, wobbly legs | Treat as urgent, call your vet now |
Allergies
Allergies topped our claims, and that tracks with what vets see every day. They're a leading cause of the itchy skin and recurring ear infections many dogs deal with. Most dog allergies are environmental, food, or flea-based.
Symptoms
Itchy, red, or irritated skin
Constant licking, chewing, or scratching
Recurring ear infections or ear irritation
Hair loss or hot spots
Sneezing, watery eyes, or paw licking
Treatment
See your vet to identify the trigger
Anti-itch or anti-inflammatory medication as prescribed
A vet-guided food trial for suspected food allergies
Medicated shampoos or ear treatments
Prevention
Stay current on flea and tick prevention
Wipe paws and coat after walks in high-pollen seasons
Feed a consistent, vet-approved diet
Treat flare-ups early before they worsen
Gastrointestinal issues
Upset stomachs are a huge chunk of common dog sickness. Most cases come from dietary indiscretion – meaning your pup ate something they shouldn't have. A quick bout often clears up, but ongoing vomiting or diarrhea needs a vet.
Symptoms
Vomiting or diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Drooling or lip-licking
Low energy or a hunched posture
Treatment
Withhold food briefly if your vet advises it
Offer small amounts of water to prevent dehydration
A bland diet as directed by your vet
Prescribed anti-nausea or anti-diarrheal medication
Prevention
Keep trash, table scraps, and toxic foods out of reach
Switch foods gradually over several days
Watch closely during walks so nothing sneaky gets eaten
Call your vet right away if you see blood, repeated vomiting, or signs your dog is weak or dehydrated. Puppies dehydrate fast, so a serious bug like parvo is an emergency. Learn the warning signs in our guide to parvo symptoms and treatment.
Cancer
Cancer ranked third in our claims, and it's always a scary one. Early detection gives your pup the best shot, so get new lumps and changes checked.
Symptoms
A new lump or a lump that changes size
Unexplained weight loss
Sores that won't heal
Ongoing low energy or trouble eating
Abnormal swelling or bleeding
Treatment
Diagnostic testing, such as biopsy or imaging
Surgery to remove tumors when possible
Chemotherapy or radiation as recommended
Pain management and supportive care
Prevention
Book regular wellness exams, especially for senior dogs
Do monthly at-home lump checks
Report any new or changing sign to your vet quickly
Ear infections
Ear infections landed fourth, and they're often tied to the allergies at the top of this list. In fact, allergies are involved in up to 43% of ear infection cases. Floppy-eared breeds get them more often because moisture gets trapped in the ear canal.
Symptoms
Head shaking or tilting
Scratching at the ears
Odor or discharge from the ear
Redness or swelling inside the ear
Treatment
A vet exam to check the ear canal and eardrum
Professional ear cleaning
Prescribed ear drops or oral medication
Treating the underlying allergy if one is found
Prevention
Dry your dog's ears after baths and swims
Clean ears with a vet-approved solution as directed
Manage allergies to cut down on repeat infections
Urinary tract infection
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a common dog sickness that causes real discomfort. Bacteria irritate the bladder and make peeing painful. UTIs usually respond well to treatment once your vet confirms them with a urine test.
Symptoms
Straining or crying while urinating
Frequent trips outside with little output
Blood in the urine
Accidents in the house
Excessive licking around the genitals
Treatment
A urinalysis to confirm the infection
Antibiotics as prescribed
Plenty of fresh water to flush the bladder
Follow-up testing for recurring cases
Prevention
Keep fresh water available at all times
Offer regular potty breaks
Report early signs so infections don't spread to the kidneys
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is ongoing inflammation of the digestive tract. Unlike a one-off stomach bug, it causes chronic vomiting or diarrhea over weeks or months. It's managed rather than cured, so a vet workup matters.
Symptoms
Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
Weight loss despite a normal appetite
Low energy
Changes in appetite
Treatment
Diagnostic testing to rule out other causes
A prescription or hydrolyzed diet
Anti-inflammatory medication as prescribed
Long-term monitoring with your vet
Prevention
Feed a consistent, vet-approved diet
Track flare-ups and food changes in a simple log
Keep up with recheck appointments
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs. By the age of three, most dogs already show early signs, and it worsens with age without care. Thankfully, periodontal disease in dogs is highly preventable with routine dental care.
Symptoms
Bad breath
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
Loose or missing teeth
Trouble eating or chewing on one side
Treatment
A professional dental cleaning under anesthesia
Dental X-rays to check below the gumline
Extractions for damaged teeth when needed
A home dental routine going forward
Prevention
Brush your dog's teeth with pet-safe toothpaste
Offer vet-approved dental chews
Schedule regular dental exams
Giardia
Giardia is an intestinal parasite and one of the more common puppy illnesses. Surveys find it in roughly 10 to 30% of dogs, and it spreads through contaminated water, soil, and feces. Humans can also get it, but you're unlikely to catch Giardia from your dog because the type of Giardia that infects dogs usually isn't the type that makes people sick.
Symptoms
Soft, greasy, or watery stool
Diarrhea that comes and goes
Weight loss
Low energy
Treatment
A stool test to confirm the parasite
Prescribed anti-parasitic medication
Bathing to remove cysts from the coat
A follow-up stool check to confirm it's gone
Prevention
Stop your dog from drinking standing water
Pick up and dispose of feces promptly
Clean bowls, bedding, and living areas well
Canine respiratory diseases
Canine respiratory diseases cover coughs and colds that spread in multi-dog settings like boarding and daycare. Kennel cough and canine influenza are two common canine illnesses in this group.
Here's a myth-buster: you can't catch a cold from your dog, since dogs and humans are usually affected by different virus strains that rarely cross species.
Symptoms
Persistent coughing or a honking cough
Sneezing or nasal discharge
Watery eyes
Low energy or reduced appetite
Treatment
A vet exam to gauge severity
Rest and isolation from other dogs
Medication if a bacterial infection is present
Supportive care to keep your pup comfortable
Prevention
Ask about flu and Bordetella vaccines before boarding
Keep sick dogs away from group settings
Give your dog time to recover fully before playdates
Intervertebral disc disease
Intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD, is a common spinal cord disease in low-slung breeds. Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are especially prone, and Miniature Dachshunds have a lifetime prevalence around 20%. Severe cases of IVDD in dogs are a true emergency, so act fast if you see the signs.
Symptoms
Back or neck pain
A hunched or tense posture
Wobbly, weak, or dragging legs
Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
Paralysis in severe cases
Treatment
An urgent vet exam and imaging
Strict crate rest for mild cases
Anti-inflammatory and pain medication
Surgery for severe or worsening cases
Prevention
Use ramps instead of letting your dog jump on and off furniture
Keep your pup at a healthy weight
Support the back when lifting at-risk breeds
IVDD that causes sudden weakness or paralysis is an emergency, so call your vet or an ER clinic right away.
Which dog diseases can spread to humans?
Most of the conditions covered here affect dogs without posing a risk to the people who care for them. But there are a few exceptions. Some illnesses can spread from dogs to people, known as zoonotic diseases.
Zoonotic diseases dogs can pass to people include rabies, ringworm, leptospirosis, and intestinal parasites like hookworm and roundworm.
The best defense is simple and routine:
Wash your hands after handling poop, and clean up the yard often
Keep rabies and other vaccines current
Stay consistent with parasite prevention year-round
See your vet if your dog has ongoing diarrhea or skin lesions
Remember the Giardia and cold nuance from earlier? The strain that affects dogs usually doesn't make people sick. You won't catch a cold from your pup, or kennel cough, canine respiratory illness, or canine influenza because they all spread between dogs, not to humans.
How to tell if your dog is sick (warning signs)
Dogs hide illness well, so watch for shifts from their normal routine. You know your pup best, so if something seems off, don’t be afraid to call your vet and check in if you’re concerned.
Did you know there’s actually a commonly used shorthand for veterinary professionals? One phrase is ADR, which stands for “ain’t doin’ right” and it just means that the pet parent thinks there’s something off but they can’t put their finger on it. Vets take this seriously.
If you’re trying to figure out exactly what’s going on before taking them in, consider these signs:
Changes in appetite or water intake
Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than a day
Low energy or hiding
Coughing, sneezing, or labored breathing
Limping, stiffness, or trouble getting up
New lumps, sores, or swelling
Changes in bathroom habits
Seek emergency vet care right away for trouble breathing, collapse, repeated vomiting, a bloated hard belly, seizures, or suspected poisoning. When in doubt, call your vet, since acting early on dog diseases and symptoms usually leads to better outcomes.
How to help protect your dog from common dog diseases and conditions
You can’t prevent every illness, but a few everyday habits can lower your dog’s risk and help you catch problems before they become more serious.
Keep preventive care current. Stay on schedule with wellness exams, vaccines, and flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Your vet can adjust your dog’s preventive care as their age, lifestyle, and risk factors change.
Know what’s normal for your dog. Pay attention to your dog’s usual appetite, energy, bathroom habits, weight, and behavior. Small changes can be easier to spot when you know what is normal for your pup.
Take dental care seriously. Regular tooth brushing, vet-approved dental products, and professional dental exams can help prevent periodontal disease, one of the most common health problems in dogs.
Protect your dog from parasites. Year-round parasite prevention and prompt cleanup of feces can help reduce the risk of illnesses caused by parasites, including Giardia and intestinal worms.
Be thoughtful about exposure. Keep toxic foods and household hazards out of reach, don’t let your dog drink from potentially contaminated water, and ask your vet about vaccines before boarding, daycare, or other group activities.
Don’t ignore changes. A new lump, recurring ear infection, persistent digestive problems, changes in urination, or unexplained weight loss deserves attention. Getting a problem checked early can make diagnosis and treatment easier.
Common dog disease FAQs
Can people get sick from dogs?
Yes, but it's uncommon with good hygiene. Some dog diseases transmitted to humans exist, so wash your hands after cleaning up, keep vaccines current, and stay consistent with parasite prevention.
What diseases can dogs pass to humans?
Zoonotic diseases dogs can pass to people include rabies, ringworm, leptospirosis, and intestinal parasites like hookworm and roundworm. Routine vaccines, parasite prevention, and handwashing keep the risk low.
How can I tell if my dog is sick?
Watch for changes from normal: appetite shifts, vomiting or diarrhea, low energy, coughing, limping, or new lumps. Call your vet for anything sudden or severe, since early action on dog diseases and symptoms helps.
What vaccinations does my dog need to stay healthy?
Core vaccines are rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, and current 2022 AAHA guidelines also classify leptospirosis as core for all dogs. Non-core, lifestyle-based vaccines include Bordetella for kennel cough, canine influenza, and Lyme. Your vet can tailor the plan to your dog.
Are older dogs more prone to disease?
Often, yes. Senior dogs face higher risk for issues like cancer, dental disease, and joint problems. More frequent wellness exams help catch these serious dog illnesses earlier.
Which common dog diseases can be deadly?
Several serious dog illnesses can turn deadly without fast care, including cancer, parvo in puppies, severe IVDD, and leptospirosis. Quick vet attention gives your pup the best chance, so never wait on urgent signs.
