These 15 Dog Health Problems Could Cost You Thousands (and Sometimes the Solutions Are Simple Stupid Easy)

Vet bills can hit like a ton of bricks—trust me, I’ve been there with my two dogs, Ella, a Chihuahua mix, and Moose, a Chiweenie. Many common dog health problems can spiral into costly emergencies, but the good news is that many are preventable or manageable with surprisingly simple steps.

We’ve found that homemade dog food—with fresh meats, fruits, and veggies—paired with careful portion control and daily walks, has helped keep Ella and Moose healthier and happier. Not every health issue has a quick fix, but knowing what to watch for can save you time, money, and heartbreak.

Let’s get into the 14 common problems you need to watch out for—and how to avoid them.

---

1. Dental Disease

Imagine Ella, my little Chihuahua mix, bravely enduring her second dental cleaning—this time with three teeth pulled. Dental disease is a sneaky, painful problem that often flies under the radar until it’s serious (and expensive). Plaque and tartar buildup don’t just cause bad breath—they can lead to infections that affect your dog’s heart, kidneys, and more.

I’ll be honest: we try to brush Ella’s teeth regularly, but sometimes life gets in the way, and we don’t do as well as we should. If you’re anything like me, you might struggle with this too. But here’s the thing—consistent brushing, even a few times a week, plus dental chews, can make a huge difference in preventing painful problems and costly vet visits.

Breed note: Small breeds like Ella and Moose are especially prone to dental issues because their teeth are crowded.

Tips to do better than us:

• Aim to brush daily, or at least several times a week
• Use dog-safe toothpaste and a soft toothbrush
• Offer dental chews to help reduce plaque
• Schedule regular vet dental checkups to catch issues early

Dental care is one of those things that’s easy to put off but can save you and your dog a lot of pain and money in the long run.

---

2. Obesity

Imagine Ella a year ago—older, sluggish, and carrying extra pounds that put her at risk for diabetes, joint issues, and heart problems. After switching to homemade dog food with carefully measured portions and daily walks, she’s now lighter, muscular, and even got compliments recently—yes, from strangers!

Obesity is a huge risk factor for many expensive health problems, but portion control and exercise can turn it around.

Breed alert: Small breeds like Chihuahuas and Chiweenies tend to gain weight easily, so vigilance is key.

Simple fixes:

• Measure food portions carefully
• Avoid table scraps
• Keep up daily walks or playtime
• Consider homemade food with fresh ingredients for balanced nutrition

---

3. Ear Infections

Ear infections are one of the most common health issues for dogs with floppy ears, but Moose has been lucky so far. Still, it’s worth knowing the signs and prevention methods because these infections cause itching, pain, and vet bills.

Signs of Ear Infection	Prevention Tips
Scratching, head shaking	Clean ears weekly with vet-approved solution
Redness or swelling	Keep ears dry
Foul odor	Regular vet checkups for chronic cases

If your dog is prone to ear infections, regular cleaning and drying ears after baths or swims can prevent flare-ups.

---

4. Skin Allergies

While neither Ella nor Moose has struggled with skin allergies, they’re a common cause of itching, redness, and costly vet visits for many dogs. Allergies can come from fleas, food, or environmental triggers.

Prevention tips:

• Use flea prevention year-round
• Bathe with allergy-friendly shampoos
• Consult your vet about food allergy testing if needed

For more on allergies check out our other article – Alleviate Dog Allergies with These 5 Human Foods (& Helpful Tips)

---

5. Arthritis

Arthritis can be heartbreaking, especially in older dogs. While we haven’t needed supplements yet, studies show glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids can support joint health. We prefer to focus on fresh, homemade meals rich in natural anti-inflammatories like fish and vegetables.

Imagine Moose slowing down a bit as he ages. Keeping his weight in check with homemade food and regular gentle exercise can help keep joints healthy longer.

Breed warning: Small breeds like Chiweenies can develop joint issues, so early prevention matters.

---

6. Gastrointestinal Issues

Imagine Ella when we first brought her home—she was struggling with diarrhea, sometimes going four times a day. We later found out she had giardia, a common parasite that causes nasty digestive upset. It was stressful and messy, and the vet prescribed medication (usually metronidazole or fenbendazole) that cleared it up quickly.

Digestive problems like these can rack up vet bills fast if not treated promptly. Many GI issues improve with a consistent, balanced homemade diet packed with fresh ingredients—just like what we feed Ella and Moose now. Keeping their meals simple and avoiding sudden diet changes helps keep their tummies stable.

Tips to keep digestion smooth:

• Introduce new foods gradually
• Keep plenty of fresh water available
• Avoid table scraps or rich human foods
• Consult your vet promptly if diarrhea or vomiting lasts more than a day or two

---

7. Parasites (Fleas, Ticks, Worms)

Parasites are the ultimate time and money wasters if left unchecked. Fleas and ticks cause itching and can transmit serious diseases; worms can cause malnutrition and other health issues.

Picture your dog scratching incessantly and the vet pulling ticks off his ears—scary and costly. Preventative meds are your best defense and usually much cheaper than treating infestations.

Prevention essentials:

• Use vet-recommended parasite preventatives year-round
• Regularly check your dog’s coat and skin
• Keep your yard and living spaces clean
• Deworm puppies and adult dogs as advised by your vet

---

8. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs are painful and can lead to more serious kidney infections if untreated. If you see your dog frequently licking herself and struggling to pee without discomfort—that’s a UTI warning sign.

Hydration is key to prevention. Fresh water and a diet with moisture-rich foods (like homemade meals with fresh veggies) help keep the urinary tract flushed and healthy.

Prevention tips:

• Ensure constant access to clean water
• Feed moisture-rich foods
• Watch for signs like frequent urination or blood in urine
• Consult your vet promptly if symptoms appear

---

9. Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that can cause painful arthritis later in life, especially in larger breeds—but smaller dogs like Moose can also be affected.

My biggest fear is Moose hesitating before jumping on the couch or showing stiffness after play. Maintaining a healthy weight through portion control and balanced homemade meals helps reduce joint stress.

While we don’t use supplements yet, studies suggest glucosamine and omega-3s can support joint health. We rely on fresh food and exercise but keep supplements in mind if needed.

---

10. Heart Disease

Heart disease is a serious and often silent threat. Regular vet checkups are crucial to catch early signs before expensive treatments become necessary.

Feeding a balanced homemade diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids supports heart health naturally. For example, fatty fish like salmon can be a great addition.

Keep your dog’s heart strong by:

• Scheduling regular vet exams
• Feeding fresh, balanced meals
• Maintaining a healthy weight and exercise routine

My go to Omega 3 source is sardines (or salmon) in water! Skip the extra calories from canned fish in oil and go for just plain fish. Your dogs (if they’re like mine) won’t be able to get enough.

---

11. Diabetes

Diabetes requires lifelong management and can be costly. Obesity is a major risk factor, so Ella’s weight loss journey with homemade meals and exercise is a great prevention example.

Balanced blood sugar levels come easier with controlled portions and high-quality ingredients (i.e. homemade dog food). Avoid sugary treats and processed foods.

---

12. Eye Problems

Eye issues can range from minor irritations to serious conditions like cataracts. Imagine Moose blinking constantly or tearing more than usual—these signs shouldn’t be ignored.

Regular cleaning around the eyes and vet visits help catch problems early. Homemade diets rich in antioxidants support eye health too.

---

13. Cancer

Cancer is the scariest and most expensive health problem. Early detection improves outcomes, but prevention is tricky.

Feeding fresh, nutrient-dense meals with plenty of antioxidants and avoiding processed foods may help reduce risk.

---

14. Behavioral Problems

Stress and anxiety can manifest as physical health problems, leading to vet visits and medications.

Providing mental stimulation, training, and a calm environment supports overall wellbeing.

Need some new tricks? You can find hundreds of them to try here. (affiliate link AND I own that product and use those tricks, especially with Moose – high energy baby that one ha!)

---

15. Back Problems in Long-Bodied Dogs

Ella and Moose both have those adorable long bodies that come with a hidden risk: back problems, including the dreaded intervertebral disc disease that can cause rear leg paralysis.

Moose is constantly trying to jump up (and then down) from the couch or bed, putting strain on his spine. We’re fighting this before it starts with smart, engineered passive solutions—like sturdy ramps and steps designed to help them get up and down safely without jumping.

Prevent back problems by:

• Using ramps or steps for furniture access
• Avoiding slippery floors or high jumps
• Maintaining a healthy weight with fresh homemade food
• Encouraging gentle, low-impact exercise

Taking these steps now can save your long-bodied dog from painful, costly back issues down the road.

This is the exact steps I use for the bed (we have a tall bed)…

---

Call to Action: Your 15 Dog Health Risks and Simple Fixes Cheat Sheet

Use this article as your guide to spot and prevent these common health issues early. Download our “15 Dog Health Risks and Simple Fixes Cheat Sheet” to keep handy for quick reference.

Start small—focus on one or two changes like portion control or dental care—and build from there. Your dog’s health and your wallet will thank you.

---

15 Dog Health Risks and Simple Fixes Cheat Sheet

#	Health Risk	What to Watch For	Simple Fixes & Prevention Tips
1	Dental Disease	Bad breath, difficulty chewing	Brush teeth 3-7x/week, dental chews, vet checkups
2	Obesity	Extra weight, sluggishness	Measure portions, homemade balanced meals, daily walks
3	Ear Infections	Scratching ears, head shaking, odor	Clean ears weekly, keep dry, vet checkups
4	Skin Allergies	Itching, redness, hair loss	Flea prevention, allergy-friendly baths, vet advice
5	Arthritis	Stiffness, reluctance to move	Maintain healthy weight, gentle exercise, fresh food rich in anti-inflammatories
6	Gastrointestinal Issues	Vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite	Gradual diet changes, fresh water, vet consult if persistent
7	Parasites	Scratching, visible fleas/ticks	Year-round preventatives, regular coat checks
8	Urinary Tract Infections	Frequent urination, discomfort	Fresh water, moisture-rich food, vet care if symptoms
9	Hip Dysplasia	Limping, stiffness	Healthy weight, balanced diet, vet monitoring
10	Heart Disease	Fatigue, coughing, fainting	Regular vet exams, omega-3 rich diet, exercise
11	Diabetes	Excessive thirst, urination	Weight control, balanced diet, avoid sugary treats
12	Eye Problems	Excessive tearing, redness	Clean eyes gently, regular vet checkups
13	Cancer	Lumps, weight loss, lethargy	Early detection, fresh nutrient-rich diet
14	Behavioral Problems	Anxiety, destructive behavior	Mental stimulation, training, calm environment
15	Back Problems (Long-bodied Dogs)	Difficulty jumping, reluctance to move	Use ramps/steps, avoid high jumps, healthy weight, gentle exercise

---

Quick Tips for Success:

• Start with one or two fixes and build habits gradually.
• Homemade fresh food with balanced protein, veggies, and fruits supports overall health.
• Regular vet checkups catch problems early and save money long-term.
• Keep your dog active but avoid risky jumps, especially for long-bodied breeds.