It’s common for dogs to get sick, just like humans. Since they are unable to communicate verbally with us, we must be aware of signs that they aren’t acting like themselves and that a health problem might be to blame. To determine whether your dog might be ill, we’ve gathered a list of common canine diseases and their symptoms.
Common Dog Diseases
As a dog owner, it’s a good idea to learn about the many diseases and infections that can harm dogs. In this post, we’ll go over some of the most common illnesses that affect dogs, what causes them and how to treat them.
Canine Parvovirus
Puppy and senior dogs are the most common victims of this severe disease, which is highly contagious and considered as emergency problems. Infected feces can remain in the environment for several months before they are ingested, making it easy for people to catch. The virus infects dogs’ gastrointestinal tracts if they eat contaminated feces.
As this disease has the potential to be deadly, pre-infection vaccinations are essential. Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, and fatigue are possible symptoms. In order to keep the virus contained and prevent it from spreading, the treatment for this virus focuses on making the dog as comfortable as possible and cleaning the affected areas thoroughly.
Canine Distemper
Getting vaccinated against this virus is essential before becoming infected. The potentially deadly illness canine distemper is also very contagious. Numerous organs are affected by this virus, some of which can have long-lasting negative consequences on a dog’s nervous system. Dogs with canine distemper typically spread the disease to other dogs through discharges from their noses and eyes.
Canine distemper symptoms include listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and nasal and ocular discharges. Dogs can suffer from convulsions and paralysis in the later stages of the infection because of the increasing pain they are experiencing.
Heartworms
To protect your dog from a heart problem, you should vaccine it against this virus. Mosquitoes carry this dangerous disease; when a mosquito bites into the dog’s skin, it transmits larvae to the dog. The larvae then enter the dog’s bloodstream and approach its heart. As the larvae mature into worms, they spread illness and clog the heart’s arteries.
Both intravenous and oral medicines are used to treat dogs with heartworm disease. The dog will develop congestive heart problems if the condition isn’t addressed. A combination of preventative medicine and dog vaccines is the best way to avoid heartworm disease.
Lyme Disease
Tick bites transmit the bacterium borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease in dogs. A dog’s neurological health may be jeopardized if this condition is left untreated. Lyme disease symptoms include a high fever, swollen lymph nodes, lameness, and a loss of appetite. A dog’s kidneys, heart, and joints are all harmed if they become infected. Antibiotics are the best treatment for Lyme disease in dogs and humans. Looking for surgeons near you? You can find them here.
Kennel Cough (Canine Tracheobronchitis)
This is a respiratory tract infection that resembles the common cold in humans. The best way to protect your dog against this virus is by vaccination, especially if they often interact with other dogs. This virus commonly arises in dogs’ kennels, animal shelters, or boarding facilities and is carried by airborne bacteria.
The common symptom of this disease is a dry, hacking cough, which can be productive or nonproductive at the same time. Antibiotics and cough suppressants may be used to treat kennel cough. Like human colds, the best treatment is rest, comfort, and allowing the illness to take its course.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the most common conditions that your pet dog may suffer from. If your dog develops any of the diseases listed above or an infection that isn’t listed, dog insurance can help. It protects you financially against the expenses of your dog’s veterinarian treatment. Depending on your dog’s needs, you may be able to choose from a variety of insurance plans that cover anything from accidents and diseases to operations and hospitalization.
