There are 10 diseases common to every breed of dog that pet owners need to be aware of. When you know what these diseases are, you are better able to protect your beloved canine. If you believe that your dog may be suffering with any of these diseases, please consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Dog Diseases and Symptoms
Below a listing of the most common dog diseases and symptoms :
Dog Disease 1: Giardia in Dogs Giardia is a disease named after the parasite that causes it. Your dog becomes infected with Giardia after drinking contaminated water. Giving your dog a monthly heartworm preventative that also protects against Giardia is a good idea.
Dog Disease 2: Distemper in Dogs Distemper is an extremely contagious virus. Among the diseases in dogs, this is one of the most serious. Distemper causes issues with the respiratory and nervous systems. The best prevention is following a proper vaccination protocol. Treatment of distemper involves hospitalization and prescription medications.
Dog Disease 3: Parvovirus in Dogs Parvo causes vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms associated with this dog disease can be so serious that they can lead to death. Parvo is passed from dog to dog through contaminated feces. Like distemper, parvo can be prevented by following a proper vaccination protocol. Treatment of parvo includes hospitalization and prescription medication.
Dog Disease 4: Intestinal Parasites in Dogs Intestinal parasites can cause vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. Common parasites include whipworms, hookworms and roundworms. Intestinal parasites are easily passed from dog to dog through contaminated feces. Most heartworm preventatives also prevent intestinal parasites.
Dog Disease 5: Lyme Disease in Dogs Lyme disease is a bacterial disease spread by ticks. Infected dogs exhibit symptoms such as limping, lethargy, depression, loss of appetite and fatigue. Lyme disease can affect the heart, kidneys and brain. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent this terrible disease. Learn more about ticks and why they are bad for dogs. Follow these steps in removing a tick from a dog.
Dog Disease 6: Rabies in Dogs Of all the dog diseases, rabies is of the greatest concern because it can be spread to humans. The deadly disease is contracted through the bite of rabid animals. Vaccinations are the only way to prevent rabies in your dog. Rabies is such a serious disease that vaccinations against it are required by law.
Dog Disease 7: Leptospirosis in Dogs Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria. Dogs can become infected with the disease by drinking contaminated water. Humans can become infected by coming into contact with the urine of infected animals. Symptoms include jaundice, high fever and hemorrhaging. Vaccinations protect dogs against leptospirosis.
Dog Disease 8: Kennel Cough in Dogs Kennel cough is a name that can be misleading. This disease is actually a form of bronchitis. Dogs do not need to be boarded in kennels to become infected. Symptoms of kennel cough include a cough severe enough to lead to gagging and vomiting. Vaccination can help protect against kennel cough. If your dog is already infected, expect your veterinarian to prescribe antibiotics or cough remedies.
Dog Disease 9: Heartworm in Dogs Heartworm disease is spread via the bite of an infected mosquito. Heartworm larvae travel through the bloodstream, making a home in the heart. These larvae grow into adults and eventually clog the heart, causing it to malfunction. There are many monthly heartworm preventatives on the market that can protect your dog. Treatment requires hospitalization and several rounds of medication. Left untreated, heartworm is deadly.
Dog Disease 10: Hepatitis in Dogs Hepatitis in dogs affects the liver. The disease is highly contagious, passed easily from dog to dog. Symptoms of hepatitis include vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Left untreated, hepatitis can lead to irreversible kidney damage. Vaccination is the only prevention for hepatitis.
Every dog is susceptible to illness. By vaccinating your pet, taking care to not let it come into contact with infected animals, and by using heartworm preventative, diseases in dogs can be avoided. Again, if you believe that your dog is infected with any of these diseases, seek veterinary attention.
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