One of the biggest responsibilities of a dog parent is to stay up to date with their canine's health and rule out any signs of common canine diseases. Taking your fur baby to the veterinarian regularly can help identify early signs of any illness and rule out the possibility of various diseases going unnoticed. We have put together a list of the 10 most common dog diseases that every dog owner must keep an eye out for. Continue reading to know more about these diseases and their symptoms.
10 common canine diseases
Here are 10 common ailments in dogs that every pet parent should be aware of. Let’s learn more about the nature of these diseases and how you can help your canine steer clear of any of them.
Rabies is a deadly virus that can affect the brain and spinal cord of a dog. This disease is spread by saliva and can be 100% fatal once it starts showing symptoms. The term ‘rabies’ often evokes fear among pet parents because of its deadly nature, and also because rabies can also be spread to other pets and humans. Fortunately, this disease can be prevented with the help of proper vaccination and by spreading awareness. Many dog parks require proof of rabies vaccination, which is a step in the right direction to keep this fatal disease at bay.
Canine Distemper is the leading cause of infection-based death in dogs. This dangerous virus can be spread by secretions from an infected dog’s nose which can be inhaled by other dogs. This disease causes fever, runny eyes, coughing, a snotty nose, vomiting, seizures, diarrhoea, and more. While there is no cure for this disease, there is an effective vaccine that can help your dog fight this virus. In fact, Distemper vaccines are included in your canine’s ‘core’ vaccines.
Canine Parvovirus is one of the most common dog diseases which spreads easily through infected pets, contaminated surfaces, feces, bowls, leashes, clothing, and hands. This virus can survive on floors and surfaces for days to come and does not die easily by normal cleaning solutions and equipment. This contagious illness attacks a dog’s gastrointestinal system, causing fever, severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and more. Parvo can be prevented by regular vaccine doses that are included in your dog’s ‘core’ vaccines.
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin that can be spread via direct contact and infected surfaces. Ringworm fungus can also survive in the soil, making it difficult to kill. This virus causes circular patches of hair loss which can become severely itchy and painful. While dogs can recover from this disease without any treatment, it’s best to provide your dog with some kind of treatment that can help subside the pain and itchiness caused to the skin.
Pancreatitis is an inflammatory common dog sickness that causes digestive enzymes to leak into the pancreas. If your dog loses its appetite, refuses to eat, looks sad, or shows signs of abdominal pain, take it to the veterinarian at the earliest. Dogs with chronic pancreatitis can also fall prey to other secondary digestive diseases, including diabetes.
Kennel Cough is a type of infectious bronchitis in dogs that is caused by a combination of different viruses and bacteria. One of the most common symptoms of this disease is a forceful cough that almost sounds like something is lodged in your dog’s throat. This disease can cause severe chest pain that usually resolves within two to three weeks. While there is no treatment for this disease as your dog’s body will fight this infection on its own, some antibiotics will definitely help fast-track the process.
Lyme disease is one of the most common canine illnesses spread by ticks, causing lameness, weakness, anemia, fatigue, lethargy, organ failure, and even death. To make sure that your dog does not contract diseases as such, invest in products that help prevent tick bites and infestations. Always check your dog for ticks and consult your veterinarian for the best tick-repellant products in the market.
This disease is caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which is shed in the urine of infected canines. Your dog can contract this common dog sickness by consuming infected water or by coming in contact with contaminated food and soil. This bacteria manifests in symptoms such as vomiting, muscle weakness, fatigue, lethargy, abdominal pain, or in worst cases, kidney failure. Consult your veterinarian for the right vaccine for your dog since many Canine Distemper vaccines contain a Leptospira vaccine.
Mange is a peculiar dog disease that is caused due to an infestation of tiny mites on a dog’s skin, causing excessive itching and hair loss. A dog infected with Mange will continue to scratch and lick the infected areas and can pass the disease onto other canines via their muzzle. Fortunately, this condition can be treated using anti-parasitic shampoos, antibiotics, and other products.
Heartworm disease is a common dog illness spread by mosquitos and can cause breathing problems, lethargy, coughing, heart diseases, and even death. However, there are many products available in the market today that can help prevent this disease.
It is best to schedule regular health check-ups for your dog to rule out any of these common dog diseases, or at least, keep them from getting worse through early diagnosis. Take this as a sign and book a health check-up appointment for your floof today!
