Canine Distemper and heartworm are some of the most common dog diseases worldwide. Furthermore, Parvovirus and Brucellosis are popular diseases affecting our furry best friend.
Dogs are beautiful pets to have around your home. They give us a sense of security. Also, they help us carry out some tasks and have their way of adding life to our environment. Nothing gives more joy than seeing your dog alive and active.
However, diseases affect the growth and health of our dogs. These diseases can be life-threatening to the dog. When this happens, our environment suddenly becomes lifeless.
Several diseases can hinder a dog from being its usual self. The following discussed below are some of the common dog diseases.
Common Dog Diseases In The World
Canine Distemper
The paramyxovirus virus causes this disease, and it is highly contagious. Another name for this condition is the hard-pad disease. This disease is airborne; other dogs can get it by inhaling it.
It is also transmitted when a dog shares a water bowl or food bowl with an infected dog. Your pet can contact it through the infected dog’s blood, saliva, and urine. The common symptoms include fever, coughing, diarrhoea, eye discharge, vomiting, and paralysis.
However, the best way to treat this disease is by taking your dog to the vet. Canine Distemper is exceptionally contagious, and hence do not delay if your dog shows any symptoms or has been around any dog with the disease.
This disease has no known cure yet. A quick reaction increases the chances your dog has of surviving the disease. Vaccination is the best way to save your dog from this disease. Your puppy is old enough to be vaccinated against this disease at six weeks.
Heartworm Is One Of The Most Common Dog Diseases In The World
Heartworm is a deadly disease, and the parasitic worm Dirofilaria immitis is responsible for causing Heartworm diseases in dogs. Furthermore, this disease is responsible for deaths resulting from heart failure, lung disease, and other organ failures in dogs.
The mosquito is responsible for the spread of this disease among dogs, and it is the intermediate host of this parasitic worm. In contrast, the dog is the definitive host.
This implies that the worms grow into adults in dogs and mates. Also, mosquitoes get the parasite from the host dog, and the offspring must live in the mosquito for a few days to become infective and spread to the dog, where they grow into adults.
People call this parasite the heartworm because it lives in the dog’s heart and causes damage to the heart, blood vessels, and other vital organs, such as the lungs.
Common symptoms of this disease include weight loss, coughing, difficulty breathing, and tiredness after completing a simple task. You can treat your dog by taking it to your veterinarian, and the vet will administer antibiotics and an organic arsenic injection. However, this treatment is very costly.
The pocket-friendly option is adopting preventive measures. Furthermore, these measures include an annual heartworm test and regular medications that a vet will prescribe.
Canine Parvovirus
This canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus, and it is a widespread dog disease that infects canines when they come in contact with the faeces of an infected dog.
You often do not need to see solid faeces as the virus can survive on the surface for a prolonged period. Dogs can also get infected by having contact with humans who unknowingly carry the virus on their clothing or hands because of coming in contact with the faeces of an infected dog.
Symptoms to watch out for include lethargy, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss. There is no definite cure for the canine Parvovirus. However, you can only offer supportive treatment to your dog, which can help the infected dog’s body fight the virus.
Rabies Is One Of The Most Popular Dog Diseases In The World
Rabies is a viral disease, and it is not curable. Rabies can affect most mammals, including humans. When a dog gets infected by this virus, it attacks the brain and spinal cords of infected dogs.
The most common form of transmitting rabies is through a bite. However, the saliva of an infected animal can also cause rabies infection in your pet.
The infection occurs when infected saliva comes in contact with open wounds on the dog’s body.
Dogs with rabies show symptoms such as aggression, foaming at the mouth, seizures, fever, and hyperactivity.
There is no cure for a dog that contracts rabies, and the best way is to prevent your dog from contracting the virus through vaccination and keeping your dog far from rabid wildlife.
Canine Brucellosis
Canine Brucellosis is a bacterial infection and is a popular dog disease. The bacterium Brucella Canis (B. Canis) causes this infection. Furthermore, it is highly contagious among dogs. Suppose your dog suffers from this bacteria; it will likely affect your pet’s reproductive system.
This leads to fertility and reproduction issues in the affected dog. Additionally, the male dog may become infertile, while the female dog may have a problem getting pregnant or even experience an abortion.
Brucella Canis can be transmitted from dog to dog through sexual intercourse with an infected dog.
Common symptoms include abnormally large testicles, lameness, infertility, weight loss, and reluctance to mate.
This bacterial infection is difficult to treat as there is no treatment available today that can get rid of this bacterial infection. Antibiotics are effective treatments for dogs suffering from this condition for a long time.
Conclusion
Given the discussion above, it is undeniable that the best treatment for any form of dog disease is taking preventive measures by vaccinating your dogs and carrying out routine checks. This saves your time and money and helps your dog live a healthier and longer life.
