Common Dog Diseases and Symptoms You Need to Watch Out For
Dogs are the best pets and we all enjoy our carefree time with them. There are times though that they fall sick with common dog diseases; and we must be aware of these to be able to handle the situation appropriately. Listed are several dog diseases and symptoms you will do well to watch out for for early detection and treatment.
Heartworm is a common ailment that besets canines, especially puppies. It is primarily caused by mosquitoes and the infection it brings is transmitted in the bloodstream and enters the vital organs like the heart and lungs. When this is left untreated, it could eventually lead to congestive heart failure. Watch out for unusual cough and lethargy in the animal.
Parvovirus is one of the most terminal and common dog diseases you must be aware of. Dirty and unsanitary living quarters are to blame for this ailment that attacks the intestines of the poor animal. When they come in contact with contaminated feces, virus sets in and the disease quickly escalates. Symptoms of decreased appetite, vomiting, intense diarrhea and lethargy will show right away. Because this disease is dangerous as it is fast, death will occur after a few short days when appropriate treatment is neglected.
Another disease that is caused by a dirty environment is distemper. To date, no cure for it has been found yet and dogs that have this only have a 50% survival rate - even less for puppies. The symptoms of this include coughing, chest congestion, diarrhea and abnormal excretion in the dog's nose and eyes.
A canine viral disease that most people fear is rabies. Although it is more commonly associated with dogs, raccoons, bats and even cats are also susceptible to this disease. Rabies assaults the animal's nervous system and is spread through saliva. During the first stage the dog will be feverish and have slower eye reflexes. It will advance to aggressive behavior and the eventual failure of the canine's motor movements. When they do have rabies, you need to put them to sleep immediately.
The canine disease bloat is the result of the canine's overeating. When this happens, their stomachs become twisted and it cuts off the vital blood supply as well as trapping gas. This is extremely painful for the animal and will typically lead to a quick death. Be watchful when your pet eats his meals that he doesn't consume his food too fast. Indicators of bloat are depression, restlessness and dry heaving.
Studies suggest that many of our dogs are prone to obesity. While obesity is not terminal in itself, it will prove to be a major detriment in their health. Obese dogs suffer more complications and will be a higher risk for surgery. Their vital organs will also have undue stress on them. A diet that meets all their nutritional requirements is valuable for their general well-being.
Knowing about these dog diseases and symptoms will help you treat your canine's needs appropriately. However, it must be said that preventive measures are far better so your pets do not have to undergo illness or discomfort at all. Exercise, diet and environment are factors to watch to keep them as healthy as possible.
Heartworm is a common ailment that besets canines, especially puppies. It is primarily caused by mosquitoes and the infection it brings is transmitted in the bloodstream and enters the vital organs like the heart and lungs. When this is left untreated, it could eventually lead to congestive heart failure. Watch out for unusual cough and lethargy in the animal.
Parvovirus is one of the most terminal and common dog diseases you must be aware of. Dirty and unsanitary living quarters are to blame for this ailment that attacks the intestines of the poor animal. When they come in contact with contaminated feces, virus sets in and the disease quickly escalates. Symptoms of decreased appetite, vomiting, intense diarrhea and lethargy will show right away. Because this disease is dangerous as it is fast, death will occur after a few short days when appropriate treatment is neglected.
Another disease that is caused by a dirty environment is distemper. To date, no cure for it has been found yet and dogs that have this only have a 50% survival rate - even less for puppies. The symptoms of this include coughing, chest congestion, diarrhea and abnormal excretion in the dog's nose and eyes.
A canine viral disease that most people fear is rabies. Although it is more commonly associated with dogs, raccoons, bats and even cats are also susceptible to this disease. Rabies assaults the animal's nervous system and is spread through saliva. During the first stage the dog will be feverish and have slower eye reflexes. It will advance to aggressive behavior and the eventual failure of the canine's motor movements. When they do have rabies, you need to put them to sleep immediately.
The canine disease bloat is the result of the canine's overeating. When this happens, their stomachs become twisted and it cuts off the vital blood supply as well as trapping gas. This is extremely painful for the animal and will typically lead to a quick death. Be watchful when your pet eats his meals that he doesn't consume his food too fast. Indicators of bloat are depression, restlessness and dry heaving.
Studies suggest that many of our dogs are prone to obesity. While obesity is not terminal in itself, it will prove to be a major detriment in their health. Obese dogs suffer more complications and will be a higher risk for surgery. Their vital organs will also have undue stress on them. A diet that meets all their nutritional requirements is valuable for their general well-being.
Knowing about these dog diseases and symptoms will help you treat your canine's needs appropriately. However, it must be said that preventive measures are far better so your pets do not have to undergo illness or discomfort at all. Exercise, diet and environment are factors to watch to keep them as healthy as possible.
About the Author:
Find out about dog diseases and symptoms and in particular Lyme Disease in dogs, don't waste time - head over to HealthyHappyDogs.com for information on dog diseases and dog health.
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1 comments:
Great post! I want to make sure the dog I get is healthy, and that means I'm going to have to make sure he gets plenty of exercise. I'm looking into eventually getting an electric fence, once I'm ready to train my dog. I found this one that looks like it would be good because I can customize it to the shape of my yard: http://www.havahartwireless.com/shop/wireless-dog-fence/custom-shape-pet-fence
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