Eight common diseases in dogs
Recognizing the signs of pathologies is a fundamental issue to preserve the health of dogs; even to ensure their survival, since there are cases that can be fatal
Eight common diseases in dogs
Prevention and information are the best tools we have available to take care of our pets. If we know the symptoms and take them to the vet quickly, there is a better chance that they will improve and heal. In the following article we will tell you about the common diseases in dogs.
Common diseases in dogs
It is essential that you pay attention to changes in your pet's habits, since many times these signs are the ones that tell you that something is not right.
Symptoms are not always visible, such as vomiting or diarrhea; sometimes it is an unusual tiredness or lack of energy or changes in eating. Some of the common diseases in dogs are:
1. Ear infection
This ear infection is more common in breeds with long , drooping ears such as the cocker spaniel or bloodhound , although it can appear in all dogs that have had contact with water or moisture.
If your pet scratches his ears a lot and moves his head to the sides, or if you approach him and he has a very bad smell in his ears and secretes some yellowish liquid, he probably has otitis.
2. Distemper
A disease that, fortunately, has a vaccine to prevent it, but which is highly contagious and can be fatal in non-inoculated animals or animals that are a few weeks old.
Distemper sometimes can not be diagnosed, which is why it is known as 'the pathology of a thousand symptoms': cough, sneezing, secretions, fever, diarrhea and nervous tics are just some of them.
3. Scabies
It is a skin disease that can also appear in cats and even in people. Scabies is caused by microscopic parasites called mites that pierce the dermis and infect it .
There are two most common types of mange in dogs: sarcoptic –it is spread by contact with an infected animal– and demodectic . The latter is related to immune or genetic problems.
4. Internal parasites
The most common group of 'worms' that affects dogs are tapeworms: they are flat-shaped and lodge in the intestine, feeding on the food ingested by the animal. The contagion is through contaminated feces or raw or undercooked food.
It is essential to deworm your pet through the treatment indicated by the veterinarian: not only puppies should be controlled, since parasites can also affect adults. Sometimes they can be detected in the feces.
5. Osteoarthritis
This is one of the common diseases in elderly dogs and certain breeds such as the German shepherd or the Doberman . Osteoarthritis is the inflammation and degeneration of the joints, mainly the hip and elbow .
The risk of suffering from this problem increases if the animal is obese or does not do much physical exercise.
6. Parvoviruses
This disease mainly affects the digestive system of the pet, although it also causes a decrease in the amount of red blood cells in the blood and prevents the proper functioning of the heart and intestines .
Symptoms of canine parvovirus include vomiting, lack of appetite, bloody stools, tiredness, diarrhea, despondency, lack of energy, and dehydration. The good news is that it can be prevented with a vaccine.
7. Gastritis
It is more common than we think and in most cases we do not even realize that our pet is suffering from it. Gastritis is an inflammation or irritation of the gastric mucosa and is caused by a poor diet : inadequate feed, too large portions or rapidity in swallowing food.
The main symptoms are vomiting and bloating (bloated belly), but canine gastritis can also include loss of appetite or weight, lack of energy, and excessive saliva production.
8. Leishmaniasis
This disease is transmitted by a mosquito and is common in certain areas of Spain and Europe. The symptoms of leishmaniasis are very diverse and the best way to avoid contagion is to eliminate the causative agent.
Do not leave containers with water in the open air (so the insect cannot lay its eggs), place spray repellents on doors and windows – so that it does not enter the home – and apply a mosquito spray on your pets.
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- This article is merely informative, We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in the event that it presents any type of condition or discomfort.
- The information on this vet.alnwaeer.com is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment or for veterinary advice relative to a specific condition. Always seek the advice of a qualified, licensed veterinarian provider.
- If you feel that your pet may be experiencing any of the above symptoms or you are concerned that they are sick, contact your vet immediately.
- Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing the information on this site.