As a pet owner, we understand how to be proactive about our dog's health. Understanding the most common diseases in dogs can help us identify potential health issues early and ensure our furry friend gets the proper care.
Specifically, if your furry friends love attending dog gatherings, it's important to be aware of potential health risks. Some common diseases your dog may be exposed to include kennel cough, canine influenza, mange, and ringworm.
In addition to direct contact with infected dogs, diseases can spread through shared items like brushes, collars, and bedding or by handling an infected dog before interacting with others.
That is why, in this article, Global Paws highlights 10 common dog diseases and offers insights on prevention and treatment to keep your pet happy and healthy. Let’s find out!
1. Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)
Also known as parvo, it is one of the dogs' most serious and highly contagious diseases. It primarily affects puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs.
Parvo is a highly contagious disease caused by the canine parvovirus type 2, affecting the gastrointestinal system and causing symptoms like fever, vomiting, dehydration, and severe diarrhoea. It spreads through contact with infected dogs or contaminated items such as:
Bowls
Collars
Leashes
The bad news is it can survive in the soil for years. Parvo treatment is expensive, and many dogs don’t survive, but the good news is that the parvo vaccine is a "core" vaccine recommended for all dogs to prevent this dangerous disease.
2. Canine Distemper
Distemper is a viral disease that affects dogs' respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Symptoms include fever, coughing, runny eyes, vomiting, diarrhoea, and nasal discharge. In severe cases, seizures or paralysis can occur, and the disease is often fatal.
Canine distemper is a highly contagious virus spread through infected dogs' air or respiratory secretions. Vaccination is the best way to protect your dog. Early vaccination and boosters are essential, especially for puppies.
It is considered a "core" vaccine to protect your furry friends from this deadly disease and is recommended for all dogs.
3. Kennel Cough (Bordetella)
A common respiratory disease caused by bacteria or viruses, often contracted in places like dog kennels, shelters, or parks. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Although kennel cough is usually mild, if untreated, it can lead to pneumonia. Vaccination and avoiding crowded places can help prevent it.
Also, while kennel cough (Bordetella)vaccines are available, not all dogs need them. It is important to consult your veterinarian to determine if the kennel cough vaccine is necessary based on their lifestyle and risk factors.
4. Lyme Disease
Ticks transmit this disease and can cause serious health problems for dogs, including lameness, fever, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure.
Lyme disease can be prevented through tick control measures, such as flea and tick preventatives, and by avoiding tick-infested areas. Regular check-ups and vaccinations can also help protect your dog.
5. Heartworm Disease
It is caused by parasitic worms spread by mosquitoes that infest a dog’s heart and lungs, potentially leading to severe heart failure or even death. While it is preventable with regular heartworm preventatives, it can be fatal if left untreated.
Year-round heartworm prevention is essential for all dogs, regardless of their symptoms. Check-in with your vet to find the best option for your furry friend!
6. Arthritis
This common disease usually happens to older dogs and causes joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the hips, knees, elbows, and shoulders. You might notice your dog being slower to get up, especially in the morning or on colder days, and less active than before.
While arthritis can be hard to spot early on, it is important to watch for signs like reluctance to play or climb stairs. Regular exercise, weight control, joint supplements, and anti-inflammatory medications can help ease your dog's discomfort.
Keeping your dog active and comfortable can make a world of difference in its quality of life as it ages!
7. Cushing’s Disease
It occurs when a dog’s adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, leading to increased thirst, hunger, urination, hair loss, and weight gain.
This endocrine disorder is most common in older dogs. Treatment often involves medication to control cortisol levels and regular monitoring by your vet.
8. Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes in dogs is becoming more prevalent, particularly in overweight or middle-aged pets.
Here are some signs to look out for:
Excessive thirst
Urination
Weight loss
Lethargy
Fortunately, diabetes can be managed with insulin injections, diet changes, and regular exercise. Early detection and consistent management are crucial for preventing complications.
9. Dental Disease
This is one of the most common diseases in dogs but often overlooked health issues in dogs. Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease tooth loss, and even affect the heart and kidneys.
Regular brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings are what you need to do to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. Dental disease prevention should start early in your pet's life.
10. Canine Influenza
It is a relatively new illness affecting dogs, and because many have not been exposed to the virus, their immune systems are not ready to fight it off.
The virus spreads easily through sneezing, coughing, or even on objects like bowls, collars, and leashes. It can hang around on surfaces and hands for hours, so it is tough to avoid.
The tricky part? Dogs can spread the virus before showing symptoms, meaning they might look perfectly fine but still be contagious. If your dog catches it, expect coughing, fever, and a runny nose, like the flu in humans.
A vaccine is available, but it is not necessary for every dog, so kindly chat with your vet to see if it is right for your furry friend.
Taking care of your dog’s health is one of the best ways to ensure they live a long and happy life. By understanding these 10 common diseases in dogs and staying on top of regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care, you are setting them up for a bright and healthy future!
Planning to travel or relocate with your pet? Let Global Paws make it easy for you. With over 20 years of experience in pet travel and relocation, we offer tailored services that prioritise your pet's safety and comfort. Reach out to Global Paws today!
About Global Paws:
Global Paws is a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience in pet travel and relocation. We know your pets are part of your family, and we care for them like they are part of ours. As proud members of the International Pet & Animal Transport Association (IPATA) and certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR), we’re committed to making sure they travel safely and comfortably.
What sets us apart is the extra care we provide. Every pet is treated like family, and we make sure their journey is safe and stress-free, no matter where they are headed.
We believe every pet deserves a first-class experience, and we are here to make sure they are comfortable from start to finish. Our experience, backed by IPATA and IATA, gives you peace of mind knowing your pet’s journey is in safe, loving hands.
Then, are you ready to give VIP treatment for your furry friend? Visit our website to book your pet’s dream vacation today!
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