8 Potentially Deadly (And Preventable) Dog Diseases
Dogs are one of the world's most common family pets. However, like any animal, dogs can become ill and might even die from preventable diseases if care isn't provided in time.
Dogs are one of the world's most common family pets. However, like any animal, dogs can become ill and might even die from preventable diseases if care isn't provided in time.
As a human responsible for caring for a dog, it is essential to know about dog diseases and educate yourself on how to prevent some of these illnesses.
Leptospirosis is dogs' most common preventable infection and can infect humans and other animals. Dogs that drink from puddles or swim in contaminated water are especially at risk, as they can contract the disease by drinking or playing with infected water. Leptospirosis is a severe disease and can cause death if not treated with utmost care.
After dogs have contracted the disease, they typically shed the Leptospira bacteria in the form of urine. It means that when you let your dog pee in a puddle, you also risk bacteria from that puddle infecting your dog. This disease is hazardous for puppies as it can be passed from mother to puppy through the placenta.
Fatal to young animals, parvovirus is a dangerous disease that can cause kidney failure in the infected. Most dogs contract this disease through the excrement of other dogs or by eating food off the ground after infected dog feces have contaminated it. Dogs not vaccinated against parvo and spending time around other dogs are at risk of being infected and passing it on to their owner. Parvovirus attacks rapidly, often within 24 hours of infection, causing diarrhea and vomiting within just a few hours.
Distemper is a contagious disease that causes diarrhea and vomiting, often with a high fever. Dogs are most at risk of contracting distemper through contact with other animals and contaminated food or water. For example, infected dogs may barf on their owners' shoes as they walk past in public spaces. Most often, dogs do not show the disease for weeks after infection.
While this disease is not fatal, it can be dangerous for humans and dogs. Giardia causes diarrhea and may also cause bloating in dogs and flatulence in humans. Be sure to wash your hands or have your dog washed after trips back from the dog park or being allowed to play with other dogs outside.
Giardia is transmitted through feces, so the only way to avoid contracting it is by ensuring that your dog's waste is cleaned up after leaving its area of origin.
Most rabid dogs attack other animals and bite humans, but some may attack humans for unknown reasons. Fomites (inanimate objects) such as clothing or bedding contaminated by saliva and urine from an infected animal can also harbor and transmit rabies germs. Although nearly all infected dogs bite animals, rabies can be transferred from one animal to a human in rare cases, even though they never touch these hosts while rabid. The rabies virus attacks the brain, causing strange behaviors such as avoiding water or food, hiding in unusual places, and aggression. In addition to dogs, bats, skunks, and raccoons are common disease carriers.
Kennel cough is an infection caused by a highly contagious bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica, that can infect dogs and cats. Infected dogs will suffer from runny noses, coughing, or sneezing and may cough up or gag up mucus. In addition to respiratory tract infection, other symptoms of this disease include lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite. Dogs infected with kennel cough usually have a chronic condition in their upper airway because the immune system cannot fight off the disease consistently.
Salmonellosis is a highly contagious disease that can attack both humans and animals. The bacteria responsible for this illness are found in soil, poultry, dairy products, and other everyday items. The most common symptoms of Salmonella upset occur 3 to 7 days after exposure to the bacteria, including diarrhea, fever, or abdominal cramping. It is a severe infection that can be fatal if not treated immediately with antibiotics.
Cases of parainfluenza in dogs are relatively rare, and symptoms are similar to the human flu. The virus affects the lungs and can infect humans if contact is made between dog saliva, nasal mucus, and an open wound or if humans inhale it. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and loss of appetite.
The most common diseases in dogs are highly preventable if you take the time to give your dog the care it needs. When you are out and about, ensure that you let your dog go outside, so they do not have as much contact with other animals. When preparing their food, use a meat grinder rather than a blender as using one can contribute to bacterial contamination of the food.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.