6 Common Deadly Diseases in Dogs – Symptoms & Treatment

Dogs are one of the most loyal pets for they care for their owner like a guard. They fill your life with love, fur, and plenty to smile about. But when they get sick, your life becomes dull. You look for every possible way to get them rid of their disease.

Your pup is most likely to be affected by the following diseases which after knowing them will help you to keep a watchful eye on them and take precautionary measures if any of these appears in them.

Canine distemper

Symptoms: runny eyes, fever, coughing, vomiting, paralysis

This viral disease is also called hard pad disease and is severely contagious due to getting transmitted through airborne exposure or contact like shared food bowls. It hardens the dog’s nose and footpads. It usually affects your pups which are highly prone to airborne viruses.

Your vet will certainly guide you on how to prevent your pup from this deadly viral disease; however, what you can from your side is to get it vaccinated and keeping away from other sick pups.

Canine parvovirus

Symptoms: fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss

Parvo (virus) easily spreads in contact with the feces of a sick dog. It affects the internal organs of your pup and is very hard to kill. This disease usually proves fatal for dogs.

However, your pup can be treated by providing plenty of fluids, electrolytes, and ensuring secondary prevention mechanisms such as protecting them from contact with infected feces.

Heartworm

Symptoms: lethargy, coughing, respiratory problems, heart disease, weight loss

Alas! As the name suggests, the heartworm parasites affect your pup’s heart, blood vessels, and lungs once infected. It is usually spread by mosquitoes.

Taking preventive measures is the cheapest yet effective way of preventing your dog from any disease. Heartworm can be treated with annual blood tests and regular pills, topicals, or shots. Besides, your vet may prescribe a regimen of steroids, antibiotics, and an organic arsenic injection.

Rabies

Symptoms: fever, pain, tingling or burning at the wound, hyperactivity

You might be familiar with this disease. It is caused by a virus named Rabies, spread from a bite or saliva of an infected animal. As it is extremely contagious and affects humans, you need to vaccinate your pup regularly and protecting from rabid wildlife.

Lyme disease

Symptoms: pain, loss of appetite, fever, limping

This disease is caused by bacteria from tick bites. Once they enter the bloodstream, they travel to the joints of your pup and cause it extreme pain.

This disease can be avoided by getting your pup vaccinated, providing antibiotics regularly, and checking for ticks after outdoor exposure.

Kennel Cough

Symptoms: heavy coughing, gagging, lethargy

This disease is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes inflammation and irritation of the airways. It’s also called kennel cough for it spreads rapidly through contact with infected animals, coughing, or sharing of contaminated bowls or blankets.

Your vet will prescribe antibiotics, cough suppressants, and plenty of rest for your vet once infected with this disease.

Read more: Coronavirus in Dogs – Everything You Need to Know