Here are some of the dog
diseases, sickness and illness discussed for your information.
Dog Diseases
Though there are many types of dog diseases that should be handled by the
specialized veterinarians only, we will discuss some of the common ones
and touch upon the various subjects lightly, to get a general idea about
our beloved pets. The canine diseases can broadly be classified into
genetic, parasitic, viral and bacterial dog diseases. Every disease has
its own particular cause but symptoms that the dog is ill, is often
clearly visible to the pet owner due to the change in the dog's
behavior. While there are more than 300 diseases of canines that can be
attributed to hereditary, the most common ones are:
- Atopic dermatitis,
- Deafness,
- Glaucoma,
- Hip & elbow displasia,
- Hypothyroidism,
- Narcolepsy,
- Progressive retinal atrophy, and
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
However, their impact can be
largely checked by careful breeding practices, inexpensive vet
treatments and minor surgeries. Some diseases are specific to dog breeds
such as Sebaceous adentitis to Poodles, in which hair loss occurs and
coat becomes greasy; and bladder stones in Dalmatians, which can be
checked with proper breeding and low-protein diet.
Internal parasites in canines can be Protozoa or worms. Heartworm larva
can get into dogs through mosquito bites. External parasites are usually
fleas and ticks that are hosts to tapeworms and protozoa respectively.
These parasites invade the digestive system and blood streams of the
dogs and may cause diseases
- Babesiosis,
- Coccidiosis,
- Giardia, and
- Leishmaniasis
They should be attended to
quickly, as severe protozoa infections may prove fatal. However, most of
the dog diseases, especially the infectious ones, are those that are
caused by viruses and bacteria.
Bacterial dog diseases include:
- Brucellosis,
- Campylobacteriosis,
- Leptospirosis,
- Lyme Disease,
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever,
- Staphylococcal Infections,
- Streptococcal Infections
- Tetanus.
Viral dog diseases include:
- Adenovirus,
- Bordatella,
- Distemper,
- Hepatitis,
- Parainfluenza,
- Parvovirus, and
- Rabies.
Lyme disease and Leptospirosis
and viral diseases can be prevented, if the dog is vaccinated properly.
Vaccinations against Rabies are essential as it is fatal to humans too.