As a dog owner, keeping your furry friend healthy is a top priority. While it’s impossible to completely prevent all diseases and illnesses, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of your dog contracting common dog diseases. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common dog diseases and what you can do to keep your pup healthy.
Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus, also known as parvo, is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs, especially puppies. The symptoms of parvo include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Parvo is spread through contact with infected feces, so it’s essential to keep your dog away from areas where infected dogs may have defecated.
The best way to prevent parvo is to ensure your dog is up to date on their vaccinations. Puppies should receive their first parvo vaccination between 6 and 8 weeks of age, with additional booster shots given every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs. The symptoms of distemper include fever, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Distemper is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids, so it’s essential to keep your dog away from other dogs who may be infected.
The best way to prevent distemper is to ensure your dog is up to date on their vaccinations. Puppies should receive their first distemper vaccination between 6 and 8 weeks of age, with additional booster shots given every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease that affects dogs. Heartworms are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause damage to the heart, lungs, and other organs. The symptoms of heartworm disease include coughing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
The best way to prevent heartworm disease is to ensure your dog is on a monthly heartworm preventative medication. Your vet can recommend the best medication for your dog based on their age, weight, and health status.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial disease that is transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected tick. The symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, lameness, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Lyme disease can cause long-term joint pain and damage if left untreated.
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to use tick preventatives on your dog, especially during tick season. You should also check your dog for ticks regularly and remove any ticks promptly.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs. The symptoms of kennel cough include coughing, gagging, and retching. Kennel cough is spread through contact with infected dogs, especially in areas with high dog traffic such as kennels, dog parks, and grooming facilities.
The best way to prevent kennel cough is to ensure your dog is up to date on their vaccinations. Your vet may also recommend a bordetella vaccination, which specifically targets kennel cough.
Conclusion
As a dog owner, it’s important to be aware of the common dog diseases that can affect your furry friend. By ensuring your dog is up to date on their vaccinations, using preventatives for heartworms and ticks, and practicing good hygiene and sanitation, you can help keep your pup healthy and happy.