Common Dog Diseases All Pet Owners Should Know About

Taking care of your beloved furry friend is the responsibility of all pet owners. However, few dog owners are aware of some major health conditions and illnesses that affect dogs. Maintaining hygienic living conditions and providing healthy meals to your doggo are steps you can take to ensure your pets have a healthy and happy life. However, it also becomes important to know about some diseases that dogs can easily catch and how to prevent and treat them.

This article looks at some common conditions in canines and how they can be identified or prevented.

Skin Allergies and Infections

Skin allergies and infections are among the most common conditions in dogs. Many skin conditions affect dogs, such as sores, rashes, hair loss, dandruff, etc. In addition, fleas, ticks, mites, or food allergies may be responsible for many skin-related issues in canines.

Fleas and mites may cause severe conditions such as mange that causes bouts of severe itching. Yeast may cause conditions such as ringworm, and there are also diseases like lupus which may be life-threatening for your dog.

Take your pet to the vet if you notice any unusual changes in your pet’s skin. If your dog seems to be itching too much, perhaps that’s another sign that something is wrong. Dogs’ skin is very prone to infection and must be kept clean. If your dog is allergic to any food items, keep those at bay. PetCareRx is a renowned supplier of pet meds and supplies and may help you care for your pet in the best possible way.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are a relatively common problem in dogs. Head shaking, scratching near the ears, discharges from the ear, itchiness may be the telltale signs of an ear infection in your dog. They can be caused due to moisture in ears, living in dirty environments, excessive ear wax, or some autoimmune problems.

Dog infections generally require a visit to the vet, and hence any unusual signs of infections near the ear should alert you for a check-up. Your vet will perform any required tests and may go for an ear cleaning round, followed by a course of antibiotics and ointments.

Oral Problems

Like humans, dogs also suffer from many dental problems. In addition, most dogs suffer from some other dental problems by age three. Germ buildup around teeth can lead to gum problems and eventually tooth loss. Symptoms of dental problems in dogs may include bad breath, bleeding from the mouth, or receding gums. Dirty teeth in dogs also need to be monitored. Discoloration in teeth is another symptom of periodontitis or gingivitis.

You should keep your dog’s teeth clean through regular brushing as a dog owner. Chew toys may also help dogs ensure a healthy mouth. In addition, regular mouth examinations and dental check-ups are important for making sure your dog’s dental health remains in top shape.

Distemper

Distemper is a frightful viral disease that affects canines. It may show symptoms like cough, fever, and diarrhea and can usually prove fatal. It affects various dog body symptoms and may not be cured. However, thanks to vaccines, it is highly preventable through proper immunization. Although occurrences of distemper are not as common, proper vaccination is a must for your pet.

Parvo

Parvo is another dangerous disease that affects canines. It is caused by canine parvovirus and primarily affects your dog’s gastrointestinal system. More often than not, the disease proves deadly. It is spread mainly through fecal contact. Common symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody stools. It has relatively high mortality rates, especially in puppies and untreated dogs, with mortality rates reaching 91%.

Cleanliness is important to keep your dog from contracting such diseases. There is also a vaccine available to prevent parvo, and it is all the more important to administer it since a cure is not available. The parvovirus is extremely tough and can survive in feces for up to a year. Therefore, you should monitor your dog when outside and make sure they do not come in contact with feces or anything suspicious.

Caring for a pet requires intensive effort. Our friends with a tail area are prone to infections like us, and without a voice to tell us of their plight, it becomes important to observe what and how they feel. Any unusual behavior must be carefully considered, and a visit to the vet should be scheduled every six months.