Dog Diseases: A Comprehensive Guide to Canine Health Issues

Dogs can be prone to various health issues, ranging from minor annoyances to life-threatening conditions.

Some common dog diseases include rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, which can be prevented with proper vaccination.

Heartworms are a serious concern for many dog owners, with over 1 million cases reported in the United States each year.

Heartworms can cause severe lung damage and even death if left untreated.

Dogs can also suffer from dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, which can be prevented with regular brushing and veterinary check-ups.

Certain breeds, like Bulldogs and Pugs, are more susceptible to respiratory problems due to their flat faces.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can go a long way in maintaining your dog's overall health and preventing many common dog diseases.

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Infectious diseases can be a major concern for dog owners. Viral infections like rabies, canine parvovirus, and canine distemper can be fatal if left untreated. Canine influenza, on the other hand, has a mortality rate of only 5 to 8 percent, but it's still highly contagious.

Some bacterial infections, such as leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and Ehrlichiosis, can also be serious and require prompt veterinary attention. These infections can cause symptoms like liver and kidney failure, arthritis, and fever.

To protect your dog from infectious diseases, make sure they're up-to-date on their vaccinations, including those for parainfluenza and Bordetella, which can help prevent kennel cough. If your dog does contract kennel cough, keep them isolated from other dogs and follow your veterinarian's advice for treatment.

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Viral infections can be a serious concern for dogs, and it's essential to understand the different types and how to prevent them.

Canine parvovirus is one of the most common and deadly viral infections, primarily affecting puppies and adolescent dogs. It's highly contagious and can be transmitted through contact with an infected dog's feces.

Dogs more prone to parvovirus include puppies, adolescent dogs, and unvaccinated dogs. Certain breeds, such as Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepherds, are also at higher risk.

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Parvovirus can cause severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Vaccination is the best way to prevent parvovirus, and it's essential to ensure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations.

The virus can survive in the environment for months, making it crucial to take extra precautions if you've had an infected dog in your home or yard. A solution of one part bleach to 32 parts water can be used to disinfect surfaces and objects.

Some other viral infections that can affect dogs include rabies, canine distemper, and canine influenza. Rabies is a fatal disease that can be transmitted through a bite from an infected animal, while canine distemper is an often fatal infectious disease that mainly affects the respiratory and neurological systems.

Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by specific Type A influenza viruses, and it can cause coughing, fever, and a congested nose. While there's a vaccine available, it's only recommended for at-risk dogs.

Here's a list of some common viral infections that can affect dogs:

Bacterial Infections can be a real concern for our furry friends. Brucellosis is a sexually transmitted bacterial disease that can cause uveitis, abortion, and orchitis in dogs.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a spirochaete that can lead to liver and kidney failure and vasculitis in dogs. This disease is often spread through contaminated water or soil.

Lyme disease is a disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochaete, and spread by ticks of the genus Ixodes. Symptoms in dogs include acute arthritis, anorexia, and lethargy, and there's no rash as is typically seen in humans.

Ehrlichiosis is a disease caused by Ehrlichia canis and spread by the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Signs include fever, vasculitis, and low blood counts.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a rickettsial disease that occurs in dogs and humans, caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and spread by ticks of the genus Dermacentor. Signs are similar to human disease, including anorexia, fever, and thrombocytopenia.

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Here are some common bacterial infections in dogs, along with their causes and symptoms:

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It's almost always fatal if left untreated.

The rabies virus is primarily spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite. This is because the virus travels through the bloodstream and reaches the central nervous system, causing inflammation and damage.

The incubation period of rabies can range from a few days to several months or even years, depending on the severity of the bite and the individual's health. This prolonged incubation period can make it difficult to diagnose the disease early on.

Rabies is almost 100% fatal if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is not administered promptly after a bite. PEP typically includes a series of injections with rabies immune globulin and the rabies vaccine.

For another approach, see: Canine Distemper Virus

Canine Cough is a common and highly contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs. It's often spread through aerosols in the air, directly from dog to dog, or through germs on contaminated objects.

Dogs can catch Kennel Cough in enclosed areas with poor air circulation, like a kennel or an animal shelter. Kennel Cough is often spread in areas where dogs are in close proximity to each other.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough include a persistent dry cough with a "honking" sound, gagging, coughing up white foamy phlegm, fever, and nasal discharge. In most cases, the infected dog appears healthy except for the cough.

Dogs who have frequent contact with other dogs, especially in enclosed or poorly-ventilated areas, are most prone to becoming infected. Young and unvaccinated dogs are also at higher risk.

The best way to prevent Kennel Cough is to prevent exposure. Vaccinations are available for several of the agents known to be involved in Kennel Cough, including parainfluenza, Bordetella, and adenovirus-2.

Here are some tips to help prevent Kennel Cough:

Parasites and Pests can be a real nuisance for your furry friend. External parasites like fleas and ticks can cause a range of problems, from itching and hair loss to serious diseases like Lyme disease.

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Fleas are the most common external parasite in dogs, with the cat flea being the most common species. Ticks, on the other hand, can spread diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis.

To get rid of fleas, you'll need to wash your bedding and your pet's bedding, vacuum floors and upholstery, and use pet-safe flea treatments in your home and yard. Sensitive puppies may excessively scratch, lick, and bite at their skin, resulting in bald spots or scaling.

Some common internal parasites that can infect your dog include Giardia and Coccidia, which can be contracted through contaminated fur, soil, or water. These parasites can damage the intestinal lining and reduce nutrient absorption, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, loss of appetite, and dehydration.

Here are some common external parasites to watch out for:

Giardia and Coccidia are single-celled parasites your dog might get by licking contaminated fur or soil, or drinking contaminated water.

These parasites can damage the intestinal lining and reduce how well your puppy absorbs nutrients.

If your puppy is infected, they might be given a three- to 10-day course of medicine to kill the parasite.

Symptoms of an infection can be mild and may include diarrhea, loss of appetite, dehydration, or weakness.

External parasites, also known as ectoparasites, are a common issue for dog owners. Fleas are a major problem, causing itching and hair loss in dogs.

The most common flea in dogs is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, followed by the dog flea, C. canis. Ticks are another external parasite that can spread diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis.

Ticks can also cause a neurological disorder known as tick paralysis. Mites are another type of ectoparasite that can affect dogs.

To get rid of fleas, you'll need to use a flea and tick preventive recommended by your veterinarian, as well as wash your bedding and your pet's bedding, vacuum floors and upholstery, and use pet-safe flea treatments in your home and yard.

Here are some common ectoparasites that can affect dogs:

As dogs age, they can develop arthritis and joint pain, especially if they've gained weight that's not healthy for their size. This can lead to stiffness and pain in their joints.

Some other potential causes of stiffness and pain in joints include overexertion, bacterial encephalitis, or parasitic infestations.

Dogs with joint issues might exhibit awkward gaits, reluctance to rise, or rigidity of their limbs. Swelling, muscle spasms, depression, or noticeable fatigue can also be indicators of inflammation and stiffness.

Treatment depends on the conditions identified by your veterinary provider.

Dogs can suffer from various cardiovascular and circulatory issues, including platelet disorders. Hemolytic anemia is a type of regenerative anemia found in dogs, characterized by the destruction of red blood cells.

This condition can be caused by immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, which can be a primary disease or secondary to cancer, infection, drugs, or vaccinations. Antibodies are present on the cell surface, leading to lysis and severe anemia.

Heart diseases can also affect dogs, including pericardial effusion, a collection of fluid in the pericardium. This condition can be caused by cancer, trauma, clotting disorders, or left atrial rupture.

Pulmonary hypertension is another cardiovascular issue that can occur in dogs, characterized by high pressure in the pulmonary artery. This can be caused by heartworm disease, pulmonary thromboembolism, or chronic hypoxemia.

Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease that affects mature neutrophils, preventing them from migrating from the bone marrow into the blood. This condition can lead to chronic infections and failure to thrive.

Here are some common causes of cardiovascular and circulatory issues in dogs:

It's essential to monitor your dog's health and seek veterinary care if you notice any signs of cardiovascular or circulatory issues, such as labored breathing, coughing, or weight loss.

Dogs can experience a range of nervous system and sensory issues, including epilepsy, which affects about 0.5% of the canine population.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures, which can be triggered by various factors, including genetics, head trauma, and infections like rabies.

Some breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever and the German Shepherd, are more prone to epilepsy due to their genetic predisposition.

In addition to epilepsy, dogs can also suffer from sensory issues like hyperesthesia, which is characterized by increased sensitivity to touch, sound, and other stimuli.

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The nervous system is a complex network of nerve cells, or neurons, that transmit and process information throughout the body. It's made up of two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which includes nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.

The CNS is responsible for processing sensory information, controlling movement, and regulating various bodily functions. The brain is the control center of the CNS, and it's where all the "thinking" happens.

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Sensory information is transmitted to the brain through sensory receptors, which are specialized nerve endings that detect changes in the environment. For example, the eyes have sensory receptors that detect light and color.

The PNS, on the other hand, is responsible for transmitting and processing information from sensory receptors to the CNS. It's like a messenger system that helps the brain understand what's going on in the body.

Some people have sensory issues that affect their nervous system, such as misophonia, which is a condition where certain sounds trigger strong emotional or physiological reactions. In people with misophonia, the brain's processing of sensory information is abnormal.

The nervous system is also closely linked to the body's stress response system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When we experience stress, our HPA axis is activated, and it can affect our nervous system's ability to process sensory information.

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Canine asthma issues can range from mild to life-threatening. A persistent cough is a common symptom, often accompanied by heavy panting and wheezing.

Dogs with canine asthma may experience low energy and loss of appetite. This condition requires ongoing management with anti-inflammatory medications, such as steroid pills and breathing treatments.

Reducing exposure to triggers like cigarette smoke, molds, household cleaning products, and pollen is crucial for managing canine asthma. This can help alleviate symptoms and prevent exacerbations.

Dental issues are a common problem in dogs. Over 80% of dogs over the age of 3 have active dental disease. This can lead to a range of problems, including fractured teeth, periodontal disease, and abscesses.

Fractured teeth are the most common dental issue in dogs, often caused by chewing hard objects. If left untreated, periodontal disease can spread from the teeth and down into the bone, causing tooth loss.

Bad breath, discolored teeth or gums, loose teeth, and lumps on the gums or under the tongue are all signs of dental problems. Regular vet visits for teeth cleaning can help prevent dental disease.

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To prevent dental disease, daily brushing using canine-formula toothpaste is essential. Your veterinarian will likely recommend routine dental cleanings (scaling and polishing, which occur under anesthesia).

Here are some common dental ailments to watch out for:

Skin and coat issues are a common problem for many dog owners. Allergies can cause skin problems in dogs, leading to itching, redness, and flakiness. Allergies can be caused by food items such as soy, wheat, and corn.

Follicular dysplasia is a genetic disease that causes alopecia, or hair loss, in dogs. Dermoid sinus is another genetic skin condition that can appear as single or multiple lumps on the dorsal midline. Regular grooming and a balanced diet can help prevent skin and coat problems.

Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection that can cause skin lesions, hair loss, and scaly skin. It's common in puppies under a year old and can spread quickly in kennels and shelters. Dogs with malnourishment, immunocompromised systems, or stress are also more prone to ringworm.

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Dogs can also get skin infections from parasites like sarcoptic mange, which is caused by mites that cause itching, hair loss, and open skin wounds. Regular grooming, a balanced diet, and preventive measures like flea and tick control can help prevent skin and coat problems.

Here are some common skin and coat issues in dogs:

If you notice any of these skin and coat issues in your dog, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Dog owners often notice changes in their pet's behavior and physical condition before symptoms of endocrine and gastrointestinal issues appear.

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in dogs, affecting up to 1 in 10 canines.

This condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to weight gain, fatigue, and dry skin.

Diabetes is a serious condition that can affect both people and dogs, with Type I being the most frequently occurring form in dogs.

Dogs with Type I diabetes require insulin therapy to survive because their pancreas cannot produce enough insulin on its own.

Excessive thirst and weight loss are common signs that your dog could be diabetic.

Other symptoms include sweet or fruity breath, cataract formation, chronic skin or urinary tract infections, and lethargy.

Some breeds are more susceptible to diabetes than others, so it's essential to be aware of your dog's breed and potential risks.

Working with a veterinarian who understands the condition well is crucial for maintaining your dog's good health.

Gastrointestinal issues often go hand-in-hand with endocrine problems, and one of the most common connections is between thyroid issues and digestive problems.

People with hypothyroidism often experience constipation, which can be caused by the reduced production of thyroid hormones that regulate bowel movements.

Gastrointestinal symptoms can be a sign of an underlying endocrine disorder, such as Cushing's syndrome, which can cause stomach pain and nausea.

Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine, has been linked to thyroid problems and other endocrine issues.

Some medications used to treat endocrine disorders, such as steroids, can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation.

Gastrointestinal problems can also be a side effect of certain endocrine disorders, such as adrenal insufficiency, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

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