Regardless of whether your dog serves as a working companion, a champion show animal, a hunting partner, or simply a beloved pet, the most compassionate and ethical action you can take is to ensure appropriate health care. Understanding prevalent canine diseases and recognising suitable prevention and treatment methods will enhance your ability to deliver effective care. Many prevalent and severe canine diseases have been mitigated through vaccination; yet, these ailments persist as a concern to inadequately immunized dogs. Puppies can receive vaccinations as early as 4 to 6 weeks, contingent upon individual circumstances and the veterinarian’s recommendations. Puppies acquire disease-fighting antibodies from their mother’s milk, which persist for 6 to 16 weeks. Vaccinations subsequently assume control, and annual boosters should be administered throughout your dog’s lifespan, particularly at advanced age when susceptibility to certain diseases may increase. The subsequent diseases can be averted with vaccines.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is induced by a highly contagious, airborne virus. It impacts the canine’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological systems. The initial symptoms resemble those of a common cold, including rhinorrhea, fever, cough, and frequently diarrhoea. Subsequently, the disease may manifest as nervous twitching, paralysis, and seizures (convulsions). No effective treatment exists.
Canine Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus)
Canine infectious hepatitis is a viral illness spread through the urine, faeces, or saliva of affected animals. It impacts the liver, kidneys, and blood arteries. The symptoms include fever, oedema, and haemorrhage. Treatment may necessitate blood transfusions and supportive care; it is frequently unsuccessful.
Leptospirosis
Canine leptospirosis is induced by bacteria transmitted via contact with the nasal secretions, urine, or saliva of diseased animals. The sickness can also infect humans. Leptospirosis attacks the kidneys and induces fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and jaundice. Treatment necessitates antibiotics, careful care, and intravenous hydration therapy. Dogs that recuperate may sustain irreversible renal injury.
Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough)
Canine infectious tracheobronchitis is induced by many viruses, including parainfluenza, and bacteria, notably Bordetella. This highly transmissible disease affects the respiratory system, resulting in a persistent, dry, hacking cough. The infection is often minor, however, it can escalate to serious pneumonia in young puppies or elderly dogs. Therapeutic intervention can be beneficial.
Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is a lethal, infectious viral illness transmitted through contact with contaminated faeces. The virus is challenging to eradicate and is readily transmissible. It assaults the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in fever, lethargy, emesis, hematochezia, and rapid dehydration. Treatment necessitates rigorous intravenous fluid administration and supportive care, with a varied success rate.
Canine Coronavirus
Canine coronavirus is a highly transmissible viral illness that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms resemble those of parvovirus infection; however, they are typically less severe and more amenable to treatment.
Rabies
Rabies is a virus that affects all mammals, including humans. It is conveyed through the bite of an infected animal. The virus attacks the central nervous system, resulting in encephalitis, which is invariably lethal. There is no remedy for either dogs or humans once symptoms manifest. However, a vaccination is effective in avoiding the disease in individuals if delivered promptly following potential exposure. Due to the significant public health risk, Indiana law mandates rabies immunization for all pets.
Endoparasites
The predominant internal intestinal parasites are tapeworms and roundworms.
Cestodes (Tapeworms)
Tapeworms are elongated, segmented helminths. Transmission occurs when a dog consumes the larval stage of the worm present in a flea or the uncooked flesh of small mammals. A dog that hunts alone or has been infested with fleas is likely to develop tapeworms. Distinct tapeworm segments are readily observable in newly excreted faeces or surrounding the anus of an infected canine. Specific anthelmintics are necessary for treatment.
Nematodes (Roundworms)
The classification of roundworms includes many types such as ascarids, hookworms, whipworms, and heartworms. Intestinal worms are spread through the consumption of faeces or soil contaminated with faeces containing worm eggs. The transmission of heartworm necessitates an intermediary host, specifically a mosquito, for its proliferation. Your veterinarian will conduct a specialised microscopic analysis of faeces (for intestinal worms) or blood (for heartworms) to ascertain the existence of roundworms. Medication for treatment or prevention is beneficial, nonetheless, it necessitates regular repetition and monitoring to ascertain any occurrence of reinfection. Administer deworming treatment to a dog under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Ascarids (Ascariasis)
Ascarids are elongated, slender, filamentous worms that reside in the intestine. Certain species of these worms may be observed in the faeces of an infected dog. These worms frequently pose an issue in puppies, resulting in slowed growth, lethargy, diarrhoea, vomiting, and a distended abdomen. In extreme instances, ascarids may induce seizures (convulsions).
Hookworms (Ancylostomiasis)
Hookworms are tiny parasites that adhere to the intestinal lining and extract blood from the canine host. They can be transferred in pregnancy and through the mother’s milk to neonatal pups. As a result, puppies may acquire hookworms at a very young age. Indicators of infection encompass lethargy, impaired development, anaemia, and dark, tarry stools. Hookworms pose a life-threatening risk at any age. Blood transfusions may be required in advanced situations.
Whipworms (Trichuriasis)
Whipworms are tiny parasites that reside and mature in the lower intestine. They frequently induce persistent watery diarrhoea and weight reduction. Their life cycle exceeds that of other intestinal parasites, making the precise timing of periodic deworming crucial for effective control.
Heartworms (Cardiac nematodes)
Heartworms are destructive internal parasites residing in a dog’s heart and major veins adjacent to it, inflicting significant harm to the circulatory system and lungs. They are spread through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected dog. Therapeutic intervention is challenging; nevertheless, prophylactic strategies are accessible. Canines ought to undergo a blood test for heartworms in early spring before the onset of mosquito season. If the test yields a positive result, therapy may be initiated. Should the test yield a negative result, prophylactic medication may be administered to your dog either daily or monthly during the mosquito season. Seek guidance from your veterinarian to establish the optimal heartworm preventive strategy for your dog.
Exogenous Parasites
External parasites are insects that inhabit the exterior of a dog’s body. They comprise fleas, ticks, lice, flies, mosquitoes, mites, and more species. They not only induce irritation but may also spread pathogens and result in illness in humans. A thorough dermatological assessment by a veterinarian can identify these parasites.
Fleas
- Fleas are easily observable in a dog’s fur. They are the size of pencil lead, brown, compacted laterally, and appear to be in perpetual motion. They are most readily observed around the tail base, between the ears, or in the sparse fur on the abdomen. Although the flea may be invisible, black granules of excrement can be observed.
- Numerous treatments exist; however, the dog’s environment must be addressed with equal intensity, as fleas predominantly reside off the dog rather than on it. Flea management is crucial, as fleas reproduce swiftly, transforming a minor issue into a significant one within a matter of days.
- Although the majority of dogs itch due to fleas, certain dogs have an allergy to flea saliva. For them, a single flea bite might trigger a pronounced allergic reaction characterised by severe dermal irritation. A dog with flea allergies will necessitate treatment to alleviate skin inflammation alongside flea management.
Ticks
Ticks are predominantly seen in early spring and are frequently located on outdoor dogs that traverse underbrush and woodland regions. Ticks can spread various diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and must be removed meticulously. Secure the tick close to its head with tweezers and extract it from the skin with a decisive pull. Avoid attempting to eliminate the tick using fire or chemicals first. Sanitize the area with alcohol to avert infection. Ticks must be managed through daily inspections and removals or, in cases of severe infestations, with the consistent application of chemical dips.
Lice (Pediculosis)
Lice are little, pale-hued parasites that are passed from one dog to another. They are observable at the hair’s base. Indicators of lice infestation (pediculosis) include a coarse and desiccated haircoat, tangled hair, and skin irritation characterized by scratching and biting. Lice are efficiently managed with various chemicals as recommended by a veterinarian.
Mange mites
Sarcoptic mange is induced by the sarcoptic mite, a little parasite akin to a chigger. These mites are transferred between dogs and can potentially infect human skin. They penetrate the skin, resulting in intense pruritus and subsequent dermal irritation and inflammation. Alopecia can be extensive and widespread throughout the body. A veterinarian’s diagnosis is crucial, and treatment is typically highly effective. All animals that have interacted with the diseased dog should receive simultaneous treatment.
Demodectic mange is induced by demodectic mites that obliterate the hair follicle in which they inhabit. This results in localised areas of hair loss that may extend to the entire body. The primary skin lesions may develop infections and are challenging to manage. The propensity to acquire demodectic mange is believed to be genetic. It is most commonly observed in purebred canines. Demodectic mange is non-contagious. A veterinarian’s diagnosis and treatment are essential, and the treatment process is challenging.
Ear mites
Ear mites burrow into the epidermis of the external auditory canal. They are readily spread between dogs and from cats to dogs. They are observable in the ear under magnification. Dark coffee-ground debris in the ears suggests the presence of ear mites. Indicators of infestation include head shaking and ear scratching. If not addressed, ear mites increase the risk of subsequent bacterial infection in the ear. Treatment necessitates the veterinarian’s cleansing of the ear and the application of a mite-eradicating insecticide. Ensure that all other cats or dogs in the home are treated accordingly.
Other Common Issues
Ear infections
Ear infections frequently occur in dogs, particularly in breeds characterised by substantial earflaps. Infections occur due to bacteria or yeast proliferating in the ear when the ear’s typical environment is altered for any reason. Ear mites, ticks, and the presence of water or grass awns in the ear may serve as predisposing factors. Grass awns are elongated, bristle-like structures located at the extremities of numerous grasses. Dogs may acquire these in their ears while traversing pastures. Indicators of ear infections include head shaking, pawing or digging at the ear, discomfort, erythema, and inflammation of the ear canal, as well as an unpleasant odour emanating from the ear. All ear infections necessitate evaluation by a veterinarian for appropriate treatment. To avert auditory issues in dogs:
• Inspect your dog’s ears at least once a week.
• Endeavour to avert water from entering your dog’s ears during bathing.
• Consult a veterinarian for guidance on wax management and regular ear hygiene.
Dental affections
Dental issues occur regularly and require attention. Salivation and/or malodorous emanations from the oral cavity are indicators. Consistent veterinarian consultation and maintenance protocols are essential to avert this condition.
Anal sac problems
Issues with canine anal sacs arise, resulting in significant discomfort for the animal. Anal glands may get infected, resulting in discharge and unpleasant odours occasionally. The dog may display discomfort by behaviours such as rear-end scooting or pinching at the tail region. In extreme instances, antibiotic therapy or surgical intervention is required.
Key Takeaways
Frequent consultations with a veterinarian are essential to avert or rectify significant health issues. To ensure adequate care and comfort for your dog, remain vigilant regarding potentially hazardous conditions and implement preventative actions.
References
- Day, M. J. (2007). “Immune-mediated diseases in companion animals: What is the role of the environment?” The Veterinary Journal, 174(2), 221-229.
- Ettinger, S. J., & Feldman, E. C. (2017). Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine (8th ed.). Elsevier. Comprehensive coverage of internal diseases in dogs and cats.
- Moore, G. E., et al. (2001). “Causes of sudden and unexpected death in dogs: A 10-year retrospective study.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 219(6), 872-879.
- Nelson, R. W., & Couto, C. G. (2019). Small Animal Internal Medicine (6th ed.). Elsevier. Detailed descriptions of common systemic diseases in dogs.
