Part 1 of our list of dangerous diseases that can kill your dog

Dogs and kids are similar in many ways, one of which is their susceptibility to catching diseases every now and then. Being a pet owner it is your responsibility to keep an eye on the dangerous diseases that may affect your dog and cause serious consequences. In this article, we will explore the 8 deadly diseases which contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates in dogs. So read on. 

Canine distemper

• The first disease on the list is Canine distemper. It is an extremely contagious viral disease that can be contracted from exposure to germs in the air or by touching infected items such as shared food bowls and toys. Canine distemper hardens the dog’s noses and footpads, hence it is also called ‘Hardpad disease’. Puppies are more susceptible to contracting this disease.  

Symptoms of this disease include:

• Runny eyes
• Vomiting
• Paralysis
• Coughing
• Fever

Canine distemper is a fatal disease that does not have proper medical treatment. The best way to prevent your dog from catching this disease is through vaccination. Care should be taken to keep your puppy away from infected dogs. If an unvaccinated dog catches this disease, vets provide supportive care to the dog and maintain the body fluids to prevent secondary infection. However, the chances of recovery are pretty low. 

Canine parvovirus (parvo)

Parvo is a highly contagious viral disease with a 91% mortality rate for unvaccinated dogs. It is transmitted through the fecal matter of a sick dog. Parvo is caused by Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 which attacks the internal organs of the dogs once it spreads through the body. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Vomiting

The virus is quite hard to kill, so vets opt for preventive care and maintain the body fluids and electrolytes of a sick dog. Vaccination and maintaining the hygiene of the dog is the best way to prevent your dog from infection. 

Heartworm

• Heartworms are a parasitical disease that is spread through mosquito bites. The medical name for this disease is Dirofilaria Immitis. Heartworms are small parasites that attack the heart, blood vessels, and lungs of an infected dog. There is no vaccination for this disease, however, it can be prevented by administering heartworm medication and injecting the dog with melarsomine injections.

Symptoms of this disease include:

• Weight loss
• Heart disease
• Coughing
• Lethargy
• Respiratory issues

Regular checkups and annual blood tests, administering pills, and shots are the best way to prevent your dog from developing this dangerous disease. The larvae of the parasite take 6 months to develop. Hence, if they can be intercepted at an initial stage, they can be treated effectively. 

Rabies

Rabies is a common dog disease. It is caused by a virus that is spread through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. It causes inflammation of the brain. Rabies is a fatal disease that starts displaying symptoms slowly. Symptoms of rabies include:

• Fever
• Pain
• Hyperactivity
• Tingling sensation
• Burning at the wound

Rabies poses a threat to humans as it can be spread from an infected animal to a human who comes in contact with the saliva of an infected dog. Rabies causes 56,000 human deaths each year. Vaccination is the best way to prevent your dog from getting rabies. 

For vaccination and treatment of these deadly diseases, contact Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center. We provide urgent pet care for medical emergencies. We are located in Charlottesville, VA. call us now at 434-971-9800.