In this article I will talk about the main diseases in adult dogs and puppies. I will list diseases of various origins and the symptoms that accompany them. I’ll tell you what to do if you suspect your dog is unwell.
The animal body is as fragile as the human body. Susceptible to viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections. The dog’s health is influenced by a genetic predisposition to certain disorders, environmental and psychological conditions. Aging of the body, injuries, and poor quality nutrition have a significant impact on the well-being of the pet.
Infectious diseases
Infectious diseases in dogs are very contagious, so sick animals must be isolated from healthy ones. The causative agents are microorganisms: viruses or bacteria. The course of the infection depends on the type, but in most cases, those who recover develop immunity.
Viral
Viral diseases of dogs are very dangerous. Their pathogens are prone to mutations, which complicates the treatment of the infected person.
Carnivore plague
The distemper virus enters the body through direct or indirect contact. That is, not only the patient is dangerous, but also his personal belongings and feces.
Symptoms depend on the form of the disease. First of all, an infected dog shows the following signs:
- nasal discharge and lacrimation;
- poor appetite and fever;
- photophobia;
- yellowish loose stools with blood clots or pieces of undigested food;
- redness and swelling of the mucous membranes of the eyes;
- cough.
If convulsions and paralysis occur, the chances of saving your pet are minimal. A good prognosis for recovery (90%) is provided by therapy with antiviral drugs at the initial stage.
Infectious hepatitis
The infectious hepatitis virus provokes pathological changes in the liver, causing general intoxication of the body. The occurring violations are accompanied by:
- diarrhea and vomiting with bile;
- yellowing of the mucous membranes and skin;
- cough;
- increased temperature;
- clouding of the cornea of the eye.
The main prevention of infectious hepatitis is vaccination. An unvaccinated dog who becomes ill with the fulminant form dies within a few hours.
Rabies
It is one of the most dangerous fatal infections, as it cannot be treated. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, causing the following symptoms:
- excessive agitation, aggression, or apathy;
- loss of appetite;
- increased salivation;
- photophobia and hydrophobia;
- deterioration in wool quality (ruffles);
- convulsive seizures and paralysis.
The only way to protect your pet is timely vaccination. Otherwise, the prognosis will be disappointing - the animal cannot be cured.
Parvovirus enteritis
Enteritis is most severe in puppies older than 1.5 months and young dogs. Symptoms of this infectious disease in dogs include:
- repeated vomiting (up to 10 times within 2 hours);
- bloody diarrhea with a pungent putrid odor;
- rapid drop in temperature.
Due to dehydration, the patient stops responding to stimuli and falls into a coma. If the dog is not vaccinated, then the probability of recovery is only 10%. Older pets are less susceptible to this infection.
Parainfluenza
The risk group includes animals kept in crowded conditions. For this reason, parainfluenza is called “aviary cough.”
Symptoms of infection vary from person to person, as it often occurs together with plague, adenovirus and herpesvirus. The only reliable guide is a dry cough that occurs during or after increased activity. Additionally, there is intense thirst.
The prognosis for parainfluenza depends on the number of concomitant infections. Symptomatic therapy is used in treatment.
Bacterial
Treatment of bacterial diseases in dogs and their symptoms depend on the type of bacteria. Before prescribing antibiotics, the sensitivity of the pathogen to their active substances must be checked.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia infects the blood, so it quickly reaches other internal organs through the bloodstream. When infected, an animal experiences:
- poor appetite and depressed state;
- a sharp increase in temperature;
- diarrhea and vomiting;
- conjunctivitis.
Risk groups include pets with low immunity: puppies, elderly dogs or dogs weakened by chronic pathology. If the spinal cord or brain is damaged, death is possible.
Leptospirosis
Leptospira enters the body through the mouth, damaged mucous membranes or skin. After the end of the incubation period in an infected person:
- mucous membranes, conjunctiva and eye whites turn yellow;
- ulcerations appear in the oral cavity filled with pus;
- intestinal upset and vomiting of blood occurs;
- tissue in the sinuses dies;
- the pulse quickens and the temperature rises sharply (up to 42°C);
- the color of the urine changes due to the blood coming out with it;
- the frequency of urination is reduced;
- breathing becomes difficult, accompanied by wheezing and gurgling;
- the skin and fur become covered with an unpleasant-smelling coating.
The chances of rescue decrease when the temperature drops below 37.5°C. The most favorable prognosis is given to breeds with folded skin, which show the most striking symptoms. Having noticed alarming changes, the owners immediately turn to the veterinarian, without waiting for serious complications.
Echinococcosis
This parasitic disease is caused by echinococcus, which is spread through the feces of a sick animal. The disease is transmitted to humans, causing parasitic cysts in various organs. This disease in dogs is very dangerous because it does not have clear and recognizable symptoms, since diarrhea, constipation, vomiting and other digestive problems can be mistaken for signs of other diseases. Only a laboratory test of stool can determine the real cause of health problems. Acute echinococcosis can cause ascites of the abdominal cavity and without proper treatment will cause the death of a pet.
Skin pathologies
The most common skin ailments include ringworm, eczema, allergic and atopic dermatitis. They all have similar symptoms, including:
- severe itching, rash and swelling;
- skin hyperpigmentation;
- partial or complete baldness caused by constant scratching of the affected areas;
- hyperkeratosis (flaking).
During treatment, it is important to prevent scratching of the affected skin. Otherwise, a secondary infection will get into the wounds.
Poisoning
Every dog lover knows that poisoning is the most common illness. Dogs eat something on the street, as soon as the owner turns away. The cause of the disease can also be poor-quality food, poisons or pathogenic bacteria getting into water or food.
Poisoning is characterized by symptoms such as severe thirst, lethargy, loose stools, and profuse vomiting. In complicated conditions, convulsions, fear of light, breathing problems, agitation followed by lethargy are noted.
First aid for poisoning is to lavage the stomach. You should not self-medicate; it is better to immediately contact an experienced veterinarian. Upon returning home after the procedure, you must drink plenty of fluids with sorbent.
Prevention consists of carefully monitoring the pet during a walk so that it does not eat or drink anything from the street.
Eye and ear problems
Dog diseases that affect the eyes and ears are easy to diagnose. Changes occurring in the affected organ are visible to the naked eye.
The most common ophthalmological pathologies include:
- Blepharospasm
. It is characterized by increased and rapid blinking, as well as swelling of the eye. The pet avoids light and does not allow its eyes to be touched due to acute pain upon palpation. Blepharospasm is not dangerous and responds well to treatment, but it often turns out to be a symptom of a more dangerous pathology.
- Blepharitis
. It is a consequence of injury, allergic reaction and local infection. The damaged eyelid swells and turns red, disturbing the animal. Constant scratching often causes inflammation, accompanied by purulent discharge.
- Exophthalmos
. Manifests itself in an unnatural protrusion of the eyeball. Leads to strabismus, conjunctivitis and impaired tear production.
- Glaucoma
. Risks complete loss of vision. Symptoms of glaucoma include redness of the eyes, mild tearing, changes in the color of the eyeball, or a gradual increase in its size due to increasing pressure.
Advanced forms of these diseases can only be treated surgically. Otherwise, the pet may lose the affected eye or visual function.
Ear problems are most often diagnosed with:
- Otitis
. The inflammatory process in the ear is characterized by serous or purulent discharge with a sweet or foul odor. The outer part of the ear canal becomes covered with crusts and scabs.
- Otodectosis
. Accompanied by increased peeling and yellowing of the skin, as well as dark brown discharge from the ears. A sick dog constantly shakes its head.
- Hematoma
. Trauma to the ear can cause a blood vessel to burst, causing blood to leak into nearby tissue and subsequently form a cavity. A swollen hematoma has a reddish color with a bluish tint. Local temperatures may rise. Large volumes of blood are poorly absorbed, so suppuration appears at the site of the hematoma.
Ear ailments are fraught with rupture of the eardrum or its dissolution in purulent masses. The animal runs the risk of losing hearing or dying from purulent meningitis.
Cheilitis (seizures)
Cheilitis in dogs, or in simple terms - seizures, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the lips with a transition to the skin.
Symptoms:
— Cause an unpleasant sensation, irritation, pain and itching. The animal tries to eliminate the discomfort by rubbing its muzzle against objects, the ground, and pulling with its paws.
— At the junction of the edge of the lip and the skin, dead white pieces (scab) appear.
— The scab peels off, falls off, and small, weeping and painful wounds form.
— Sweaty nodules form at the site of the hair follicle, and when they are opened, pus is released.
— An inflammatory process develops in folds and wrinkles on the lower lip, especially at the point of contact with the upper fangs.
- Wetting in the folds of the lips and jowls.
Treatment:
1. For fungal cheilitis, antifungal drugs that suppress the activity of Candida (Levorin, Nystatin) are prescribed, and the dog’s mouth is irrigated with antiseptic solutions (Miramistin, Chlorhexidine).
2. For eczematous cheilitis, antihistamines are used (Diphenhydramine, Suprastin), the affected mucosa is lubricated with corticoid-based ointment (Prednisolone, Sinalar).
3. It is recommended to treat the mouth with a 3% solution of baking soda 2-3 times a day, smear it with a mixture of glycerin and borax (20:5).
4. Vitamin and mineral complexes that strengthen the dog’s immune system and immunostimulant drugs are required.
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Parasite infestation
Parasitoses are contagious diseases caused by external and internal parasites. The recovery period is individual - it depends on the degree of damage to internal organs, the age and strength of the animal’s immunity.
Fleas
Fleas can be detected by small black or brown specks on the animal's body. The main symptom of a flea infestation is severe itching. It occurs due to an allergic reaction to the saliva of parasites.
Fleas often act as carriers of other diseases. By injecting their saliva, they can infect the dog with helminths, rickettsiosis and endocarditis.
Helminths
The symptoms of helminthiases depend on the type of worms. In most cases, infection causes:
- lethargy;
- perverted taste (eating earth and stones);
- cough;
- upset stool and vomiting;
- bloating;
- sharp weight loss while maintaining appetite;
- dullness and thinning of the coat;
- riding on the butt due to itching in the anus.
Excessive accumulation of helminths leads to rupture of the affected organ and death of the animal. Anthelmintics are used to kill parasites.
Tick bite
Tick bites are characterized by purulent inflammation, severe peeling and yellowing of the skin. They can cause otodectosis and disorders in internal organs, and also act as carriers of piroplasmosis and borreliosis.
If the temperature rises, yellowing of the mucous membranes, increased breathing, darkened urine, vomiting and unsteady gait, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. Left without treatment, the pet may die within 3 days.
Aujeszky's disease (pseudo- or false rabies)
This disease is caused by a virus that attacks the brain and is characterized by a very acute illness and severe symptoms. The main carriers are rodents.
Symptoms of the disease:
The dog may be troubled by disturbances in walking, convulsions, muscle tics, tremors, paralysis of the rear part of the body with immobilization of the paws, severe itching and, as a result, scratched wounds, as well as salivation.
This disease is very severe and fatal. There are currently no effective treatments for false rabies, so the animal dies after a short time.
Diseases of internal organs and systems
Non-contagious canine diseases include pathologies of internal organs and systems. They occur due to injuries, poisoning, infections and autoimmune disorders.
Liver and kidney
Non-infectious liver diseases include hepatitis, cirrhosis and fibrosis. General symptoms include:
- bloody diarrhea and vomiting;
- increased thirst;
- yellowing of mucous membranes;
- anorexia;
- fever and pain.
Vivid symptoms occur only when 70% of the liver is damaged. For this reason, the pathology is often irreversible.
Pyelonephritis, polycystic disease, nephrosclerosis and other disorders that cause renal failure are accompanied by lethargy and fatigue. The sick dog refuses to eat and loses a lot of weight. The skin becomes dry and the mucous membranes turn pale.
Despite an increase in the frequency of the urge to urinate, oliguria occurs - the inability to urinate. Fluid accumulating in the body causes severe swelling. If left untreated, the pet dies from intoxication with decay products.
Gastrointestinal tract
Problems with the gastrointestinal tract often arise due to improper feeding. These include:
- gastritis, accompanied by abdominal pain, vomiting food particles, unpleasant odor from the mouth, frequent belching and a whitish coating on the tongue;
- stomach ulcer causing vomiting of bile and blood, sudden weight loss, pain under the left rib and darkening of the stool;
- intestinal obstruction, weakening peristalsis and causing constipation;
- pancreatitis, which leads the animal to exhaustion due to severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Prolonged constipation and intestinal blockage are fraught with rupture. The animal may die due to acute intoxication.
Respiratory tract
Diseases of the respiratory system affect the chest cavity (diaphragm, pleura), upper (pharynx, trachea) and lower (lungs, bronchi) respiratory tract. These include:
- laryngitis;
- pleurisy;
- rhinitis;
- bronchitis;
- pneumonia;
- emphysema.
The patient's temperature rises, lethargy and loss of appetite are noted. Breathing becomes rapid or slow. Wheezing, shortness of breath and cough appear. The resulting disease can provoke the development of dermatitis of the nasal sinuses, otitis media and bronchial asthma.
Of cardio-vascular system
Heart problems can be inherited or occur as a result of injury, excessive blood loss and excessive exercise. They can be diagnosed by the presence of:
- chronic dry cough and heavy breathing with wheezing;
- pale mucous membranes;
- fatigue and severe shortness of breath after any activity;
- arrhythmias and poorly defined pulse;
- sagging skin;
- fainting and severe weakness.
The listed symptoms are characteristic of myocarditis, endocarditis, heart failure, myocardosis and myocardial infarction. A pet with this diagnosis may require lifelong therapy.
Genitourinary system
Endometritis and pyometra can be identified by discharge from the bitch's loop. Cloudy mucus with flakes and splashes of blood is a dangerous symptom that requires the help of a veterinarian. An abundance of pus can lead to rupture of the walls of the uterus.
In males, urolithiasis and urocystitis are more common. They are characterized by difficulty urinating, acute pain, darkening or redness of urine. Due to blockage of the ducts and inflammation of the mucous membrane, bladder rupture is possible.
Neurological diseases
Neurological disorders affect the nerves, brain and spinal cord. For this reason, all internal organs suffer from the disease. Symptoms include:
- aggression and increased agitation;
- paresis and paralysis;
- coma, convulsions and fainting.
Dachshunds, Pomeranians, Beagles and German Shepherds often suffer from epilepsy. Without treatment, the frequency of seizures gradually increases, so be sure to consult a doctor at the first warning sign.
Musculoskeletal system
The most common pathology is hip dysplasia. It is accompanied by lameness of the hind legs and is considered incurable. As a result of a gradual shift in the center of gravity, the disease spreads to the forelimbs.
Endocrine and immune disruptions
The endocrine system includes the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, hypothalamus, pancreas and gonads. Malfunctions of these organs are accompanied by neurological disorders (unreasonable aggression and apathy, perversion of taste), dermatitis and inability to fertilize.
Immune system disorders cause autoimmune pathologies:
- lupus erythematosus, which causes nosebleeds;
- rheumatoid polyarthritis, which limits mobility due to severe pain and swelling of the joints;
- hemolytic anemia, accompanied by darkening of the urine, blood in the stool, yellowing of the sclera and a rise in temperature;
- pemphigus and erythema, covering the patient's body with blisters and extensive erosions.
With these ailments, the body begins to destroy its own cells, mistaking them for foreign ones. The prognosis for treatment is very cautious, since secondary infections often penetrate into the affected wounds.
Tracheal collapse
The pathology causes deformation of the respiratory tract. The disease is more common in Pekingese, Chihuahuas, small poodles and Spitz dogs. Pathology occurs with obesity. It is difficult to control the diet of small pets, which is why some owners overfeed them. Excessive fat puts pressure on the trachea and bronchi. Under pressure, deformation occurs.
Symptoms of tracheal collapse:
• The animal has difficulty breathing; • The pet experiences shortness of breath; • Cough and wheezing; • Cyanosis of mucous membranes; • Loss of appetite; • Apathy; • Loss of consciousness.
Self-medication is prohibited. Drug treatment is carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian. In difficult cases, surgical intervention is necessary.
Oncology
Any neoplasm needs diagnosis, since even benign tumors can develop into malignant ones. If your dog has cancer:
- activity disappears;
- body weight decreases;
- appetite worsens;
- body temperature increases slightly but systematically;
- blood appears in urine, feces, sputum and secretions from the mammary glands.
Oncology is treatable only at the initial stage. In all other cases, therapy is reduced to maintaining the patient’s life.
Otitis
As a rule, the disease develops in animals with long ears. The main causes of the occurrence and development of otitis media are allergic reactions, infections, improper cleaning of the ears, and water entering the hearing organs during bathing.
Otitis media can be detected through these symptoms: purulent discharge from the ear, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, inflammation of the area around the ears, itching. The animal begins to actively and frequently shake its head and tilt it. The main danger is a perforation of the eardrum, leading to inflammation of the membranes of the brain, which leads to death.
Treatment includes regular ear cleaning and application of zinc ointment. In some cases, antibiotics and specialized ear drops are prescribed.
Prevention consists of regular preventive visits to the veterinarian. You should trust him to clean your ears. You also need to make sure that during bathing the ears remain dry and no moisture gets into them.
What dog diseases are dangerous for humans?
Some diseases are dangerous not only for four-legged pets, but also for their owners. Diseases transmitted from dogs to humans include:
- rabies;
- chlamydia;
- leptospirosis;
- ringworm;
- helminthiases;
- pruritic scabies;
- toxoplasmosis.
If your pet is diagnosed with one of the listed pathologies, isolate him and limit communication with him. When handling ointments and other topical medications, use protective gloves and wash your hands thoroughly.
Conjunctivitis
Dogs are predisposed to developing eye problems, especially at an early age, immediately after birth. In addition, there are breeds that have a higher risk of getting the disease, such as the French bulldog. The causes of conjunctivitis are:
- sand and dust that gets into your eyes;
- poor hygiene of the eye area;
- previous cold;
- allergic reactions;
- entry of bacteria;
- foreign bodies in the eyeball;
- suffered injuries.
Conjunctivitis is manifested by symptoms such as the formation of purulent crusts, itching, redness, constant tearing, and swelling of the eyelids.
The first step in treatment will be to cleanse the eyes of any pus that has formed, remove purulent crusts and thoroughly rinse the eye area. Next, tetracycline ointment is applied under the eyelids. It is better to entrust this manipulation to a veterinarian, since one wrong movement and you can damage your pet’s vision. In addition, only a doctor can choose the right eye drops and antibiotics that will help to finally defeat the disease.
To prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to regularly monitor eye hygiene and wash them.
Diseases of dogs with a high mortality rate
Particularly dangerous diseases include all those included in the list of mandatory vaccinations: rabies, distemper, enteritis, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, infectious hepatitis. Also, a high mortality rate is observed with piroplasmosis, for which one can also be vaccinated.
Most of these diseases can be avoided with annual vaccination and timely antiparasitic treatment. If there are genetic pathologies, veterinarians recommend more frequent examinations and blood tests to detect abnormalities before complications arise.
The article is for informational purposes only. Contact your veterinarian!
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Parvovirus enteritis
This infectious disease usually has a very acute characteristic development. The source of infection is recognized to be a virus that is secreted by sick animals and those who have had the disease. In order to get sick, it is not necessary to have contact with such an individual, since the virus spreads easily in the environment and can be brought into the house on a person’s clothes or shoes.
The incubation period ranges from several days to 1 week. Only at this time can clinical symptoms be observed. The virus, which is dangerous to health, is released in feces after 4 days and can last up to 1 month. The virus remains viable in feces for up to six months. Isolation of the virus by animals with a subclinical course is especially significant for the rapid spread of the disease.
Symptoms of the disease:
The animal suffers from bloody vomiting, dehydration, exhaustion and diarrhea. There may be dry skin, sunken eyes, as well as a painful stomach, severe fever and heart failure.
Unfortunately, this disease in purebred dogs can cause their death within the first few days from the onset of severe symptoms. If the animal survives this critical moment, then the chances of its recovery increase. On average, the illness lasts about two weeks. This disease of dogs causes complications on the heart. Puppies with myocarditis die from non-purulent myocardial necrosis, as well as from ascites, pulmonary edema, suffocation or fever.
Prevention:
It is necessary to carry out timely vaccination. The first is carried out at 3 months from birth, the second - at the age of 4-4.5 months. Next, the animal will need to be vaccinated annually. This disease is especially dangerous for puppies and older dogs. It is in these animals that the course of the disease is especially acute and can cause death. Vaccination not only protects the animal from the possibility of infection, but also makes the disease easier.
Prevention
For all the diseases listed above, the main preventive measures are timely vaccinations and vaccinations . Thanks to annual procedures, dogs develop strong immunity, and as a result, the risk of infection is reduced several times.
You also need to take into account the fact that the causative agents of some fatal diseases remain active for about 90 days after the carrier is cured. Therefore, you need to exclude your pet from contact with animals that have recently suffered from similar diseases.
The main role in detecting the primary signs of any disease is assigned to the dog owner. The next step, no less important, is an urgent visit to a veterinary center, where they will conduct the necessary studies and make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment. If you notice your pet is unwell, you shouldn’t hope that the problem will go away on its own. Self-treatment is also dangerous! Such negligence leads to disastrous consequences and the death of the dog.
