There are many health threats and illnesses that can threaten
your dogโs well being, many of which you have probably never
heard. To help educate dog parents everywhere, here are four
largely unknown, potentially fatal diseases that can affect any
dog, and the signs to look out for.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a highly contagious, potentially life
threatening condition that, as it happens, is 100% preventable.
While treatment is not always effective, with proper vaccination
beforehand, your dog will never have to worry about the threat of
distemper.
Dogs often come home from the
kennel with a case of distemper due to the close quarters and
the rapidity with which this disease spreads. If your dog has
recently been in contact with a number of other dogs, and has not
been vaccinated for distemper, check them for symptoms.
Symptoms for the condition include:
If you suspect that your dog has contracted distemper, contact
your vet immediately, as this condition moves quickly.
Parvovirus is a deadly and highly contagious disease that wreaks
havoc on your dogโs intestines and immune system. Due to the way
it runs your dogโs guts through the wringer, parvo frequently
causes vomiting and diarrhea, and stands to make your dog
incredibly uncomfortable. Treatment for parvo is arduous, often
requiring multiple nights at the
vet. However, if it is caught early, your dog has a great
chance of making a recovery. Moreover, parvo can be almost 100%
prevented with early vaccination. To tell if your dog has parvo,
just look for these symptoms:
-
Vomiting
-
Diarrhea
-
Especially odorous feces
-
Dehydration
-
Blood in stool
-
Lethargy
If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, contact your vet
right away, as early detection is the best way to beat this
condition.
Hypothyroidism
A condition caused by a dearth in thyroid hormone production,
hypothyroidism can cause a lack of energy and a general inability
to recuperate from other ailments or injuries. Often masking
itself as just generic symptoms of aging, if left untreated,
hypothyroidism can greatly affect your dogโs life. Here are some
symptoms to keep an eye out for.
If you notice your dog suffering from any of the aforementioned
symptoms, it may be time to take them to the vet, as this
condition can frequently go untreated for years, causing more
damage than it might otherwise.
Hyperadrenocorticism
Also known as Cushingโs disease,
this condition is caused by the overproduction of cortisol, a
hormone that affects much of your dogโs organ function. Because
of the many forms this condition can take, diagnosing this
condition can be especially tricky. A
few symptoms to be on the look out for include:
If you think your dog might be suffering from
hyperadrenocorticism, talk to your vet and find out for sure
before the overproduction of cortisol ends up damaging your dogโs
organs irreparably.
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Five Common Diseases That Affect Senior Dogs
Life goes by quickly if you are a dog owner. The excited little
pup you brought home a few years ago becomes a mellow senior
before you know it. Fortunately, with the advances in veterinary
medicine, we are able to better identify and manage the health
conditions that aging dogs fall prey to.Although conventional
wisdom tells us that a dog's age times seven is the equivalent of
their age in human years, the fact remains that dogs grow old at
different rates and it depends a lot on their size. For instance,
giant dogs like Great Danes do not live for more than 10 years on
an average, while a Chihuahua might live past the age of 18. As a
rule of thumb, a dog can be counted as a senior dog for the last
quarter of its expected life span.
-
Osteoarthritis โ
Joint disease is the most common sign of aging, both in dogs
and humans. The cartilage that protects the surfaces of the
joints tends to wear down over time. Although this condition is
irreversible, you can observe a few rules to minimize its
impact. Ensure that your pet is not overweight. If your dog is
heavier than it should be, it will put more load on its joints.
Large dogs are especially prone to this condition as they have
a genetic predisposition to conditions like hip dysplasia. Take
your dog to the vet regularly to catch joint disease early.
Look out for signs like stiffness in the morning, reluctance to
climb the stairs, and limping. Also, enquire your vet about
therapeutic diets. Some
of them are formulated to improve joint health and
mobility.
-
Dental disease โ
This condition afflicts all sizes and breeds of canines. If
left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, pain and bacteria in
the blood that can damage the dog's internal organs. Home care
such as dental
treats and tooth brushing might reduce the tartar on
their teeth, as can specially formulated foods that are meant
to promote dental health. Once the disease has advanced, your
dog might need a dental cleaning under anesthesia at the
clinic. The key is to start early before the onset of
full-blown periodontal disease.
-
Obesity โ More
than fifty percent of the dogs in the US are obese or
overweight, and owners do not even realize it. Moreover,
overweight dogs are vulnerable to secondary problems like
diabetes, joint disease, and respiratory illness. Calorie
control and exercise are key factors in managing the weight of
a pet. Senior dogs are less active than young dogs and need
lesser calories as a result. Diets that are designed for senior
dogs provide nutrients in proper balance, with different ratios
of protein and fat than you would normally find in standard dog
food. Gentle regular exercise can help dogs suffering from
health issues. Consult with the vet to come up with an exercise
plan and a diet that suits your pet.
