Dog Disease FAQ

As a dog owner you should be able to know a few dog disease basics. Knowing the symptoms to watch out for and the most common canine diseases can help you detect problems in a timely manner and preventing complications or even save the dog’s life.

What Symptoms Are Urgent?

You should be familiar with your dog’s normal behavior and watch out for certain symptoms that should indicate that you need to get immediate veterinary help:

  • Chronic vomiting or vomiting for over 48 hours
  • Chronic diarrhea or diarrhea lasting over 48 hours
  • Panting
  • Suspect lumps or bumps
  • Elevated fever
  • Bleeding or vomiting blood; blood in the feces
  • Frequent urination
  • Increased thirst
  • Jaundice
  • Pale gums
  • Neurological symptoms such as lack of coordination or confusion
  • Dilated pupils or unevenly dilated pupils
  • Seizures
  • Extended lethargy and lack of interest
  • Depression

What Are Most Common Canine Diseases?

Some of the most common canine diseases include canine distemper, hepatitis, poisoning, heart disease, arthritis, hip dysplasia, kidney problems, allergies, thyroid problems, dermatitis, glaucoma, pancreatitis, cancers, urinary infections, skin infections or colitis.

How Are Diseases Transmitted?

Diseases may be transmitted from other infected canines or animals but there are also insects that may be carriers of certain diseases.

Certain diseases are hereditary.

Some diseases are idiopathic, so their cause is not determined and it is not known how they are transmitted.

How Are Diseases Diagnosed?

Diseases in dogs can be diagnosed by performing a few tests such as:

The vet will perform the tests that are necessary, judging by the symptoms displayed by the dog and the dog’s history.

How Are Diseases Treated?

Diseases may be treated in different manners; some diseases will require oral medications, others require topical treatment; while other may require both. In some cases, surgery is needed. Fluid therapy, blood transfusions and injections may also be required in certain diseases.

Chemotherapy or radiation therapy is administered if the dog is affected by cancer.

Is Hospitalization Necessary?

Hospitalization may not be necessary in all cases; if the dog requires surgery, intravenous fluids or blood transfusions he may be hospitalized. Also, if the dog is affected by a contagious disease he may be hospitalized, to avoid infecting other pets.

Can I Treat My Dog at Home?

There are a number of natural remedies or over the counter medications that may be applied in dogs, however, you need to make sure that the diagnosis is correct. Ideally, the diagnosis should be made by a vet. A wrong diagnosis can lead to administering the wrong medication in your pet, which may lead to complications.

How Can I Prevent Diseases?

Some diseases cannot be prevented, but you may ensure your pet is in good health if you feed him quality food, groom him regularly and keep him away from possible infections and infected animals.

 

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