The Most Common Dog Diseases

As a dog owner, it is very important that you are responsible for taking good health care for your pet. One of the most important things you have to do is to know the most common dog diseases, including their symptoms, and prevention measures. This will help you to treat them when they fall sick as well as prevent future ailments.

It can be quite difficult to tell whether a dog has an ailment. Considering the fact that not every dog owner will take their dog to the vet regularly, it is important for all dog owners to learn more about dog health, identify symptoms and detect ailments at an early stage, which will help prevent future complications and maintain the dog at its optimal health. The most common ailments that affect dogs include:

1. Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is the inflammation of gum tissue and teeth, which may cause loss of teeth. It is a type of mouth disease quite common among dogs. The accumulation of bacteria and food particles in the crevices between teeth and gums, which forms plaque, causes periodontal disease. Its symptoms include drooling, bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth, loss of teeth, difficulty in eating, and gum recession. To prevent periodontal disease, remember to maintain a high oral hygiene for your dog.

2. Kennel cough

This is a type of respiratory disease common among dogs. Kennel cough is caused by several complex infection that your dog may be exposed to when it is kept in places where there is poor air circulation, and warm air. It is a very contagious disease with symptoms such as a dry, high-pitched cough. To prevent infection, avoid contact with strange dogs, although vaccination is the best remedy. However, if you suspect that your dog is already infected, it is advisable you take it to the vet where proper antibiotics will be administered. Cough suppressants may also be given to relief your pet from constant coughing while recovering.

3. Coronavirus

Coronavirus is an intestinal disease that mainly affects puppies rather than adult dogs. It causes diarrhea in puppies and is highly contagious. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. The best preventive measures for coronavirus is maintaining proper sanitation practices and the corna vaccine.

4. Parvovirus

Parvovirus, or simply parvo, is a very deadly disease that affects dogs. This one goes after the intestines, leading to infection. Symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection include foul smelling diarrhea and vomiting, especially when there is blood stains in them. The disease also affects the cardiac system, which may lead to difficulty in breathing. If you suspect your dog may have parvovirus, take it to the vet so that treatment is started at the earliest time possible. Since this is a fast evolving virus, its symptoms may appear in a very short time after exposure, and if it becomes fatal if it is not caught within the first 48 hours of exposure.

Knowing what type of symptoms to look out for and what to do when your dog becomes sick is crucial. It gives you the peace of mind while keeping your pet healthy, especially if you don't take your dog to the vet regularly.

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