by Robert G. Knechtel
Dog Diseases number in the scores, just as in humans. But, veterinarians tend to see some much more than others. Sadly, a great deal of grief could be avoided if more dog owners were careful to see that their pets are immunized regularly against preventable dog diseases.
While experts, as usual, may differ, what are the top ten dog diseases? Here's a list (not necessarily in order of seriousness) with a brief explanation of each disease:
Distemper:
Of all the dog diseases, the American Veterinary Medical Association considers the distemper virus to be the worst canine disease threat to dogs world wide. Distemper is fatal in 80% of puppies and 50% of adults. All dogs are extremely vulnerable, and should be vaccinated, with subsequent boosters in keeping the recommendation of a Veterinarian.
Parvovirus (Parvo):
Parvovirus is a worldwide dog disease. It is extremely contagious, especially among puppies, and can overwhelm a dog leading to death within 48 to 72 hours after exposure. Symptoms include depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and severe diarrhea. Parvo vaccination is essential with booster shots as recommended.
Rabies:
Rabies is a virus and becomes fatal when symptoms appear. Because rabies can be fatal to humans and other mammals, state and local laws uniformly require rabies vaccination, many mandating booster shots yearly.
Kennel Cough:
This is a respiratory disease especially prevalent in kennels and shelters. There are a variety of virus strains, including Bortadella. Symptoms can include a dry hacking cough along with inflammation of the larynx, bronchial tubes and trachea. Vaccination, as often as every six months is recommended.
Leptospirosis:
Symptoms of Leptospirosis include lethargy, kidney inflammation, low-grade fever, vomiting, reddening of the mucous membranes and conjunctiva, and blood clotting abnormalities. Since it is a bacterial disease, also found in humans, it is treated with antibiotics. Veterinarians are often reluctant to innoculate against this dog disease, since there is questionable effectiveness, and puppies can have adverse reactions.
Infectious canine hepatitis:
While this dog disease often manifests itself with mild symptoms such as a slight fever or slight lethargy, it can, in some instances become fatal. Recovery is usually rapid. Vaccination is recommended.
Lyme Disease:
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs will include lethargy, joint pain, lack of appetite, lymph node enlargement, and fever. Lyme Disease is bacterial and is spread by ticks. Treatment is with tetracycline, an antibiotic. The available vaccine is not generally recommended.
Coronavirus:
Diarrhea and vomiting are symptomatic of this dog disease so it can be confused with parvovirus. Other indications are loss of appetite, smelly diarrhea, lethargy and dehydration. Replacement of lost fluids and control of vomiting and diarrhea are the recommended treatments. A vaccine is not generally recommended.
Obesity:
Just as in humans, this dog disease is a serious medical problem. Frequently, obese humans own obese dogs. Obviously, limiting food intake, withholding human food and enough exercise will contribute to a dogs longer life.
Heartworm:
Heartworms are parasites that grow and multiply, infesting the chambers in the heart, arteries in the lungs. Symptoms appear gradually, usually manifested in easy tiring, lethargy and a soft cough. If not treated, it eventually brings on death by congestive heart failure in a once active animal. Prevention with products such as HartGard is recommended.
Your veterinarian should give you a certificate showing your pet's immunization against the common dog diseases. Ask for a wallet sized card which you can carry with you.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author:
Robert G. Knechtel maintains several websites, including http://PetMedShop.Com, http://www.petmedshop.com, and http://Go60.Com, http://www.go60.com.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
What Are The Top Ten Dog Diseases?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
What Are The Common Types of Dog Allergies
by Alan Low Find out more information about types of dog allergies and what are the treatment options in treating dog allergies at my site. I have studied the topic of dog allergies for about 10 years. My goal is to help the dog owners to have better understanding of types of dog allergies and what are the treatment options are available in treating dog allergies.
Dog allergies may be the result of seasonal conditions, environmental factors or symptoms of food allergies. Many dog owners are surprised to learn that food allergies are not always related to a new food or diet.
There are four ordinary dog allergies which comprise inhalant allergy, flea allergy, skin allergy and food allergies. Up to 40% of dogs that have been tested have proven positive for flea allergy. Inhalant allergies, also known as atopy, include pollen, mold, mildew, and dust mites. Dogs suffer from food allergies on a annual basis other than a seasonal basis like atopy. Skin allergies include ringworm and mange which are fungal diseases. Three of the more ordinary dogs that possess these health maladies are golden retrievers, poodles, and bull dogs.
Inhalant allergies, also known as airborne allergies or atopy, often do not appear until after the dog is two years old. Any dog can have inhalant allergies, but some breeds are more susceptible to it than others, the Japanese chin is not prone to this allergy. Canine inhalant allergies are caused by the same thing human inhalant allergies are tree, grass and weed pollens, dust mites, mold, and chemicals. The reaction however is different. Humans develop respiratory problems, while dogs will constantly lick, chew and bite. You will notice the armpits, feet and groin are the places your pet scratches the most. You may also notice hot spots from the excessive scratching which can lead to infections. Inhalant allergies are often the cause of chronic ear infections.
Flea allergies are also very common when it comes to dog allergies, and one of the biggest mistakes on the part of owners here is that they think that the flea itself causes the allergy. This is actually not true and instead, it is the flea's saliva that causes problems. As most people are already aware, one of the most common symptoms of fleas is scratching, so if you ever notice that your dog is scratching or experiencing hair loss, you may want to have them checked for fleas.
Dog food allergies are more common than most people realize, and true allergies (as opposed to sensitivities/intolerances) generally produce skin irritations and problems rather than digestive upsets. Symptoms of food allergies in dogs can appear within a short time of eating a particular food, or take weeks, months or even years to develop. Contrary to popular belief, most dog food allergies occur as a reaction to a familiar food that your pooch has been eating quite happily for years, rather than to a new food that you've just introduced him to. In fact around 70% of dog food allergies are caused by a food that's been well tolerated for more than two years. An allergic reaction to a food almost never happens on first exposure, but on second or subsequent ones.
If your pet is constantly scratching or sneezing whenever they come in from outside, or you notice a rash on their skin, whether they are inside or outside, your pet may have dog skin allergies. Dog skin allergies cause your pet to break out in rashes or, in worse cases, lose their fur in certain spots, due to an allergic reaction to something they are coming in contact with. Depending on the severity of the dog skin allergy, you should take your pet into the vet at the first sign of an allergic reaction to determine what is causing your dog's skin allergy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, July 7, 2008
Three Causes of Dog Seizures
by D Swain
Dog seizures are a sign that there are neurological problems with your pet. There are various things that can cause a dog to have a seizure besides epilepsy. Some of the most common include tumors, distemper, and toxins. Let's take a look at some of the most common causes of dog seizures.
Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are occasionally responsible for causing dog seizures. Tumors can grow from brain tissues or spread to the brain from other organs in the body. If these tumors put pressure on the brain as they enlarge, it will cause dog seizures.
Distemper
Another cause of dog seizures is canine distemper. Distemper is a viral disease that can cause brain damage. This condition normally affects puppies at an age between three and eight months. Distemper can be transmitted via contact with urine, feces, saliva, and hands. It can also be transmitted through the air. Dog seizures caused by distemper usually occur two to three weeks after the dog has initially been exposed to the virus.
Toxins
One of the most common causes of dog seizures is the ingestion of toxins. Your dog may have a good chance of recovery after ingesting certain toxins, especially if detected quickly. However, other toxins have a poor prognosis. Common toxins that can cause dog seizures include paint chips, insecticides, chocolate, and rat poison.
Caution
When dogs have a long seizure, they are in danger of suffocating. However, you should never stick your hand in your dog's mouth during an episode. Dogs sometimes uncontrollably clench their jaws and your can be seriously injured. In the case of dog seizures, it's best to seek veterinary help if the episodes lasts more than two minutes or so.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While seizures can be a serious condition, there are plenty of other dog illnesses that can affect your beloved pet. So, stop by dog-illnesses.com to learn about conditions such as canine cataracts.