What are 5 common diseases that affect dogs

In the warm journey accompanied by our dog, we sincerely hope that it can always be healthy, happy, and full of vitality around us. However, the shadow of illness may quietly envelop dogs, posing challenges to their lives and even their existence. As the closest guardians of dogs, we are eager to understand potential health threats and know what the five common diseases that affect dogs are, so that we can prevent them in advance.

Canine distemper is a viral disease that seriously threatens the health of dogs, like a demon hidden in the dark, causing fear in both dogs and their owners. It is mainly transmitted through air and contact, especially in places with dense dog populations such as pet shops and kennels, where the transmission speed is extremely fast. Puppies are more susceptible to infections due to their underdeveloped immune system. Dogs infected with canine distemper may have initial symptoms similar to a cold, such as fever, cough, and runny nose, which are easily overlooked by their owners. As the condition progresses, dogs may experience symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased and thickened secretions from their eyes and nose. More seriously, canine distemper can also affect the nervous system of dogs, causing symptoms such as seizures and ataxia, and even endangering their lives.

Parvovirus disease is also a major competitor to dog health. This virus mainly attacks the intestines and immune system of dogs, and is particularly harmful to puppies. Dogs infected with parvovirus will have severe vomiting and diarrhea. The vomit is mostly undigested food or white foam, and the diarrhea is yellow or brown with a foul smell. Due to frequent vomiting and diarrhea, dogs will quickly become dehydrated, extremely lethargic, and experience significant weight loss. Parvovirus has strong survival ability in the environment and can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, toys, etc. To prevent parvovirus disease, in addition to vaccination, it is also important to pay attention to the dietary hygiene of dogs and regularly disinfect their living environment.

Skin diseases are also one of the common illnesses in dogs, seriously affecting their quality of life. Mites, fungi, and bacterial infections are common causes of skin diseases. When dogs are infected with mites, they may experience symptoms such as redness, papules, and itching on their skin. Dogs may scratch frequently, leading to skin damage and hair loss. Fungal skin diseases are characterized by round or oval depilation spots covered with scales. Bacterial skin diseases are often accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pustules on the skin. Skin diseases not only make dogs uncomfortable, but also affect their appearance, causing their smooth and shiny hair to become rough and messy. Moreover, skin diseases have a certain degree of infectivity, not only to other dogs but also to humans. If a dog is found to have symptoms of skin disease, it should be taken to a pet hospital in a timely manner for skin scraping and other examinations. After determining the cause, appropriate medication should be used for treatment.

Arthritis is more common in elderly dogs, like a ticking time bomb quietly planted by time, gradually eroding the joint health of dogs. As dogs age, their joint cartilage gradually wears down, and the tissues around the joints become inflamed, leading to joint pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Dogs with arthritis may limp when walking, find it difficult to climb stairs, jump, and even struggle to get up. For dogs already suffering from arthritis, veterinarians may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve joint inflammation and pain, and suggest that owners provide soft pads to reduce joint pressure and engage in moderate exercise such as walking to help maintain joint function.

Heart disease is also one of the important diseases that affect the health of dogs. Both congenital heart disease and acquired heart disease can occur in dogs. Congenital heart disease is related to genetic factors, while acquired heart disease may be caused by factors such as infection, obesity, and hypertension. In the early stages of heart disease, dogs may not have obvious symptoms, but as the condition progresses, symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance may appear. The treatment of heart disease usually requires long-term medication, such as cardiac stimulants, diuretics, etc. At the same time, attention should be paid to controlling the dog's diet and exercise level, avoiding excessive fatigue, and creating a quiet and comfortable living environment for it.

Every disease is an obstacle to a dog's health, and as dog owners, we are its strongest support. When a dog is suffering from illness, we should carefully observe every subtle change in it and promptly detect any signs of the disease. Once you suspect that your dog is sick, don't panic. Take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible and seek professional help. Give your dog more care, companionship, and patience during the process of treatment and rehabilitation.