Introduction
As pet owners, we want nothing but the best for our furry friends. However, with the increasing globalization and travel opportunities, our dogs are also more exposed to infectious diseases than ever before. It’s crucial to familiarize ourselves with the most common infectious diseases in dogs and learn how to prevent and treat them effectively.
What Are Infectious Diseases?
Infectious diseases occur when a dog comes into contact with a pathogen that weakens the body’s natural defense mechanism and triggers a disease process. These diseases can range from mild with few symptoms to severe, chronic, or even fatal conditions.
Infectious diseases can spread through direct or indirect exposure. Direct exposure occurs when a dog comes into close contact with an infected animal, while indirect exposure happens when a dog comes into contact with infective agents left behind by an infected animal.
While respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases are the most commonly associated with infectious diseases in dogs, it’s important to note that any organ or function in the body can be affected. Viruses and bacteria are usually the culprits, but other infectious agents can also cause diseases.
4 Most Common Infectious Diseases
1. Parvo Virus
Parvo virus is highly contagious and mostly affects young dogs. However, dogs of any age can be susceptible, especially if they haven’t developed immunity either naturally or through vaccinations.
Clinical signs include anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can progress to bloody diarrhea. Parvo virus is shed in the feces of infected dogs, and exposure occurs through the fecal-oral/nasal route.
Treatment aims at supportive care, preventing secondary infections, and septic conditions. Prognosis varies depending on the severity of the disease.
2. Distemper
Distemper is a highly infectious viral disease that affects various animal species, including dogs. It is transmitted through aerosol droplets from infected animals.
Clinical signs include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, respiratory symptoms, and neurological signs such as muscle twitching and seizures. Supportive treatment is often necessary, and prognosis depends on the severity of symptoms.
3. Rabies
Rabies is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans through the bite of a rabid animal. Various animal species, including dogs, can be reservoirs for rabies transmission.
Clinical signs of rabies range from acute behavioral changes and unexplained progressive paralysis to sudden anorexia, irritability, and aggression. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal in dogs. Vaccination programs have been successful in preventing the disease.
4. Kennel Cough
Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is highly contagious and commonly seen in dogs housed in close quarters such as boarding facilities and grooming establishments. It can be caused by viruses and bacteria, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus 2, and canine influenza.
The primary symptom of kennel cough is a “goose honk” cough. Treatment is often supportive, with cough medications if needed. Proper immunization can help prevent symptoms.
An Integrative Approach to Treatment
Due to the various causes of infectious diseases in dogs, there are multiple treatment options available. The primary goal is to support the dog’s health and eliminate the underlying pathogens, allowing the immune system to heal the body.
Integrative veterinary medicine combines conventional and holistic approaches, providing safer and more effective treatment options. Fluid therapy, antibiotics, fever-reducing agents, herbals, and maintaining a healthy appetite are some of the integrative options available.
Preventing Infectious Diseases
While it’s not always possible to prevent infectious diseases entirely, there are steps you can take to minimize the risks and strengthen your dog’s natural defense mechanisms.
- Reduce exposure by avoiding highly traveled areas and places where dogs intermingle closely, such as dog parks and busy walking trails.
- Vaccination is a controversial topic, but it’s essential to discuss with your veterinarian to determine the proper vaccination schedule based on your dog’s risk factors.
- Boost your dog’s immune system through a high-quality diet, supplements, and herbal therapies recommended by an integrative veterinarian trained in food therapy and herbal medicine.
By increasing your dog’s natural defenses and providing holistic care, you can improve their overall wellness and lower the chances of severe infectious diseases.
For more information and expert advice on pet care and health, visit Pet Lovers Diary.