3 of the most common infections/diseases that can harm your doggy.

In having a doggy, we have to be aware and responsible for anything that can harm them, understanding the signs and symptoms of common illnesses is important so that you can consult veterinary help for your doggy as soon as possible. These are three of the most common illnesses and medical problems one’s doggy may face.

• Heartworm

Heartworm is a parasitic worm that can be found in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected animals. They are transmitted mainly through mosquitos and initially tiny but can reach about 12 inches when it is matured. The worms travel through the bloodstream – damaging arteries and vital organs while the blood is pumping – and will soon then end up in the pulmonary vessels and ventricles about six months after the initial infection. Hundreds can stay within the doggy’s system for several years if left untreated.

Here are symptoms to look out for:

○ Hard at breathing.
○ Vomiting
○ Weight loss and fatigue.
○ Coughing
○ Some doggies don’t experience any symptoms up until the late stages of the infection.

This infection is more common in doggies that live in hot and humid areas since the parasite comes from mosquitos. It is better to consult your veterinary doctor as soon as you notice any of the symptoms.

• Kennel Cough

This disease is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes discomfort in the airways. The name was chosen for this disease because it can spread quickly through close range animals – such as animal shelters, dog parks, kennels for entering and caring for puppies – through direct contact with infected animals, coughing, or sharing toys, blankets, and even a bed that is contaminated. Puppies, unvaccinated dogs, and older dogs are more likely to develop this because of their weaker immune systems.

Here are symptoms to look out for:

○ Dry cough, most times it seems like only the cough is the problem.
○ Gagging
○ Producing white foamy phlegm
○ Fever
○ Nasal discharge

If you live in an area that is crowded and known for this disease then it’s better to lessen your doggys’ exposure from the outside to keep them safe. This infection can still stay in the system even after the symptoms have cleared up, for regular doggies, it lasts 3-4 weeks while for elderly doggies it lasts 6-7 weeks. It’s not as bad as it seems, for humans, it can be considered to be a “cold”, but if it does et severe please contact professional help.

• Canine parvovirus (Parvo)

This is the most common out of the three, this is known to be very aggressive and can produce a life-threatening illness. Parvo is another highly contagious virus that infects dogs that come into contact with sick dog feces. And unfortunately, parvo is easy to spread but difficult to kill once it compromises a dog’s internal organs. The virus attacks the rapidly dividing cells in the dog’s body and affects the intestinal tract the most. Parvovirus also attacks white blood cells, and when young animals become infected, the virus can damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong heart problems.

Here are symptoms to look out for:

○ Lethargy
○ Loss of appetite
○ Severe vomiting
○ Blood contaminated diarrhea

Vaccination is very important with this illness because as of the moment there is no cure, doggies need to be admitted to a veterinary hospital for intensive care, where they are given antibiotics to control secondary infections, drugs to control vomiting, intravenous fluids to treat dehydration, and other maintenance therapy.

Being a doggy parent can sometimes overwhelm us, it’s a roller coaster of emotions. So to make sure everyone is safe, we should keep track of vaccinations and consult professional help when we notice symptoms from our doggy. Have a good one!