Dog Illnesses

Being the owner of a lovely dog is a lot of fun, however, it also entails various responsibilities. As a pet owner, you are responsible for his/her overall well-being: both physical as well as emotional health. But how do you know if your dog is ill? Here's a comprehensive guide with information about the different kinds of diseases that infect dogs, their causes, symptoms, treatment, etc

Is your Dog Healthy
As a dog owner, it's your responsibility to ensure your dog is happy and healthy. Daily grooming, love, and attention, regular visits to the vet, etc., can help keep health problems at bay. You may be doing the needful, however, it's also important to be aware of certain signs that indicate your pet's been taken ill. The different signs that may indicate your dog's not well are as follows

 Listless and depressed
 Loss of appetite
 Excessive thirst
 Diarrhea and vomiting
 Scratching the head/body
 Develops open sores on the body
 Prominent lumps on the body
 Foul breath
Stiff movements
 Yellowish tartar deposits on the teeth
Excessive discharge from the eyes or nose
 Difficulty in breathing
 Increased aggressiveness

If you think your pet is displaying any of these signs, you probably need to contact your veterinarian

Parasites that Cause Diseases in Dogs
Internal and external parasites are often found to be the culprits behind various dog illnesses. Fleas, mites, lice, and ticks are common external parasites infesting dogs. These external parasites not only damage the coat, but also lead to all sorts of diseases, and may even prove fatal in some cases. Regular brushing and grooming can help keep external parasites at bay. If your dog's infested, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Various sprays, shampoos, and medicinal washes are available in the market to combat external parasites. You will also need to spray your immediate surroundings to kill parasite's eggs and prevent them from breeding

Internal Parasites like tapeworms, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can also infect your dogs. These parasites can cause anemia, internal bleeding, and even death. This is why is it important to maintain a regular deworming routine

Skin Diseases in Dogs
Skin diseases in dogs are frequently caused by the presence of external parasites. Mange, which is caused by mites, commonly comes in two forms – Demodectic Mange and Sarcoptic Mange. Both forms of mange are extremely unpleasant and serious, with the latter being transferrable to humans as well. If your dog has mange, he/she should be isolated from other dogs, as well as kept away from children. Treatment is usually in the form of injections, oral medication, ointments, and medicinal baths

Rabies
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of the infected animal or by receiving a bite from an animal with rabies. It is perhaps the most-feared canine disease, since there is no cure available. Prevention is the only way to stop this disease, so make sure your pet is given the rabies shot. Moreover, keep your pet away from stray dogs

Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, and Parainfluenza
These diseases, although not fatal, are quite deleterious. Again, vaccination is the key. Get your pet vaccinated and keep them away from stray dogs

With proper care and precautions, you can protect your dog from various illnesses and diseases