How to prevent parasites, parvovirus, and other common illnesses affecting dogs

Dogs have always been our most loyal and loyal companions. They are so ingrained in human life that many consider them family members.

In the past few decades, dogs have become an even bigger part of our lives. We send them to doggy daycare for socialization and entertainment and to agility and obedience training classes. We let them sleep on couches and in beds, take them to dog parks and provide them with delicious and nutritious food. Your health and happiness are just as important to us as our own. In order to provide our dogs with the best possible care, it is important that we keep an eye on their health.

Nom Nom has compiled a list of 15 common diseases affecting dogs using data from animal organizations and veterinarians including the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS ) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

We’ve covered everything from the relatively new disease to flapping canines, one disease that humans have been battling for ages and another that’s one of the most common and preventable diseases. We address many of the health concerns affecting dog owners and their loving furry friends, providing a description of the condition, a list of symptoms, and what you should do to prevent and/or cure the most common diseases affecting dogs treat.

Snuggle up with Fido as we find out the 15 most common diseases affecting man’s best friend.

dog flu

While humans have been dealing with the flu for ages, canine influenza is relatively new, meaning that canine immune systems don’t know how to respond to the disease. Canine flu is spread through respiratory secretions and contaminated objects, and symptoms include a runny nose, cough and fever. Although there is a vaccine, it is best to speak to a veterinarian as it is not recommended for all dogs and care includes rest, supplemental fluids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce fever.

External parasites

Often times, especially during the warmer months, dogs will ingest ticks, fleas, mange and Cheyletiella mites, causing scales on the trunk. These parasites are ingested from the environment and through contact with other dogs and can cause a variety of other problems including disease, worms and home and human infestations in the case of fleas and mites. There are a number of products that can safely prevent and treat these parasites.

kennel cough

This common canine disease is common in animals that retire or go to dog daycare, as well as other dogs that transmit the respiratory disease. A dog can contract kennel cough long before it shows any symptoms, including a runny nose and a hacking, unproductive cough. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment may include rest or a prescribed antibiotic, although there is a vaccine to prevent kennel cough.

diabetes

Dogs can develop either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, although type 1 is more common. The disease is caused either by a lack of insulin production or by impaired insulin production and an inadequate insulin response. Symptoms include excessive thirst, weight loss, increased urination and lethargy, and there is an increased risk in certain breeds as well as obese dogs. Many diabetic dogs require insulin injections and it is important to maintain a regular feeding schedule and coordinate feeding and medication times.

parvovirus

This highly contagious virus is caused by canine parvovirus type 2 and attacks the gastrointestinal system. It is transmitted through contact with other dogs and contaminated feces and objects such as leashes and bowls, and can survive in the soil for years. Symptoms include fever, vomiting and bloody diarrhea and treatment often fails, so vaccination against parvo is recommended for all dogs.

rabies

Once animals start showing signs of rabies caused by the rabies virus it is 100% fatal. The virus is transmitted through saliva and can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The most effective way to prevent rabies is vaccination, and many states require rabies vaccinations for all dogs.

periodontal disease

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is much more common in dogs than humans. Gum disease is difficult to recognize because it often doesn’t show any symptoms until it’s more advanced. At this point, symptoms may include loose teeth, bleeding gums, and chewing food on one side of the mouth. Dogs with gum disease are at higher risk for liver, heart, and kidney disease. Brushing your teeth twice a day, regular dental cleanings and a healthy diet remain the best prevention methods.

ear infection

Dogs often spend a lot of time outdoors, and exposure to dirt and dust can cause ear infections. One of the main signs that a dog is battling an ear infection is pawing at the ears or tilting or shaking its head. Prevention can help, and properly cleaning dogs’ ears is important. Once an infection occurs, treatment usually requires an antibiotic administered by a veterinarian.

heatstroke

The risk of dogs overheating in summer is high because dogs are covered in fur and don’t react to heat by sweating like humans do, and certain breeds known as brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs are particularly prone to heat stroke. Keeping dogs in cool areas, providing them with plenty of water, and never leaving them in cars can prevent heatstroke. If a dog shows any of the following signs, including drooling, weakness, abnormal gum color, and excessive panting, they should be moved to a cool, shaded area and treated with cold, wet towels and a visit to a local veterinarian.

obesity

Obesity isn’t just prevalent in humans, it also plagues dogs—particularly in the United States. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and a 2018 clinical survey, 36.9% of dogs are classified as overweight, while 18.9% of dogs are classified as obese. Obesity can impact overall health, including type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis, and can be managed with meal measurement, limiting treats, and providing your dog with more exercise.

Tick-borne diseases

Ticks transmit many different diseases to dogs, including Lyme disease, tularemia, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, and many others. Many tick-borne diseases are specific to certain parts of the US, and symptoms can include lameness, weakness, lethargy, and anemia. Although there is a Lyme disease vaccine, it’s important to prevent tick bites by carefully checking for ticks after dogs have ventured outside and removing them as soon as they are spotted.

Gastric and intestinal parasites

There are many intestinal parasites that are common in dogs, including tapeworm, roundworm, hookworm, and ringworm. Dogs with worms often roll on their butts, lose weight, have what looks like grains of rice in their stools, and diarrhea that can be bloody. A dog should be screened for worms by a veterinarian to determine what type of internal parasites the dog has and to provide the correct medication.

arthritis

The most common form of arthritis in dogs is osteoarthritis, affecting an estimated one quarter of the population. Signs include a decrease in activity, lameness, changes in gait, and an inability to jump. Weight management, therapeutic exercise to aid joint mobility, joint supplements, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help treat arthritis in our furry friends.

Hot spots

Acute wet dermatitis, better known as hot spots, are bald, red patches that are common in dogs. The location of the hot spot can help determine its cause. Treatment can range from topical medications to antibiotics, depending on the severity of the hot spots.

heartworm

Infected mosquitoes can infect dogs with heartworms when they bite them, and the worms enter the dog’s bloodstream. The worms then grow in the dog’s heart, causing inflammation and forcing the heart to work harder. Often there are no clinical symptoms and worms are only found during a vet screening, at which point treatment is expensive and stressful for the dog, so prevention is preferable.

This story originally appeared on Nom Nom and was produced and distributed in association with Stacker Studio.