Recognition and Treatment of Common Dog Diseases
Recognition and Treatment of Common Dog Diseases
Let's face it, not all of us take our dog to the veterinarian as often as we should, especially in these economically stressed times. Knowing what signs to look for in your pet can help you assess your pet's health, and determine if he has an ailment that needs professional treatment, or if it is one that will go away on its own.
Distemper is perhaps one of the most dangerous, and widespread diseases known in the dog world. It is a virus that can only be prevented by getting your dog vaccinated. Some of the signs to look for that may signify that your dog has distemper are fever, coughing, copious diarrhea and nasal discharge. Distemper is spread from an infected dog coming into contact with a healthy one.
Parvovirus, or Parvo, is another deadly disease. Parvo goes after the dog's intestines, and can lead to infection. Some of the signs of gastrointestinal infections are bad smelling diarrhea and vomiting, especially if there is blood in them. You can tell if there is blood in vomit or feces as it looks a lot like black coffee grounds. Parvo can also affect the cardiac system and your dog may suffer from difficulty breathing. At the first thought that your dog may have Parvo, take him to the veterinarian immediately so treatment can be started without delay. As this is a fast evolving virus, the onset of symptoms can be as soon as a few hours after exposure, and if not caught within the first day or two, is usually fatal.
Kennel cough is a frequently encountered respiratory disease seen in dogs. Basically, it is a strain of bronchitis that can be caused by numerous infections that your pet may be exposed to in poorly ventilated, warm areas such as kennels or boarding houses. Vaccinations are available from your vet for helping to protect your dog from this disease. If you think your dog may be suffering from kennel cough, get him to the veterinarian as soon as possible to begin an antibiotic regimen. The vet may also prescribe your pet cough medicine to help suppress the constant coughing associated with this disease, so he can rest and recover more quickly.
The next set of symptoms are such that require your immediate attention and a trip to the vet:
*vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, specifically if it contains blood
*urination problems-blood in urine, loss of appetite
*eye problems-scratching or rubbing eyes, blinking a lot compared to normal
*foul smelling discharge/pus-excessively licking wounds, especially ones that seem not to heal quickly, red or swollen skin
*Physical trauma-having problems moving around, having difficulty urinating or defecating, excessive coughing/wheezing
Even though it may sound difficult, most of your dog's ailments may be prevented with proper care. This means taking your dog to the vet to get vaccines and medications he may need from the time he is a puppy until he is elderly. The young and old are the most susceptible to disease and parasites, so regular health care is very important to dogs in these groups. In puppies in particular, even the most mundane of ailments can be fatal.
Hopefully, you will feel a little better about caring for your dog with the knowledge you've been given here. Knowledge and observation is the key to keeping your pet healthy, especially if you are not able to take him to the vet regularly.
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