Advice for Common Dog Illnesses

Vaccines have now minimized the damage caused by the most common and serious dog diseases. However, even with the advance in veterinary science, dogs without the proper immunization are still at risk. Puppies should be vaccinated as early as 4 to 6 weeks depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation. Similar to humans, puppies receive disease fighting antibodies from their mother’s milk lasting for a period of 6 to 18 weeks. However, after this period; vaccines may be required. Due to the toxic environment, yearly boosters should be administered throughout your dog’s life, especially during old age when they become more susceptible to various diseases.

Common dog illnesses

• Some dog illnesses are pretty  straightforward and similar to human conditions, such as arthritis, obesity, dental disease, food allergy and gastroenteritis. However, there are many more serious diseases that highlight the importance of vaccination and proper preventative care.

• Canine distemper, for example, is caused by a highly contagious airborne virus that attacks the dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Its symptoms include runny eyes and nose, diarrhoea, coughs and fever, later resulting in possible paralysis and seizures.

• Canine hepatitis is a viral disease transmitted by the urine, faeces or saliva of infected animals and   attacks the kidney, liver and blood vessels. Its symptoms include haemorrhaging and fever.

• Kennel Cough is caused by several viruses and bacteria and is highly contagious, it affects the respiratory system resulting in a chronic dry cough that might even lead to pneumonia in younger pups or vulnerable older dogs.

• Parvo is a deadly contagious viral disease spread from contact with infected faeces and attacks the gastrointestinal system causing fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration.

• The final common dog illnesses is, of course, Rabies; a viral infection that can be transmitted through bite from an infected animal attacking the central nervous system causing a fatal brain infection.

Be aware

• Proper preventive care is the most effective way to prevent common dog illnesses, also important  is adequate nutrition and awareness. Your dog can’t talk to you about his pain, so one must be very observant in noticing behavioral changes or the first onset of symptoms. Feeding your dog fresh, nutritious food serves to keep him in optimum shape by boosting his immune system and avoiding common dog illnesses, thereby reduce frequent visits to the veterinarian.