Common Ailments for Dogs

Common Ailments for Dogs Related Information:

Like most other creatures on earth, dogs have certain illnesses which, as a breed, they are prone to. Some dogs can go their whole lives without so much as a hint of any of these diseases, yet others can end up really suffering – or even dying – because of them.

Most of these common problems, ailments and diseases are easily preventable, and could save your dog and your family a whole lot of pain and heartache. Preventative medicine is always the best solution for canine disease, and will help to ensure that your dog enjoys a long, healthy and happy life.

Some common canine diseases can be simply uncomfortable and painful; however others can be deadly, particularly in younger dogs and pups. Some of these diseases include:

Canine Distemper This deadly disease is particularly common in puppies, and symptoms include vomiting, water eyes, runny nose, loss of appetite and seizures.

Canine Parvovirus can be contracted through contact with infected faeces. It is most common in pups, although it can be contracted by adult dogs, and can result in death within 24 hours. Symptoms include vomiting, depression, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhoea, and abdominal pains.

Canine Hepatitis is passed on through infect faeces, urine or saliva, and can cause a great deal of discomfort to your dog. Symptoms include pale gums, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and high temperature.

Leptospirosis is a disease that can result in serious liver damage or death. It can be contracted through drinking, sniffing or swimming in water where rats have urinated. Symptoms include depression, high temperature, increased thirst, increased urination, jaundice and lethargy.

Canine Parainfluenza Virus is the cause of kennel cough, and symptoms include a dry cough and retching. This is a very contagious disease and can also lead to additional problems and infections if not treated.

All of the above are diseases that can be very nasty or fatal, but they are also diseases that can be prevented through vaccinations and boosters. You could save yourself a lot o time, misery and money through initiating preventative care rather then waiting for the worst to happen before taking action.

Other ailments that dogs are commonly at risk from are parasites. You will find a variety if internal and external parasites that can infest your dog. Although the majority of these simply cause irritation and discomfort, there are odd ones that can prove deadly, especially to puppies. Once again, preventative medicine is highly recommended in order to keep these infestations at bay. Regular grooming can also help you to identify any sign of parasites and you can then take immediate action before the problem gets any worse.

Types of parasite include:

· Roundworm can cause infection and intestinal problems, and can be fatal in small pups
· Heartworm can grow up to twelve inches long, and by wrapping themselves around the heart can result in death
· Hookworm are blood sucking internal parasites that can cause anaemia, scar tissue and chronic intestinal problems

· Whipworm usually affect dogs over the age of six months, and they are contracted through infect faeces
·Tapeworm can cause discomfort and irritation, although they are not life-threatening.
·Fleas are annoying external parasites, and once they have infested your dog and started laying eggs can be a nightmare to get rid of.

·Ticks are external blood sucking parasites that can pass on a wide variety of infections as well as cause irritation.

·Ear mites are found inside the ear canal can result in nasty odours and inflammation of the ear
·Mange is caused by mites and can result in hair loss and itching.

A simple course of tablets or liquid medicine taken administered each month can help to keep away these parasites. Your dog could pick up a number of other ailments from infestations, such as skin infection or irritation, inflammation or stress.