The most common dog disease and how to avoid them
Knowing about the diseases that most often affect furry companions can help to act effectively at the first symptoms, thus increasing the chances of recovery. Recognizing the aspects of each case may be useful both inside and outside the veterinary medical office. The common diseases that can affect domestic pets are many, but the risk is reduced if the animal is provided with a good diet, timely medical attention, and a pleasant environment in which to live and exercise.
Complying with the vaccination schedule, as well as a nutrient-rich diet can help your pet enjoy a much healthier and happier life. In this sense, it is worth considering complementing your food with supplements that contain, for example, the best magnesium, considering its beneficial metabolic effects.
However, several diseases of dogs can affect even healthy dogs, mainly because they are generated by infectious bites, bacteria, or other alterations. Knowing these conditions a little better is important to know what to do if, for example, your dog trembles, seems to have a fever, or is apathetic, since this way you can guarantee veterinary medical attention in a more timely manner.
Diarrhea:
Diarrhea occurs when the dog’s feces adopt a much more liquid texture than normal, in addition to being accompanied by colic, and is capable of generating tremors in dogs. The types of diarrhea in dogs are divided into acute and chronic, the latter being the most complicated and the one that most requires veterinary attention since it is possibly a bacteria or parasite that is affecting intestinal performance.
In other cases, it may be poor digestion and it is a symptom that can be treated at home, always taking care to prevent the animal from dehydrating.
Ear infections:
Otitis in dogs requires antibiotic treatment since it is an ear infection that generally affects breeds with long or floppy ears. It can be quite uncomfortable and painful for the animal and even require surgery in complicated cases. It is not a contagious disease, so there is no vaccine, but it can be prevented if you always keep your pet’s ears clean and dry them well after each bath.
Fever is the most common dog disease and how to avoid them
Fever in dogs, just like in humans, is a normal physiological response of the body to infection or inflammation. When the dog’s body detects the presence of a foreign substance, such as bacteria or a virus, the dog’s immune system begins to produce proteins called pyrogens. The pyrogens are released into the bloodstream and carry a signal to the brain to increase body temperature.
When pyrogens activate the temperature-regulating center in the brain, the dog’s body temperature rises. Fever helps the dog’s body fight infection or disease by activating the immune response, as some infectious agents cannot survive high temperatures or are slower to grow and reproduce.
In addition, fever also stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are cells responsible for fighting infections. People are used to having a fever on more than one occasion in their lives and most of the time we know that it is not important and that rest and an antipyretic (fever-lowering drug) is usually enough.
In the dog, it is also usually like this, but be careful, because it can also be a symptom of a more serious disease. I must make it clear that a fever itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying disease or infection. Therefore, it is very important to treat the underlying cause of the fever and not just the fever itself.
How is fever in dogs treated?
Treatment of fever in dogs depends on the underlying cause of the fever. Therefore, at home, you can only act if it is a mild case. If, for example, your dog has a fever due to an infection, he may need antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection.
If your dog has a fever due to an inflammatory disease, he may need anti-inflammatory medication. These treatments will have to be prescribed by a veterinarian after a veterinary consultation and diagnosis. I never recommend using human treatments for dogs due to possible unwanted side effects, or at least, I do not recommend that you use them without consulting your veterinarian by phone.
From what temperature does your dog have a fever?
The normal temperature of a dog ranges between 37.5 ºC and 39 ºC. In the clinic it is easier for it to exceed 39ºC due to nervousness and for it to be normal. Your dog is considered to have a fever when he is over 39ºC.
Symptoms of fever in dogs
Although the best way to know if your dog has a fever is by taking its temperature, some symptoms can make you suspect that your dog has a fever, and although they are not as accurate as taking the temperature, they are enough to contact your vet.
The first thing you will notice is that your dog is not the same as always. He will be calmer and stiller than normal, he won’t want to go out so much and maybe when you touch him, you’ll notice him hotter. Also, if it is more serious or it has been like this for a few days, you may see more striking symptoms such as:
Dermatitis is the most common dog disease
Types of dermatitis and how to treat them:
So far, when we have talked about dermatitis in dogs, we have referred to its general effects on the skin, but there are several types of dermatitis. It is essential to know a little about each one since they manifest in different ways, let’s get to know some types of dermatitis in dogs:
Atopic dermatitis:
Atopic dermatitis is a common allergy that comes from environmental allergens such as pollen, grass, or mold. It usually affects dogs between 1 and 4 years old and the most affected areas are the face and legs, the extremities, and the inside of the thighs. Also, although less frequently, the ears.
How can it be treated? From Canine Health we recommend washing the area with specific shampoos that reduce itching and infection. In addition to taking the medication (established by the vet) to avoid secondary infections.
Flea Bite Allergy Dermatitis:
This disease occurs in dogs that are sensitive to substances released by flea saliva. When these insects bite them (even just one), the infection begins causing red pimples on the hindquarters, tail, and inner thighs. Flea bites tend to be excessively itchy, causing your dog to scratch and start damaging the area.
The treatment would be to try to control the appearance of fleas in the area, through anti-flea products (you can ask your vet which one he recommends for your circumstances).
Food Allergy Dermatitis:
The most common is to see food allergies translated into digestive disorders but it can also be manifested in dermatitis. The skin begins to redden and welts appear on the ears, legs, and lower body. This disease is usually contracted by eating meat, eggs, fish, or additives in poor condition. To treat this problem, a hypoallergenic diet (foods that produce little or no allergic reaction) is imposed for several weeks.
Acute Moist Dermatitis:
They are lesions that appear suddenly on the dog’s skin and cause a bad smell and pus. In addition, they can become very painful regardless of their size. Dead hair is one of the factors most involved in the appearance of acute dermatitis, as is the presence of parasites and allergies.
If the dog began to lick itself, the infection of the wounds would increase much more. If your dog suffers from this type of dermatitis, we recommend that you go to a veterinarian to analyze the area and give you a solution as soon as possible.
Seborrheic dermatitis:
Seborrheic dermatitis occurs when the sebaceous glands (located near the holes in the skin’s surface where hair grows) produce an increased amount of sebum. Most of the time it is formed as a consequence of other problems such as the appearance of fungi, allergies, parasites, endocrine disorders, and poor-quality food.
The treatment must be supervised by a veterinarian who will surely send anti-seborrheic soaps and vitamins along with a good diet, avoiding allergic foods (beef, chicken, dairy, egg, or wheat proteins).
Pancreatitis is the most common dog disease and how to avoid them
Pancreatitis in Dogs: Diagnosis, Causes, and Treatment:
First of all, we must understand what the pancreas is and what it is for and thus know its importance and why we must take good care of our pet to keep all its organs healthy and avoid diseases like this that can be fatal for the animal.
The pancreas is a gland that is next to the duodenum and releases a series of very important enzymes for the life of your dog. We must know that the pancreas fulfills two very important functions:
*Produce fundamental enzymes for the correct digestion of the food that the animal eats.
*Insulin Production – Allows cells in the body, especially muscle and fat cells, to take up and use glucose (sugar) in the blood as a source of energy. A malfunction of this organ can produce the well-known canine diabetes in our dog.
What are pancreatitis dogs?
Pancreatitis in dogs is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas that can be acute or chronic. The pancreas is an organ located near the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin. When pancreatitis occurs, the pancreas becomes inflamed, and digestive enzymes are activated within the organ, which can lead to tissue damage and the release of toxins into the animal’s body.
This inflammation can affect the ability of the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes and hormones, which can lead to digestive and metabolic problems.
In addition, we have to know that there are two types of pancreatitis :
*Acute Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis in dogs is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that can be severe and life-threatening. Acute pancreatitis in dogs can be caused by factors such as feeding fatty foods, infection, trauma, or autoimmune disease.
*Chronic Pancreatitis: Chronic pancreatitis in dogs is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas that can be caused by factors such as eating fatty foods, obesity, long-term use of certain medications, or autoimmune diseases. Chronic pancreatitis can cause permanent damage to the pancreas and can increase the risk of serious complications, such as diabetes.
Causes of pancreatitis in dogs
We do not know for sure the exact cause of pancreatitis in dogs. What is known are the factors that predispose a dog to suffer from pancreatitis:
- *Diet: Excessive consumption of high-fat foods can cause pancreatitis in dogs, especially if the animal is not used to that type of diet. Table scraps, junk food, and human food can be particularly dangerous.
- *Obesity: Obese dogs are at a higher risk of developing pancreatitis, especially if they have a sedentary lifestyle and an inadequate diet.
- *Trauma: Trauma to the abdominal region, such as blows or injuries, can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
- *Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can also cause pancreatitis in dogs.
- *Autoimmune diseases: Some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and inflammatory bowel disease, can increase the risk of pancreatitis.
- *Genetics: Some dog breeds, such as the Miniature Schnauzer and Cocker Spaniel, have a genetic predisposition to developing pancreatitis.
- *Medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can also increase the risk of pancreatitis in dogs.
Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs
The symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs can vary depending on the state of the disease and how it is developing, as well as the cause that caused it, but in general, the symptoms that usually appear are the following:
- *Abdominal pain: The dog may show signs of abdominal pain, which may manifest as a hunched posture, refusal to touch the abdomen area, or whimpering or crying when touched in that area.
- *Vomiting: Dogs with pancreatitis may vomit repeatedly, and the vomit may contain bile or foam.
- *Diarrhea: Diarrhea is another common symptom of pancreatitis in dogs, and it can be watery, greasy, and have a strong odor.
- *Lack of Appetite: Dogs with pancreatitis may show a decreased appetite or complete refusal to eat.
- *Lethargy: Pancreatitis can cause the dog to feel weak and tired, which can manifest as lethargy or a lack of energy.
- *Fever: Some dogs with pancreatitis may have a fever.
- *Dehydration: Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration in dogs with pancreatitis.
- *Respiratory problems: In severe cases, pancreatitis can lead to difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
It is important to emphasize that when pancreatitis appears in dogs, other very serious diseases can also occur in other organs, which due to proximity tend to be the most affected. The most common are acute peritonitis and ascites.
Diagnosis of pancreatitis
As our pet’s life companions, we cannot diagnose the disease as such, since certain clinical tests carried out by professionals are needed.
What we can do is observe certain behaviors that can indicate symptoms of this disease, and as soon as they are detected, go to our trusted veterinarian to carry out the tests and obtain the appropriate diagnosis.
Tips to detect the symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs through observation and daily contact :
- The dog vomits more than normal.
- You notice that he has less appetite.
- Your dog has had diarrhea for longer than normal.
- Your pet whines when you touch its belly.
- Sits or lies differently where the belly does not touch the ground.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to your dog’s recovery and preventing serious complications, so if you suspect your dog may have pancreatitis, it’s important to get him to a vet as soon as possible.
Once these symptoms are observed and already in the veterinary clinic, the diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs is made through a physical examination and complementary tests. Some of the tests that may be done include:
- *Blood tests: Blood tests may be done to measure levels of pancreatic enzymes, such as lipase and amylase. If these levels are elevated, it may indicate pancreatitis.
- *Urinalysis: Urinalysis can reveal signs of inflammation and other problems related to pancreatitis.
- *X-ray: X-rays can show inflammation of the pancreas and other signs of pancreatitis.
- *Abdominal ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound can help identify inflammation of the pancreas and other abnormalities.
- *Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy of the pancreas may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatitis.
Treatment of pancreatitis in dogs
Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment to cure pancreatitis in dogs, but don’t worry, there is a process that through different steps we can alleviate the symptoms and we can make our pet improve.
We present the steps that we must follow to alleviate the symptoms, prevent complications, and promote the recovery of the dog:
- *Avoid going into shock: It is very important to give the dog serum, rehydrate it, and put electrolytes back to optimal levels.
- *Prevent secondary infections from appearing, through antibiotic therapy.
- *Putting the dog on a diet: Start with an initial total fast to allow the pancreas to recover. We must radically change the dog’s diet and start with a strict and low-fat regimen.
- *Medications: They are usually to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation of the pancreas and will always be prescribed by a professional veterinarian.
*Treatment of Complications: In some cases, pancreatitis in dogs can lead to serious complications, including kidney failure, infections, and respiratory problems. These complications require additional treatment and may affect the dog’s prognosis.
Tips for the prevention of pancreatitis
Pancreatitis can affect any dog of any age, it is a very serious disease and that is why we must prevent its appearance.
Follow these tips that we leave you below to prevent the appearance of pancreatitis in dogs:
*Try not to let your dog eat leftover human food. It is high in fat.
*Control your dog’s weight through monitoring to prevent it from becoming overweight. You can find out about their ideal weight by visiting the vet.
*Avoid unnecessary medications: Some medications can increase the risk of pancreatitis in dogs. It is important to speak with a vet before administering any medication to the dog.
*Physical exercise: That will allow the burning of fat to avoid accumulation and overweight.
*Manage underlying diseases: Some diseases, such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia, can increase the risk of pancreatitis in dogs. Controlling these underlying diseases can reduce the risk of pancreatitis.
If you think that your dog is suffering from any of the symptoms described in this post, in My New Best Friend,
we recommend that you go to a veterinarian to have the pertinent medical check-ups done as soon as possible, there is no time to lose.
Gastritis is the most common dog disease and how to avoid them
Gas in dogs: Causes and treatment:
Dogs, just like humans, also have gas. This flatulence indicates that there is an intestinal imbalance and can become a very serious problem. These gases in dogs (which will be expelled through the mouth and anus) can be accompanied by a bad smell and abdominal discomfort and, in more serious cases, can cause stomach twisting.
This usually occurs in large breeds, and if not treated in time, it can cause death. It is a distension of the stomach in which it can twist on itself, causing blockage and stopping the blood supply. Symptoms are disorientation, retching, salivation, restlessness, and a swollen stomach that sounds like a drum when played.
Causes of gases in dogs
The causes of these gases can be for various reasons. One of them is:
Feeding:
Dog food must be of good quality. It is advisable to look at the composition of your dog’s feed and know what diet he is taking since certain foods can affect a sensitive intestinal system. A high-end feed has better digestibility. We must test different feeds until we find one that suits our dog.
On the other hand, some dogs suffer from stress or anxiety and eat very quickly. In doing so, they also swallow amounts of air along with the food, which can make the dog gassy.
It doesn’t have to be anxiety though. If there is a situation where more than one dog lives in the same house, one of them may devour their food for fear that another dog will eat it.
Diet changes can also lead to unpleasant gas
Some foods cause heavy and slow digestion, which causes them to remain longer than normal in the intestine, which causes gases in the dog. These foods are legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas…), cauliflower, soybeans, asparagus, spinach, rice or whole wheat bread, and carbohydrates (pasta), among others. As well as high-fat diets or spoiled foods. The dog receiving a treat for his behavior
Intestinal parasites
When a dog has worms, it can create gas. The symptoms of this problem can be seen. If we see worms in the dog’s feces, or we see that it drags its bottom along the ground, the easiest thing to do is to think that it has parasites. For this reason, we must deworm our dog every two or three months, to prevent this from happening.
Sedentary lifestyle
A dog that does not exercise or is obese is also prone to developing gas. Therefore, it is good to go out with the dog for a walk and do activities with him.
Diseases: Dogs that have respiratory or liver problems are also prone to developing gas. Some of these diseases are dysbiosis (leaky gut), pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease (which can only be seen with a specific veterinary test). Apart from other heart diseases or inflammation of the lung tissue.
Gas symptoms in dogs
The symptoms of a dog with this problem will be the gases expelled through the mouth and anus. In addition, the dog will feel apathetic, due to the discomfort in its abdomen, which it will bring closer to the ground to feel cold and seek relief.
You may have a hard abdomen and suffer from colic, which will be quite annoying. You may have vomiting and diarrhea, and you may experience weight loss. Another symptom that is usually seen in dogs with this condition is a posture that they usually use, in which they rest their front legs on the ground, and the rear ones are raised. This posture is called ” Mohammedan ” and is often used in these situations of discomfort.
Solutions for gases in dogs
If the cause of the dog’s gas is eating with anxiety, because the dog is nervous, or because it is afraid that its food will be stolen, it is best to feed it in a place where it can be alone and calm. You can put the food on a flat surface, instead of in the feeder, or put it in a higher place so that it costs more to eat and you have to work it. That will lower his anxiety. There are feeders with small mounds, which will make it more difficult for the dog to eat, making it perform this action more slowly.
For brachycephalic dogs, there are special croquettes for them in size and shape, which will force them to chew for a longer time, thus preventing them from swallowing air, or less. Natural dog food ( BARF diet ) greatly reduces excess gas. That they have daily exercise is highly recommended, since moving, will prevent gases from accumulating in the stomach.
Give the dog good quality food. Try different feeds to see which one can do better for our friend. Deworming our partner every two or three months is a very good way to prevent it.
A dog with stomach ailments tends to eat grass to cause vomiting, but cannot overeat, as it could cause the opposite, to continue with pain and even more flatulence. Some natural remedies can improve flatulence. They are some herbs such as mint, celery fennel seeds, or anise.
Another product is activated charcoal, which will eliminate gas from the intestines, but excessive consumption can turn against us since it is a mineral that depletes vitamins and minerals and will cause nutritional deficiencies. They can also be given acidophilus, which is a probiotic that will help the beneficial bacteria for digestion too. It can be found in tablets, or added natural yogurt.
Prevent gases in dogs:
It is recommended that the dog’s meals be more frequent and less abundant. That the dog has a place to eat where he can be calm. A good method of prevention is deworming the animal from time to time. And good quality food.
Parvovirus for dog
It is usually a disease to pay attention to in puppies, since, if not treated in time, it can be fatal. It is spread through virus-contaminated feces and can be highly contagious. It is among the causes of fever symptoms in dogs and must be attended by a veterinarian.
This disease has a vaccine to prevent it and must be administered in 2 doses: the first 45 days after the puppy is born and the 2nd when it is 9 weeks old. This second dose also contains elements for protection against other viral diseases.
Heart disease for dog
If the dog’s diet is not properly balanced, it very often leads to heart disease. A determining factor is the salt (sodium) in the diet. You have to be very careful with this ingredient since a high intake of salt increases the levels of sodium circulating in the blood, which causes fluid retention and higher blood pressure. The bad thing about having high blood pressure is that it can affect the heart, which is forced to grow to meet the needs of the circulatory system.
Bladder stones for dog
Treatment involves recognizing the type of stone that has formed and using a special type of food to dissolve it. However, bladder stones are also common in dogs with inadequate and insufficient nutrition. They can be created from different types of ore and other substances.
They usually stay small, but they can grow in both number and size, and that’s when they cause problems like urinary accidents, discolored urine, or bleeding in the urine. Even if your dog isn’t prone to bladder stone formation, it’s still a good idea to maintain a diet low in calcium and phosphorus (but not eliminate it).
Diarrhea problems in dogs
Diarrhea in dogs is very common, but care must be taken, since they may be hiding intestinal diseases in the dog. How does diarrhea occur in dogs? Diarrhea in dogs can be caused by a sudden change in diet, by eating too many fats or products prepared by humans (cooked), eating expired food found in the garbage, eating things from the street and a long, etc.
Therefore, it is always advisable to be very aware of everything you eat and feed it a natural and balanced diet. Diarrhea can appear due to a poor diet, but it must also be taken into account that it may be due to a disease such as canine gastroenteritis, so it will be necessary to take the dog to the vet to start treatment. It is also very important to keep an eye on the dog since due to diarrhea your dog can become dehydrated and have dire consequences for the animal.
Rage for dog
Among the incurable diseases is rabies, which is spread through a simple bite from another animal that is infected and can cause fever, irritability, aggression, and vomiting, among other symptoms that alter the behavior of the sick dog. To take care of your dog against this disease, you should apply the first dose for the first 6 months and then once a year for the rest of his life, since it is advisable to reinforce the vaccine annually.
Leptospirosis for dog
This disease is caused by the spirochete virus, which is present in the urine passed by infected dogs. It spreads mainly through contact with contaminated urine, although it can also enter the animal’s body through a superficial wound. Its treatment focuses on the application of antibiotics such as penicillin and streptomycin to combat the infection. For the most part, it does not have a high mortality rate and the clinical pictures have mild symptoms; but, in the same way, it requires veterinary medical attention.
Canine hepatitis
Type I adenovirus is the cause of canine hepatitis, being highly contagious and capable of spreading through various body secretions of the animal, such as urine, feces, or saliva. It can become very complicated and alter the functioning of other organs. It has a preventive vaccine that must be applied between the first 7 and 9 weeks of life, to then receive a booster between the following 11 to 13 weeks. This will give the puppy lifelong immunity, protecting it against the disease.
Demodectic mange
It is one of the most common skin diseases in newborn dogs since it is transmitted through an infected mite that passes from the mother to the puppy. It does not usually pose a high risk, but it should still be checked by a veterinarian, to prevent any further uncontrollability.
Distemper:
The viral disease distemper can be compared to measles in humans. It is highly contagious and spreads through inhalation of viral particles found in the environment or by sharing bowls of food and water. The vaccine for this viral disease is applied in several doses from the puppy’s 6 weeks of life. It is usually included in polyvalent vaccines that are boosted at 2, 3, 4, and 12 months of age, to obtain immunity.
*Leishmaniasis: This disease is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito called Phlebotomus. It is classified as serious and even fatal if it is not treated in time and has no cure. It is prevented by timely vaccination and is applied in 3 doses. In addition, it is advisable to prevent the animal from sleeping outdoors during the hot season, since that is when mosquitoes reproduce.
Mastitis:
Mastitis in dogs is inflammation of the mammary glands. It occurs mainly in female dogs and is part of the non-contagious diseases of canines since it does not spread from one animal to another. It may be due to the accumulation of milk during pregnancy or due to infections caused by bacteria. Both cases need veterinary attention and given their nature, cannot be prevented.
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