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Dog Diseases
List of Common Dog Diseases & Treatments for your Dog Breed
Dog diseases are a fact of life. There are four main categories of dog diseases we will cover here, these are:
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What Causes these Dog Diseases ?
The exact cause of many of these dog diseases are often difficult to determine. Indeed, some diseases do not appear to have any discernible cause. Similarly, it is difficult for dog owners to recognize when their pet is showing symptoms of a disease.
Genetic Dog Diseases
There are more than 300 dog diseases caused by the dog's own inherited genetic makeup. Such inherited dog disease include:
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The overall impact of many genetic dog diseases can be mitigated through careful breeding practices and in many cases minor surgeries, or inexpensive vet treatments.
Some dog diseases are specific to dog breeds. For example Poodles are susceptible to sebaceous adenitis, which is a skin disease that results in hair loss and greasy coat. Similarly, Dalmatians are susceptible to bladder stones, but careful breeding practices and low-protein diet can minimize the occurrence of this disease.
Parasitic Dog Diseases
Parasites can manifest internally in the form of worms or Protozoa, and externally in the form of fleas and ticks. Fleas are the hosts for tapeworms. Mosquitoes also pose a threat to dogs as they carry heart worm larvae that are injected into the dog upon being bitten. Ticks can carry protocoa disease, which are microscopic parasites that live in water, soil and the feces of infected pets. They invade the dogs digestive system and blood streams. Other Protozoa diseases include: Coccidiosis. Giardia, Leishmaniasis and Babesiosis. If left untreated, severe protozoa infections can be fatal.
Viruses and Bacterial Dog Diseases
The majority of infectious dog diseases are caused by viruses and bacteria. Viruses are microscopic diseases agents, meaning that they only exist to multiply in their host, however as agents, they do not eat, breathe or excrete.
The most common bacteria causing dog disease include:
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Vaccines are available to protect against Lyme disease and Leptospirosis.
Dog disease causing viruses include:
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Dogs can be protected from viruses with vaccines. Vaccinations against Rabies is important as this virus can be passed onto humans
What Cures and Treatments are available for Dog Diseases ?
Many diseases can be treated by administering vaccines. Over the years, many new vaccines and diagnostic tests and treatments have successfully contributed to the prevention and recovery of many dog diseases. However, although canine longevity may have improved with the extra medical research, so too has the number of dog diseases for which there are no known causes or cures / treatments.
What can be done to manage dog diseases is that breeders must work hard to increase the likelihood of healthy puppies. While pet owner should educate themselves and adhere to breeders suggestions regarding feeding and exercising puppies and adult dogs. Immunization also plays an important part in responsible dog ownership, thus minimizing the risk of exposure to parasitic and infectious dog diseases.
Please note the information above is presented for informative purposes only, and should NOT be used to "replace" normal veterinary care.
Related: dog health care, dog health questions
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