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Dog Health Problems

List of Common Dog Health Problems and Treatments for your Dog Breed

Most diseases & health problems that affect dogs or humans are not transferable between the two species. However, there are some exceptions listed below:

Rabies, or Hydrophobia, is a usually fatal disease which can be transmitted to dogs or humans by the bite of an infected mammal. Animals with rabies suffer deterioration of the brain and tend to behave bizarrely and often aggressively. This irratic behaviour often results in further biting and hence passing on the disease. Land areas that are not rabies-free usually require that dogs (and often cats) be vaccinated against rabies. A person or dog bitten by an unknown dog (or other animal) should always be treated without waiting for symptoms, given the potentially fatal consequences of a rabid biter. The biter should be apprehended if possible, as only autopsy of the brain can determine if it was rabid. Vaccination eliminates the need for their dog to be euthanized as a consequence of biting someone.

Parasites - such as hookworms, tapeworms and roundworms (all of which are intestinal worms), can be transmitted in a dog's feces. Some tapeworms have fleas as intermediate hosts. The worm egg must be consumed by a flea and then hatches in the stomach of the dog, once ingested while grooming. In some cases, humans can ingest the flea and become infected much like a dog. The worm's eggs then pass through the dogs intestines and so the cycle continues.

Fleas and ticks of various species can be acquired and brought home by a dog. Fleas and ticks can also attach humans. These parasites cant be taken lightly now given that tick-borne Lyme Disease has become prevalent throughout a large area of the US. Further, there are also other similar diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. Humans and dogs become infected through contact with water, food, or soil containing urine from infected animals. This may happen by swallowing contaminated food or water or through skin contact, especially with mucosal surfaces, such as the eyes or nose, or with broken skin.

Genetic ailments are a problem in some dogs, particularly purebreds due to small gene pool. Some of those ailments include:
Hip dysplasia primarily affects larger breeds.
Luxating patellas can be a problem for smaller breeds.
Blindness or deafness seem to be carried by some breeds.

Sometimes dog health problems result from unexpected situations that cannot be prevented with standard measures such as a healthy diet or vaccination. Rather, there are conditions that will have your dog become ill - e.g. if your dog eats cyanide poison in the bush intended for rodents, or he enters shock after an injury - what do you do? To prepare for such dog health problems, consider these tips:

First Aid - In times of emergency dog health problems as detailed below, knowledge and quick action can make all the difference. Consider taking a first aid course and purchasing a special dog first aid kit.

Heatstroke - Dogs are more susceptible to heat exposure that humans. In a hot climate, ensure there is sufficient shade and water is available. Heatstroke kills family pets every year because they are left in cars on warm days. The main signs of heatstroke are: (1) rapid or heavy breathing, (2) bright red tongue, (3) vomiting (4) bloody diarrhea, (5) unsteadiness (6) hot, dry nose (7) thick saliva.

What you should do:

Remove your pet to a shaded or cool area.
Sponge or hose your pet down with cool water
Encourage your pet to drink small amounts of water.
Contact your veterinarian for further instructions.

Household Chemical Poisoning - dog health problems resulting from common household chemicals, paints, acids and detergents are common. The list of common contaminants is large and common sense is the best measure to prevent such a catastrophe.

Keep poisonous materials properly stored and out of reach of pets.
Keep dogs from wondering in areas where pest control aerial drops of poison have occurred.
Keep emergency numbers handy by the phone.
But should your dog get poisoned, here are some tips:

Try to establish what poisonous ingredient the dog has been exposed to.
Call your vet for notification of the incident and provide as much information that you may have.
Once isolating the poisonous ingredient, be sure to take evidence of it, such as the label of container, to the vet

Shock -shock may result from dog health problems such as massive injury or disease, causing inadequate blood circulation. Signs of shock include: (1) weakness and fatigue, (2) shallow breathing, (3) a weak pulse and (4) grey gums.

Here's what you should do:

Ring your vet to inform of the situation and your arrival time.
Keep your dog warm by wrapping him in a wool blanket.
Do not give your dog any food or water.
Ensure your dog's airway is clear at all times.
 

Please note the information above is presented for informative purposes only, and should NOT be used to "replace" normal veterinary care.

 

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