Mixing dogs with different or unknown health histories in places like dog parks, puppy daycare, boarding, competitions, or training sessions can cause health issues for both dogs and their owners.
The very reason you bring your dog to a dog event, so that they may socialize with other dogs, is also what could endanger them. Direct contact with dogs, sharing bowls and other items, polluted water, feces, insects, and other techniques can all result in the transmission of diseases.
People who go to these places and contact dogs run the risk of contracting zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses that may be transmitted from animals to humans. Additionally, dog bites are a possibility at any gathering where people and dogs are present.
As usual, your veterinarian is the best resource for animal health information. Consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis and course of action if your dog is displaying symptoms of sickness. Consult a doctor if you believe you have become ill or exposed to any of the following conditions.
Heartworms
Mosquitoes transmit heartworms, which can lead to heart disease, mortality, coughing, sluggishness, breathing problems, and other symptoms. Thankfully, there are numerous products that have been approved to prevent heartworm infection. Talk to your veterinarian for advice on the best product for your dog.
Heartworm is a condition that may be prevented. Your veterinarian can prescribe chewable tablets, pills, and other topical medications to prevent heartworm. Medicines like Heartgard Plus Chewables are very effective in preventing heartworms from infecting your dog.
The vet typically does a heartworm screening during checkups to make sure your dog is heartworm-free. Given that it is a lethal illness, it is crucial to be aware of the signs. Breathing problems, coughing, vomiting, exhaustion after a little exercise, and weight loss are a few heartworm signs. Make sure to give your dog his/her heartworm treatment every month as directed by your doctor because some dogs don’t exhibit any symptoms.
Dog Distemper
The virus that causes canine distemper is extremely contagious. Virus particles in the air or in the respiratory secretions of infected dogs are typically how puppies and dogs get sick. Runny eyes, fever, runny nose, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and paralysis are typical symptoms of infected dogs. Often, it ends in death.
Fortunately, an efficient vaccine can protect your dog against this terrible disease. Every dog should have the canine distemper vaccine, which is regarded as a “core” vaccination.
The Canine Flu Or Dog Flu
The canine influenza virus is what causes canine influenza. It is a relatively recent illness in canines. Since the majority of dogs have not been exposed to the virus, their immune systems are not fully ready to combat it, and many of them will contract the infection if they are. About 20–25% of infected dogs may be subclinically ill and exhibit no symptoms, yet they will still be contagious and spread the virus.
The virus can endure on surfaces for up to 48 hours, on clothing for up to 24 hours, and on human hands for up to 12 hours. Since dogs can shed the virus long before they exhibit symptoms of illness, even a dog that appears to be healthy might still infect other dogs. Canine influenza in dogs causes the same symptoms as kennel cough, including coughing, fever, and runny or stuffy nose.
Canine influenza is preventable. However, at the moment, not all dogs should have it. Talk to your veterinarian if the canine influenza vaccine is suggested for your dog.
Dog Parvovirus (“Parvo”)
Canine parvovirus type 2 is the culprit behind parvo. The virus targets the digestive tract, causing fever, vomiting, and frequently bloody diarrhea. It is also very contagious. Direct contact between canines and contaminated surfaces, bowls, collars, leashes, tools, human hands, and clothing all contribute to its transmission.
A potentially lethal condition is parvo. Veterinarian-treated dogs have a 68–92% chance of survival, and most puppies who make it through the first three to four days make a full recovery.
The virus is challenging to eradicate since it can also endure for years in the soil. Despite receiving intensive care, many dogs still succumb to parvo despite the high cost of therapy. Fortunately, there is a parvo vaccine. Every dog should have it because it is regarded as a “core” vaccination.
Outside Parasites (Ticks, Fleas, And Manage)
Ticks, fleas, and mange are examples of external parasites that can cause difficulties for dogs. Risks associated with dog gatherings include ticks from the environment, fleas from other dogs and the environment, and mange from other dogs.
Diseases can be spread by ticks. If fleas take a ride home on your dog, they may infest your home and yard and spread various diseases and sorts of tapeworms. Dogs can effectively be protected from and treated for external parasites using a variety of approved products.
Talk to your veterinarian for advice on the best product for your dog. Dogs with “walking dandruff” get it due to Cheyletiella mites. They may need more rigorous treatment than fleas since they are carried from dog to dog through direct touch.
Gastrointestinal Parasites
When dogs eat contaminated dirt, lick infected fur or paws, or consume water infected with sick dog excrement, intestinal parasites lay eggs in the dog’s stool.
The tapeworms are transferred to dogs when they eat fleas, ticks, or rodents that have them. These worms can cause malnutrition, diarrhea, and blood loss because they steal nutrients from food during digestion. Hookworms can also cause blood loss. You should consult your pet’s veterinarian to determine which of the several worm-curing products is best for them.
Single-celled parasites that harm the lining of the intestine include coccidia and giardia. Dogs can contract coccidia by consuming contaminated soil or licking contaminated paws or fur. Puppies are most susceptible to disease and infection.
Canine Influenza
Viruses and bacteria may work together to create kennel cough. It is extremely contagious, and if your dog comes into contact with an infected dog, it could become affected as well. In the early stages of the illness, dogs with kennel cough may not appear sick, yet they can still spread the illness to other dogs. The most typical symptoms of kennel cough in dogs are a runny nose and a dry, hacking cough.
There are vaccines for kennel cough, but not each dog needs one. Talk to your vet if you’re not sure if the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine is right for your dog.
Several Prevention Techniques
The interesting thing about these frequent illnesses is that the majority of them are treatable and prevented with the right care and treatment. When it comes to keeping your dog as healthy as possible and catching diagnoses early, before they develop into serious, fatal conditions, regular vaccinations and checks with the vet are essential. Nutrition is another important factor in guaranteeing your dog’s health and preventing the development of such disorders.
Kibble is a quiet killer; even though you might not notice symptoms right away or ever, it progressively degrades your dog’s health, increasing its susceptibility to dangerous allergies and illnesses. So, one thing you can do at home to keep your dog healthy is to put him on the proper diet and give him only natural treats and food.
From hard bars and puffed treats to single-component treats that are 100% natural, human-grade, and free of grain or gluten, preservatives, chemicals, and any other substance that could impair your dog’s health. Additionally, the natural components offer your dog a wealth of nutrients and health advantages, from enhancing immunity and dental hygiene to promoting the creation of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
It can be frightening to consider that your dog could possibly get major illnesses or other health problems, but you can easily prevent such illnesses with the right nutrition and care. To ensure that your dog lives a long, healthy, disease-free life, make sure you are knowledgeable on the fundamentals of canine health, nutrition, etc.
