4 Diseases that Often Stalk Dogs, Know the Symptoms and Treatment!
Not only humans, pets like dogs can also get sick, you know. The causes can be various, can be viruses, bacteria, parasites, to fungi. Pay attention to the symptoms so it’s not too late to give treatment.
So, what are the common diseases suffered by dogs? Come on, find out the answer with the following review!
Rabies
Quoting from scholfieldveterinary.com Rabies is a disease in dogs that is known by many people. This disease is caused by a virus of the same name, spread through saliva, bites, or contact with other animals that have been exposed.
In animals, rabies is usually 100 percent fatal. Thus, vaccination is very important as a preventive measure. If the dog is already infected, the virus can have devastating effects on the brain and spinal cord.
In dogs, the symptoms will not appear immediately, but gradually, such as changes in behavior, aggression (biting and attacking other animals or people), fever, foaming at the mouth, disorientation, weakness, and seizures. This disease can trigger sudden death in dogs.
The only way to deal with a dog with rabies is to come to the vet. Dogs must be isolated and prevented from gathering with other animals or people because they can injure and transmit disease.
Leptospirosis
Not only humans, dogs can also get leptospirosis, you know. This disease is caused by a bacterial infection with the same name, derived from the urine of some animals, especially rats and other rodents.
Bacteria enter the water or soil and survive there for weeks to months. Leptospirosis is common in tropical areas. In dogs, symptoms can include fever, vomiting, decreased appetite and bloodshot eyes.
In severe cases, dogs can experience kidney failure, lung bleeding, to fatal consequences in the form of death. Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics. Hydration therapy and dialysis can also usually help.
If treated from the start, pet dogs are likely to recover more quickly and the risk of severe organ damage can be minimized.
Giardia infection
This disease is an infection with Giardia, a parasite that usually lives in water, food, or soil that has been contaminated by human or other animal feces. Giardia itself spreads through the mediums that have been mentioned, can be experienced by dogs.
Dogs that experience Giardia infection usually show symptoms of diarrhea, dehydration, and feces mixed with oil. Quoted from VCA Haospital, the drugs commonly used to treat this disease are fenbendazole and metronidazole.
The two drugs are generally given for three to 10 days. If necessary, the two drugs can be given simultaneously or in combination.
Worm parasitic infection
Worm infections can infect dogs through contact with contaminated soil or sand. Dogs that usually play in sandy places are very susceptible to this disease.
Hookworms can penetrate the skin or through the mouth, usually easily found in tropical areas. Please note, puppies can also be infected before birth through their mother’s milk (colostrum).
In dogs, symptoms can include dark stools with blood, anemia and weight loss. Severe worm parasitic infection can cause death.
Hookworm infection in dogs requires veterinary intervention. Deworming is usually given orally with few side effects. Unfortunately, drugs generally only kill adult worms.