Scientifically Identified Diseases In Dogs

All kinds of breeds of dogs are loved as pets worldwide including German shepherd, Bulldog, Poodle, Labrador, Pug, etc. different breeds of dogs require different care and preferred conditions/temperature to live in as they have different sorts of skins and hair genetically designed for the weather conditions. Dogs are also known to be one of the most faithful pets to keep and people enjoy their company and affection all over the world. 

Dogs have been known to be the earliest domesticated animals in the world and their existence history goes back to ancient wolves and their scientific name is Canis Lupus Familiars. They are known to be one of the most faithful pets to keep and people enjoy their company and affection all over the world. As much as dogs have been seen to be expressive about their emotional feelings, they require the same in return from the owner.

Along with love and care, it is equally important to recognize dogs as complete living beings who need special care, emotional and physical. Many people often neglect the health care of their pets and this is why most pets suffer in silence and die early because of unrecognized diseases. There are many factors that contribute to the health of a dog, the living condition, the kind and amount of food intake, weather conditions, etc. Dogs’ anal glands are a pair of small sacks inside the anus. Their proper functioning is a major health concern in dogs and causes problems otherwise. The average life span of a healthy dog is between 10-12 years but many of them do not complete this time span because of health issues and untreated diseases.

Today, as science has been able to identify diseases not only in human beings but animals too, there are various diseases that can cause dogs to fall sick. Keeping a dog or any other pet should not be a source of activity and entertainment, pets should only be kept with dedication, passion and pure love to be treated as a family member. Unfortunately, most people initially adopt pets as an impulsive decision and are not able to properly take care of them in the long term.

Discussed below are a few diseases found in dogs and their ways of treatments:

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is also medically known as infectious Tracheobronchitis; a respiratory disease found in dogs caused by the parainfluenza virus. In this disease, the virus attacks the cilia linings of the respiratory tract which causes inflammation of the upper airway in the track. This causes difficulty in breathing in dogs, almost like something is stuck down their throat, and causes the dogs to cough frequently.  It is mostly caused and spread from animals to animals such as dogs, cats but humans with a weak immune system can also catch the disease.

What are Kennel cough symptoms?

Kennel cough in dogs is mostly followed by symptoms like:

• Dry cough
• Mucus
• Gagging  

Kennel Cough Treatment:

Most dogs recover from the disease through some home remedies including the usage of honey and warm water to soothe the condition of the throat. But, if the dog shows severe symptoms which last more days then the dog should be taken to a vet and medical treatment must be provided. If kennel cough is left untreated for a long time, it can further cause pneumonia and death in severe cases.

Pyometra in dogs:

As dogs are complete living beings, their body functions accordingly too. Pyometra is another commonly identified infection in dogs. This happens due to the hormonal changes that a female dog goes through in the reproductive system. The condition is commonly known as estrus (heat) in which the hormone called progesterone is elevated and causes the lining of the uterus to thicken for pregnancy.

How to identify Pyometra in dogs?

• Most female dogs have been noticed to show symptoms like vomiting.
• Weakness 
• Bloated abdomen
• Drinking water more than usual
• Laziness 

Pyometra Treatment:

This disease is mostly caused in unsprayed dogs so spaying the dogs is the most common treatment used to prevent the infection. In this treatment, the uterus or the ovaries of the female dogs are removed in order to prevent heat and further pyometra. It is mostly advised to get the dogs spayed as the hormonal changes and the pyometra condition can be painful for dogs.

Just like the rest of the body parts and organs, the eyes are one of the most delicate parts of living beings and there have been multiple diseases that have been identified in dogs’ eyes.

Dogs’ eye infection: 

There are different sorts of eye infections found in dogs which can painful, irritating and cause serious sickness. 

There are many symptoms that indicate towards eye infections in dogs such as:

• Watery eye
• Redness 
• Abnormal blinking
• Swelling 

Cherry Eye in Dogs:

Cherry eye infection is the most visible and symptomatic as the tear gland in the third eyelid of the dog becomes visibly inflamed.

Most commonly, vets advise surgery for a cherry eye infection because if left untreated, the eyes become really dry, itchy, and cause incomplete closure of the eye. In severe cases, it can lead up to blindness in dogs.

Heartworm:  

This condition is caused when small worms reside in one or different parts of the body of the dogs including the heart, commonly, then, lungs and blood vessels too. This can cause heart failure and lung failure in dogs. The parasite worms are caused by a mosquito bite and they spread in the organs of the dog.

How is it treated?

In most cases, a drug in the form of injection is advised by the vet which kills the worms in the organs of the dogs and elongates the life expectancy. However, no drug should be injected without the prescription and observation of the vet.

Rabies:

Rabies is one of the most commonly known diseases in dogs. It is caused by the saliva of an infected animal and the animals act very differently when they have rabies, they can often try to bite the humans and express a very uncomfortable state.

Lyme Disease:

Lyme disease in animals is caused by the bacterium Borrelia Burgdorferi. In dogs, it is developed by the bite of a tick. Symptoms include fever, commonly.

Some diseases in dogs are also caused due to the aging factor just like humans, the organs of the animals also start weakening after a certain age, and kidney diseases in dogs are often caused due to aging. 

Kidney Disease in dogs:

Most commonly, as an aging factor, the kidney tissues start wearing out in dogs and the symptoms include:

• Abnormal breath
• Vomiting 
• Pale gums
• Lethargy 

Dental Diseases in dogs:

The dental health and hygiene is not only important for human beings, it is also essential for animals and their health.

Oral infections are one of the most common dog diseases and tend to become an issue in dogs mostly after the age of three. Known as ‘Tartar and gingivitis’ are among the most common oral issues while the more severe periodontal diseases, such as abscesses tend to occur more often in older dogs in the later stages of their life.  Below are the symptoms of dental disease:

• Bad breath 
• Loose teeth
• Changes in appetite particularly refusal to eat dry food 
• Discharge of blood or pus from the mouth 
• Drooling 
• Bad temper,
• Lumps on the gums or under the tongue and discoloured teeth and gums.

Ear Infections in dogs:

In case if your dog suffers from recurring ear infections, it’s very likely that allergies are the cause and the most likely allergens are corn, wheat, and soy in the food that they are being given. It is noticed that dogs with large, pendulous ears tend to be more susceptible to ear infections. If one notices their dog scratching or pawing at his ears, shaking his head, or rubbing his ear against the floor or furniture, that is a good indication that he may have an ear infection and is irritated by it. Severe symptoms might include the following:

• redness of the ear canal
• scabs or crusts around the ear 
• hair loss around the ear
• balance issues
• walking in circles
• pain and hearing loss.

In order to treat an ear infection in your dog, the first step is to clean and dry the ear by taking them to a doctor.

Itchy skin or skin infections:

All animals and dogs scratch on a daily basis normally but if you notice your dog scratching incessantly, that is a sign that something else may be going on. The most known cause of itchy skin in dogs is a food allergy and the most common food allergens are corn, wheat, and soy found in many dog foods.  As a basic treatment, switching to a low-allergen food such as lamb and rice may be the key to relieving your dog’s itchy skin. Yet, if a diet change does not make a difference, then a visit to your vet would be in order. Bacterial and yeast infections can also be the cause of canine itching and can lead to problems known as Hot Spots. Hot Spots cause very painful sores, especially for dogs with thick fur.

According to the type of infection, your vet may recommend something as simple as a medicated shampoo to treat allergies or an antibiotic ointment for more severe skin infections.

Vomiting and Diarrhoea:

like humans, dogs can also have digestive upset from time to time and, just like people, these issues will tend to resolve themselves after a few days in most cases.  But, if you notice that your dog is vomiting or experiencing diarrhea too often or that either or both conditions seem to be lingering then you should call your vet immediately. Untreated vomiting and diarrhea could be a symptom of a more serious problem.

Topical Flea disease and Tick Treatments:

Topical flea medications seem like they would only work on the spot they are applied to, they are actually very effective at covering the dog’s entire body. The drops of the medication work by a process of translocation, where the dog’s oil glands spread the medication throughout the body and not just the infected area. 

This treatment is not affected by bathing, swimming, or being out in the rain. Topical treatments can kill and repel fleas for several weeks before the need for reapplication. The veterinarian can help you to pick out the best topical product for your dog that’s appropriate for her age, size, and breed. One needs their vet’s prescription to purchase topical flea and tick medication.

Despite all the information available on the web, no diagnosis should be done without a physical check-up by a vet/doctor and no medicine should be given without a prescription to avoid any further problems.