Dog diseases
From the many dog diseases that can occur, only the most important and the possibility of vaccination shall be described here.
Who recognised that his dog behaves abnormal, refuses to eat or even shows clear signs of organic disease, is strongly recommended to visit the vet. The quicker the diagnosis and the special therapy can be initiated, the faster the recovery of the animal may be expected.
From the 8th week age puppies should be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, canine disease and kennel cough. This basic immunization requires a second re-vaccination.
Depending on provision, also a rabies vaccination is required. Most diseases of dogs are for people without risk. This does not apply to humans transferable rabies.
Where, moreover, caution is in place, are the transmittable parasites: the roundworms and tapeworms with some dangerous species, the infestation of ticks and, somewhat more harmless, the flea and mite infestations.
An overview of the most common canine diseases follows in the table below
Disease | Causes | Symptoms | Vet visit |
---|---|---|---|
Distemper |
Virus infection, contagious |
Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, eye infections, colds, sometimes nervous distemper with convulsive seizures |
necessarily go to the vet |
Infectious hepatitis |
Virus infection, contagious |
Fever, sore throat, diarrhea, ocular abnormalities, central nervous system disorders, abdominal pain |
necessarily go to the vet |
Stuttgart dog disease |
Bacterial infection |
Fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, ocular changes, possibly liver or kidney failur |
necessarily go to the vet |
Kennel cough |
Virus infection, contagious |
Nasal discharge, severe cough, fever and possibly general disorders even to lung inflammation |
urgently go to the vet |
Dog disease (Parvovirose) |
Virus infection, contagious |
Fever or low temperature, fatigue, vomiting, and especially diarrhea, watery to bloody |
necessarily go to the vet |
Rabies |
Virus, transmission primarily by wild animals |
Personality changes, excessive salivation, aggression, bites |
in case of suspicious contact, immediately go to the vet |
Gastrointestinal disorders |
Varied, for example iInfections, intestinal parasites, liver and kidney disease
|
in case of diarrhea 24 hours food deprivation but enough water, baiting in small portions, often cooked rice and chicken |
occurs in one to two days no improvement, go to the vet |
Worm infestation |
Especially roundworms and tapeworms |
nonspecific, emaciation, diarrhea, distended abdomen, dull coat |
regular deworming |
Tick infestation |
Ticks can transmit diseases currently |
engorged with blood ticks, like swollen, brownish-white, pea-sized structure |
immediate removal by unscrewing and subsequent disinfection |
Flea infestation |
Fleas |
Irritation characterized by itching, inflammation, infection, fleas as tapeworm carriers |
Collars, powders, tablets in case of infestation, disinfection of storage and shelter space |
Mite infestation |
Different, for example mange and ear mites |
Irritation characterized by itching, inflammation, infection, fleas as tapeworm carriers |
visit vet |
Injuries |
Fights, car accidents |
bleeding and crusted wounds, fractures |
visit vet depending on the severity of the injury |
Self-treatment
For the treatment of ear mite infestation, flea infestation, small wounds, diarrhoea and the like, the experienced dog owner keep some medications ready.
This does not equal a whole cupboard to be full, a few aids are sufficient. In case of a good relationship with the vet, this expert will be happy to provide expert advice for self-treatment to conserve cash.
The treatment of ear, eye and gastrointestinal ailments can often be carried out on your own. The medication of fluids and pills, the fitting of neck collars to prevent the dog from removing bandages and sutures, the renewal of bandages, the measurement of fever are things that even layperson can learn.
It is advisable to practice the opening of mouth already with the puppy!
Emergency situations
An accident-damaged dog belongs immediately to the vet, even if outwardly perhaps nothing special is observed. Transport very carefully in case of bone fractures. Caution: Your own dog can bite suddenly in pain!
When to visit a vet?
First, you should visit a veterinarian for proper vaccination and revaccination against distemper, hepatitis, Stuttgart dog disease and kennel cough.
There you will be informed, if and under what circumstances (for example foreign travel) a rabies vaccination is required.
Against parvovirus the second primary vaccination is carried out from the 15th week of life, with annual revaccination.
A classic case for the vet is castration. This procedure is relatively small for males, for females already an impressive operation. Castration is usually carried out for reasons of birth control, but also for the treatment of hormonally induced behavioural problems and health problems.
Whenever alarming symptoms occur, go to the vet immediately!
Source: Zürcher Tierschutz
If you have any questions or would like further information about the dog diseases, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you with our specialist knowledge. Contact us without obligation by e-mail or telephone, we will be happy to advise you.