No dog lover wants to think of their dog contracting a dangerous, potentially fatal illness, but unfortunately it does happen. This is why it’s important to know about them and know what these dog illness symptoms are so this fate can be avoided. The earlier a sick dog is seen by a vet, the better his or her chances to pull through and recover.
Most Dangerous Dog Illnesses and How to Spot Them
1. Rabies
This dog illness makes the top of the list because, sadly, it is nearly always fatal. The only way to prevent your dog from getting infected is vaccination, which has to be repeated every few years. Symptoms of rabies include fever, pain, foaming at the mouth, hyperactivity, sensitivity to light, sound and touch, and, in the later stages, aggressive behavior. Rabies can be treated in the early stages of infection, but is always fatal once the first symptoms occur. Dogs that contract rabies become aggressive and prone to attack so be careful if you see a dog that exhibits these symptoms.
2. Kidney disease
Kidney disease affects as many as one in ten dogs in the United States, primarily older ones! Sadly, once kidney disease is diagnosed, it cannot be reversed or cured, but it can be treated to slow its progression. This is why it’s important to catch it early. Dog illness symptoms for this condition include weight loss, increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, you should take him or her to a veterinarian without delay.
3. Kennel cough
This is one of the most virulent dog illnesses out there, hence its name. But just because your dog has never been in a kennel doesn’t mean that he or she isn’t at risk. They can get infected anywhere another infected dog can be found, such as the park, the vet’s office, the groomers or just walking down the street. If your dog is coughing heavily, gagging or lethargic, rush him or her to the vet. Upon positive diagnosis your vet will start treatment with antibiotics and cough suppressants. The best way to avoid kennel cough is to have your dog vaccinated against it.
4. Heartworm
Heartworm is a serious condition in which foot-long worms (parasites) take up residence in your dog’s heart, lungs and blood vessels. This dog illness results in lethargy, coughing, breathing problems and weight loss. For obvious reasons, it’s also very hard on his or her heart and, if left untreated, can lead to heart disease and even death. Treatment consists of steroid injections, antibiotics and an organic arsenic shot. Save your dog the pain of heartworms by treating him or her with pills or shots.
5. Canine parvovirus
If a dog is ill with canine parvovirus, symptoms for this extremely dangerous viral infection include fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and weight loss. Parvovirus is often fatal, as it attacks your dog’s internal organs without mercy. There are treatments available (such as electrolytes and secondary infection prevention), but the best way to keep your pup safe is to have him or her vaccinated, and keep them away from other infected dogs.
6. Canine distemper
Dogs of all ages can get canine distemper, but it mostly affects puppies and dogs whose immune systems are compromised. As far as dog illnesses go, this one is pretty serious and often leads to death in infected pups. If your dog has runny eyes, a fever, is coughing or vomiting, you should head to your vet’s office without delay. If left untreated, canine distemper can lead to paralysis and a hardening of the snout and foot pads. Canine distemper is transmitted through airborne exposure and physical contact, and it is extremely contagious.
7. Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a painful dog illness caused by tick bites. The infection runs through your dog’s blood and spreads to his or her joints, eventually causing seizures and partial or complete paralysis. The condition will eventually be fatal if not addressed properly and in time. Early symptoms include pain, loss of appetite, fever and limping. You can easily prevent it by giving your dog a monthly pill that will keep him or her free of ticks.
8. Gastric torsion
Gastric torsion (or bloat) can happen to any kind of dog, but is more likely in larger breeds with broad, long chests such as Great Danes, German Shepherds and Boxers. Because of their long bodies, Dachshunds are also at greater risk. Dog illnesses of this sort are not caused by viruses or infections. Rather, they are the result of your dog eating too quickly, creating an enlarged stomach, which can then turn on itself. This prevents air and fluids from leaving the stomach, which means your dog cannot vomit or belch to relieve the tension. Symptoms include retching without the ability to vomit, a visibly enlarged stomach, restlessness and excessive salivating. In treating this illness, consider finding ways to slow down your dog’s eating speeds, through timed release bowls for example.
9. Chocolate poisoning
Most dog owners know that chocolate is poisonous to their pet, and yet many dogs still manage to ingest enough of it to get sick – and sometimes die. If you think your dog may have been munching on chocolate, take him or her to the vet right away. The dog illness symptoms for this include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive pacing and shaking. If your dog has ingested a large amount of chocolate (dark chocolate is by far the worst), it could lead to an irregular heartbeat, seizures, heart attack and death.
10. Cancer
Statistics show that at least 50% of dogs aged 10 and older will develop some form of cancer, but it also affects younger dogs and puppies. Some cancers, like lymphoma, are very treatable, while other, more aggressive forms of cancer (like bone cancer) usually lead to death. Look for symptoms such as unusual odors, weight loss, change in appetite and lethargy. If you ever find a lump on your dog, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian without delay. Dog illnesses like cancer don’t always mean the end is near. There is a lot more hope if it’s detected early.
Summary
Most of these illnesses are preventable with a simple shot or some monthly pills. Others are not, and while all of these dog illnesses can be fatal, most of them can be treated if found in time. Also, the symptoms are sometimes non-specific, so it’s hard to determine what causes them without proper testing and diagnosis by a veterinarian. This is why it’s important that you keep a close eye on your canine companion for any of the dog illness symptoms listed here and rush him or her to the vet if you think something serious may be afflicting him or her.
