Common Diseases to look out for in Dogs
As a dog parent, you must be aware of which diseases are common in dogs, what symptoms to look for, and how to avoid your dog from contracting them. We’ve put together a list of some of the most common health problems – some are not so serious while others will need more advanced care. To ensure the most favourable outcome for your precious pooch, it’s always best to consult your vet as soon as possible. Your vet will provide a plan for management and treatment that is optimised for your pet, taking into account individual factors such as its breed, size, age and general health.
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Arthritis:
Arthritis is a relatively frequent ailment in elderly dogs. It is a leading cause of chronic pain in older dogs and can cause long term joint damage. The hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows are by far the most frequently affected joints in dogs.
Arthritis in dogs has the following symptoms: Limping, preferring one or more limbs, difficulty sitting or standing, personality changes, whimpering when touched, injured joints are licked, and chewing or biting the joints that are afflicted
Arthritis Solutions: Exercise, weight management, and anti-arthritic medications all can assist your dog cope arthritis pain.
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Kennel Cough:
This is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes bronchial inflammation and irritation. It’s termed kennel cough because this is a disease that is transmitted quickly among animals in tight proximity.
The symptoms of Kennel Cough include heavy coughing, gagging, lethargy, inactivity, and exercise intolerance.
The ideal way to cure kennel cough in your dog is to give them plenty of rest and good food and water. If your dog’s situation is particularly severe, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to help your dog’s condition get better.
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Ear Infections:
Ear infections are very widely known in dogs, particularly long-eared breeds as well as those who spend more time outdoors. Ear infections are caused by dirt, dust, or other foreign particles becoming trapped in your dog’s ear, causing it to become irritated and inevitably infected.
Restlessness, scratching, reduced balance, hearing loss, redness of the ears, scabs around the ear, and hair loss around the ear are all symptoms of ear infection.
The majority of dog ear infections are treatable with a vet-prescribed delicate ear cleaning solution and some cotton balls, ear drops, or medicated ointment.
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Heartworm:
Heartworms are parasitic worms that live and thrive in the heart and lungs of animals. Mosquitos carry the larvae-containing blood of an affected animal and subsequently transmit to other animals they bite, causing heartworms.
Lethargy, fainting, abdominal swelling, coughing, respiratory issues, heart illness, and weight loss are all symptoms of heartworm.
A steroid, antibiotic, and organic arsenic injection treatment is required to treat Heartworm. Taking preventative measures like annual blood tests, regular tablets, and injections is the simplest way to keep your pet from contracting it.
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