Keeping your canine companion health
Canine distemper is one of the most commonly observed conditions in socialized dogs. A viral condition, canine distemper is extremely contagious and usually infects a host via airborne particles. Minor symptoms range from runny eyes and noses to a persistent cough, though the condition can also consist of more severe side effects, including vomiting, seizures, and even paralysis.
As is the case with many popular health conditions facing domesticated dogs, canine distemper can be addressed through the vaccination processes. In fact, the core vaccination standards all dog owners must meet include vaccines against canine distemper. That said, the condition is one of the main reasons that the owners of puppies should limit social activities until a dog has completed their rounds of vaccinations. Canine parvovirus, or parvo, is a similarly contagious and potentially fatal virus that can be prevented by core vaccinations.
Canine influenza is another condition that can be prevented via vaccination, though it is not a core vaccine and veterinary professionals do not recommend the vaccination for every animal. That said, unvaccinated dogs that catch the virus typically experience fever and coughing fits. While canine influenza may not pose as serious a health threat as other diseases and illnesses, it is highly contagious and is often passed along both before and after a host demonstrates symptoms, making it difficult to prevent.
Many common ailments impacting domesticated dogs are not contracted from other animals, but rather insects. Ticks, fleas, and various parasites, such as the cheyletiella mite, carry several diseases. Ticks are especially dangerous, particularly those capable of carrying Lyme disease. Lyme disease manifests in a number of symptoms throughout the body, ranging from chronic joint pain to organ failure.
Fortunately, there are a number of products that have been developed to protect dogs against infestation from ticks, fleas, and mites. Pet owners should thoroughly research the pros and cons of each preventative measure, which include topical solutions and special collars, before making a decision. Owners are strongly encouraged to bring their research and questions to a family veterinarian.
Finally, unsafe activities can lead to common health conditions in dogs, such as heatstroke. Certain breeds are more susceptible to heatstroke than others, including short-nosed breeds like boxers and Boston terriers, but any dog spending too much time outdoors in excessively hot temperatures can develop the condition. Heatstroke is especially dangerous when it comes to leaving dogs in parked cars. Even a relatively mild, 70°F day can lead to unsafe conditions in a confined space. Experts advise dog owners to leave dogs in cars for no more than 5 minutes at a time, and only when temperatures are above freezing and below 70°F.
Canine distemper is one of the most commonly observed conditions in socialized dogs. A viral condition, canine distemper is extremely contagious and usually infects a host via airborne particles. Minor symptoms range from runny eyes and noses to a persistent cough, though the condition can also consist of more severe side effects, including vomiting, seizures, and even paralysis.
As is the case with many popular health conditions facing domesticated dogs, canine distemper can be addressed through the vaccination processes. In fact, the core vaccination standards all dog owners must meet include vaccines against canine distemper. That said, the condition is one of the main reasons that the owners of puppies should limit social activities until a dog has completed their rounds of vaccinations. Canine parvovirus, or parvo, is a similarly contagious and potentially fatal virus that can be prevented by core vaccinations.
Canine influenza is another condition that can be prevented via vaccination, though it is not a core vaccine and veterinary professionals do not recommend the vaccination for every animal. That said, unvaccinated dogs that catch the virus typically experience fever and coughing fits. While canine influenza may not pose as serious a health threat as other diseases and illnesses, it is highly contagious and is often passed along both before and after a host demonstrates symptoms, making it difficult to prevent.
Many common ailments impacting domesticated dogs are not contracted from other animals, but rather insects. Ticks, fleas, and various parasites, such as the cheyletiella mite, carry several diseases. Ticks are especially dangerous, particularly those capable of carrying Lyme disease. Lyme disease manifests in a number of symptoms throughout the body, ranging from chronic joint pain to organ failure.
Fortunately, there are a number of products that have been developed to protect dogs against infestation from ticks, fleas, and mites. Pet owners should thoroughly research the pros and cons of each preventative measure, which include topical solutions and special collars, before making a decision. Owners are strongly encouraged to bring their research and questions to a family veterinarian.
Finally, unsafe activities can lead to common health conditions in dogs, such as heatstroke. Certain breeds are more susceptible to heatstroke than others, including short-nosed breeds like boxers and Boston terriers, but any dog spending too much time outdoors in excessively hot temperatures can develop the condition. Heatstroke is especially dangerous when it comes to leaving dogs in parked cars. Even a relatively mild, 70°F day can lead to unsafe conditions in a confined space. Experts advise dog owners to leave dogs in cars for no more than 5 minutes at a time, and only when temperatures are above freezing and below 70°F.
