Dog Diseases

Dogs get sick. Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to certain parasites, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungus. If you suspect your dog of being seriously ill, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Dog diseases are serious. Dog diseases can be fatal unless caught early and treated. Sometimes dogs may exhibit signs of certain dog diseases years prior. If the signs are caught early enough, this can possibly help prolong the life of the dog.

Veterinary researchers have developed medicines and treatments to help reduce the occurrence of diseases and parasites. They however, have not perfected the treatment of preventing it entirely, but rather hold them back a little longer and how to treat it faster. Some major viral dog diseases are rabies, distemper, hepatitis, and parainfluenza. Diseases such as Lyme disease, leptospirosis and kennel cough are types of bacterial infections. Each of these dog diseases can be prevented by regular vaccinations of your puppy or even adult dog.

Vaccinations work by heightening the dog’s immune system to help produce antibodies to fight an attack of certain dog diseases. Vaccinations of dogs come in two different forms. There are the modified live formulas that include a weakened form of the disease and also a killed or inactive formula that helps to boost the immune system response. Each of the vaccinations has its pros and cons. The modified live vaccines can cause faster development of long lasting immunity, but it may cause mild cases of illness. The killed or inactive formula is more stable. It has a longer shelf life, and do not produce any infections. Even though this is true, the protection may not last as long.

Some dogs may end up getting certain diseases no matter how much you may try to prevent it. The most important fact in all of this is to seek immediate medical attention if your dog becomes very ill. Some dog diseases can be treatable if detected early.