Common Dog Diseases and Their Symptoms

Common Dog Diseases and Their Symptoms

Understanding common diseases that affect dogs and recognizing early symptoms is essential for keeping your pet healthy and safe. Many of these conditions are preventable or manageable with early detection and proper care.

Below is a detailed, point-by-point guide to the most common dog illnesses in the U.S., including symptoms and when to seek veterinary help.

🦠 1- Parvovirus (Parvo)

Highly contagious and often fatal, especially in puppies
Spread through infected feces and environments

Symptoms:
– Severe vomiting
– Bloody diarrhea
– Lethargy
– Fever
– Loss of appetite
– Rapid dehydration

Prevention:
– Core vaccination starting at 6–8 weeks of age

🧬 2- Canine Distemper

A serious viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems
Spread through airborne exposure or shared food/water bowls

Symptoms:
– Nasal and eye discharge
– Coughing
– Fever
– Vomiting
– Seizures or paralysis (in advanced cases)

Prevention:
– Included in the DHPP core vaccine

❤️ 3- Heartworm Disease

Caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites
Can lead to heart failure if untreated

Symptoms (often unnoticed at first):
– Persistent cough
– Fatigue after moderate activity
– Weight loss
– Swollen belly (from fluid buildup)
– Labored breathing

Prevention:
– Monthly heartworm medication
– Annual blood testing

🧫 4- Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

A respiratory infection similar to a cold
Spread easily in dog parks, kennels, and groomers

Symptoms:
– Dry, hacking cough
– Sneezing
– Runny nose
– Mild lethargy
– Loss of appetite (in some cases)

Prevention:
– Bordetella vaccine (often required for boarding)

🧪 5- Leptospirosis

Bacterial infection that can spread to humans (zoonotic)
Transmitted through contaminated water, soil, or urine

Symptoms:
– Fever and chills
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
– Kidney or liver failure in severe cases

Prevention:
– Optional vaccine recommended in high-risk areas

🧠 6- Rabies

Fatal viral disease affecting the nervous system
Spread through bites from infected animals
Legally required vaccine in all U.S. states

Symptoms:
– Aggression or sudden behavioral changes
– Excessive drooling
– Paralysis
– Seizures
– Death

Prevention:
– Rabies vaccination (required by law)

🐾 7- Lyme Disease

Transmitted by ticks (especially in Northeast and Midwest U.S.)
Caused by the Borrelia bacteria

Symptoms:
– Limping that shifts between legs
– Joint pain
– Swollen lymph nodes
– Fever
– Loss of appetite

Prevention:
– Tick prevention products
– Optional Lyme disease vaccine

🧬 8- Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus-1)

Affects the liver and other organs
Spread through saliva, urine, and feces

Symptoms:
– Fever
– Abdominal pain
– Jaundice
– Vomiting
– Eye inflammation (blue eye)

Prevention:
– Included in DHPP core vaccine

⚠️ 9- Hypothyroidism

A hormonal disorder caused by low thyroid hormone levels

Symptoms:
– Weight gain with no change in diet
– Hair loss or thinning coat
– Lethargy
– Cold intolerance
– Skin infections

Prevention/Treatment:
– Regular blood tests
– Daily hormone replacement

🧠 10- Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder)

A neurological disorder, often genetic

Symptoms:
– Seizures (shaking, twitching, drooling)
– Confusion after seizure
– May be triggered by stress or lights

Treatment:
– Anti-seizure medications prescribed by a vet

✅ Conclusion: Stay Alert, Stay Informed

Early detection saves lives
Annual vet check-ups are crucial
Keep your dog’s vaccinations and preventive treatments up to date
Monitor any changes in behavior, appetite, or energy levels