The good news about deadly dog diseases is that vaccines and medications have been developed that will prevent nearly all of them. Rabies, distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis are all covered with core vaccinations for dogs. Heartworm disease can be prevented with a monthly preventative pill. However, diagnosis of canine cancer is increasing, and there are few methods for preventing your dog from developing cancer. Options are limited, but research continues to improve treatment for canine cancer.
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Rabies
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State and local laws require dogs to be vaccinated against rabies. Rabies is a deadly dog disease that can be contracted by any warm-blooded animal. State and local governments require dogs to be vaccinated against rabies, so this disease has become increasingly rare. Rabies is a virus that attacks the nervous system, causing a type of fatal encephalitis.
Distemper
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Elderly dogs and puppies are most likely to be infected with the virus that causes distemper. The American Veterinary Medical Association lists canine distemper as the greatest disease threat to dogs. Distemper is fatal in more than half of cases. Symptoms include respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological illness. The virus primary infects puppies and elderly dogs that have not been vaccinated. Considered one of the four core vaccinations every dog should receive, a distemper vaccination booster should be given every one to three years.
Parvovirus
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Parvovirus most often infects puppies. Parvovirus is another deadly dog disease that primarily infects puppies. The virus attacks the dog’s intestinal tract, white blood cells and heart. The disease is fatal in more than half of cases. Vaccination, which is usually given to puppies in a series of four injections, greatly reduces the likelihood of puppies contracting the virus.
Hepatitis
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Vaccination against hepatitis is part of the core vaccines recommended for all dogs. Hepatitis in dogs is caused by Canine Adenovirus Type 1 or Canine Adenovirus Type 2. It affects the dog’s liver, kidneys, eyes and blood vessels. It is often fatal, especially in puppies, but is typically not quite as deadly as distemper or parvovirus. Vaccination against canine hepatitis is part of the core vaccines recommended for dogs.
Heartworm Disease
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A monthly preventative pill will de-worm dogs against heartworms and common intestinal parasites. Heartworm infection can create a deadly disease in dogs. Transmitted by the bite of mosquito, heartworms grow to several inches within a dog’s heart and can infect other vital organs. If heartworms infect the heart and the dog is not treated, the infection will eventually lead to heart failure and death. Monthly heartworm prevention pills de-worm the dog and prevent adult heartworms from developing.
Cancer
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Diagnosis of canine cancer is increasing, but treatment is also improving. Dogs are prone to all types of cancer, with some breeds and breed mixes having a higher likelihood of developing certain types of cancer. Cancer can affect the skin, bones or organs. Some types of cancer in dogs can be easily and effectively treated and other types are deadly. Symptoms of canine cancer include abnormal swellings, sores that don’t heal, weight loss, loss of appetite, odor, loss of stamina, persistent lameness, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating and difficulty defecating.
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