Common Ailments in Dogs

Kennel Cough

• Kennel cough is the most prevalent upper respiratory infection in dogs. It is especially common in puppies, and in adult dogs that are often around strange dogs, as in a boarding kennel. Bordatella is the most common bacterial cause of kennel cough, and most boarding kennels require vaccination prior to check-in. Symptoms exhibit in two to 14 days after exposure and include a dry cough with a honking sound and sometimes retching and a runny nose. Though most cases are mild and recovery can be as short as 10 days, your dog is still contagious for up to three months. If your dog is going to be in a dog show, or at a play park or boarding kennel, be sure to have her vaccinated at least one week beforehand to protect her and the other dogs involved against kennel cough.

Mange

• Mange is a skin disease that occurs in three types---demodectic, cheyletiella and sarcoptic.

  Demodectic mange is caused by microscopic mites that live on the skin of all dogs. Usually these mites have little to no effect on the dog, but sometimes if the dog's immune system is weak due to illness or stress, the mites propagate rapidly and cause hair loss and itchy, crusty, oozing skin irritations.

  Cheyletiella mange causes a dusting of dandruff over the back, neck and head of an afflicted dog. This "walking dandruff," though short-lived, is highly contagious to other dogs.

  Sarcoptic mange is what many parents know as scabies. If your dog has this type of mange, have him treated immediately. Scabies can easily spread to humans. Signs of sarcoptic mange in your dog include unbearable itching, crusty ear tips and loss of hair.

Distemper

• The virus that causes distemper in dogs is very similar to the virus that causes measles in humans. Distemper is a highly contagious, often deadly disease that affects unvaccinated dogs of all ages, but especially puppies under six months old. It can affect every part of the dog's body and often leaves a dog with poor vision, damaged teeth and nervous system defects. Death rates from distemper can be as high as 75 percent. Symptoms include cough, fever, runny nose and eyes, vomiting, diarrhea and seizures because of nervous system involvement. Treatment primarily supports the body's natural healing efforts only, so vaccination and lifelong booster shots are essential.

Parvovirus

• Parvovirus is the most prevalent and deadliest infection in the dog population. Though exposed adult dogs may only exhibit mild symptoms, puppies under the age of six months usually suffer extreme diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting and fever. Parvo can cause death in as little as two days, so immediate medical treatment is essential. Parvo is transmitted through exposure to infected feces, but the virus can live up to five months on untreated surfaces, such as dog bowls, crate floors and bedding. Vaccinate your dog against parvovirus, and also keep your young puppy away from potential areas of infection to avoid this deadly disease.

Bloat

• Bloat, or "twisted stomach," is a major cause of dog death, second only to cancer. A dog with bloat can die within an hour if not immediately cared for. Bloat occurs when a dog ingests too much air and his stomach swells and twists, cutting off the blood supply to other organs. Common symptoms of bloat are restlessness, excessive drinking, retching without producing any vomit, and abdominal swelling with or without pain.

  Dog breed plays a major role in the risk factors for bloat. Large dogs are more susceptible than small dogs, and purebred dogs are more susceptible than mixed-breed dogs. Large dogs with deep, narrow chests are the most likely to experience bloat, with Great Danes at the top of the list. Dogs over the age of seven are at higher risk than younger dogs, and males are more susceptible than females.

  Reduce the risk for your large-breed dog by feeding her at least twice a day in a quiet place by herself, and don't let her exercise soon after eating. Make water available at all times except immediately after feeding.