Common Infections in Dogs

Ear Infection

• Ear infections are common in dogs, especially in breeds with long, floppy ears. Symptoms include foul odor; black, waxy discharge; rubbing or pawing the ear; and head tilting. Although they are extremely treatable, ear infections always require veterinary attention.

Upper Respiratory Infection

• Typically caused by Bordetella (kennel cough) and canine influenza, upper respiratory infections affect your dog's trachea, bronchi and sinuses. Rarely dangerous, these highly infectious conditions are generally treated with medications and plenty of rest.

Fungal Skin Infections

• Skin infections are usually contracted by direct contact with a fungus in the soil or from another infected dog. Types of fungal infections include ringworm, yeast infection, blastomycosis and histoplasmosis.

Rabies

• Even with a vaccine readily available, rabies is still one of the most common canine infections. Your dog can contract rabies from an infected dog or wild animal. There is no cure for rabies, and it is always fatal.

Parvovirus

• Parvovirus is an extremely contagious, painful disease spread through infected feces. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea and vomit, lethargy, and appetite loss. A parvovirus vaccine can protect your dog.

Canine Distemper

• Canine distemper is a dangerous infection that begins with flu-like symptoms and progresses to seizures and, in 50 percent of all cases, death. Dogs who do survive might suffer permanent brain damage. Canine distemper can be prevented with a vaccination.