Bacterial Diseases in Dogs

Dogs and puppies are highly susceptible to bacterial infections. Dogs often come in contact with bacteria found in contaminated water or food supplies, other dogs, open wounds and insects such as ticks. Most bacterial infections can be prevented or treated. However, some of these infections can be fatal, or cause long-term organ damage and other health-related complications.

  1. Brucellosis

    • Brucellosis is a bacterial infection commonly associated with female dogs and their puppies. According to the Pet Education website, a pet health resource, approximately one in 10 dogs in the United States carries this disease. The disease is easily transmitted to humans and is spread sexually amongst animals. There is currently no treatment for brucellosis. Adults with the disease may live a full life. However, they will not be ale to breed and will spread the disease in the process. Pet Education recommends having any infected animal spayed or castrated.

    Parvovirus

    • Parvo is one of the most common bacterial diseases associated with dogs. Puppies specifically are known to contract the disease, which is commonly spread through feces. In addition, the virus can live on inanimate objects such as kennel floors, cages and bedding for up to five months. According to Working Dogs, a pet health article database, pets that have contracted parvo are at serious risk for dehydration. There is no cure for parvo. However, it treated early enough, veterinarians can save the pet by administering IV fluids and preventing excessive protein loss.

    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

    • This bacterial infection is quite common along the east coast, Midwest and plains regions of the United States. The disease is spread by a form of tick called Rickettsia rickettsii. The disease is treated with a 10- to 14-day course of antibiotics. If left untreated, the disease can cause extensive damage to an animal's nervous system.

    Giardia

    • Giardia is a bacterial infection that comes from a protozoa, or single-celled organism. Dogs are infected by contaminated water as well as feces. Dogs with giardia show symptoms of listlessness, diarrhea and weight loss. The feces will often look abnormally pale, or there will be a greasy jelly coating around the stools.
      There are very few antibiotics that effectively kill the protozoa. Infected animals must be monitored to ensure that they do not lose excessive nutrients, in addition to being prescribed a special diet. Natural antibiotics such as garlic and anything that promotes intestinal health may be beneficial as well.

    Leptospirosis

    • Leptospirosis is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by the spirochete bacteria. The most common ways to contract this infection are through contaminated water and soil, as well as contaminated urine from another infected animal. Leptospirosis often causes fever, vomiting and lethargy. The disease can cause kidney inflammation if left untreated. Treatment includes antibiotics as well as regular vaccinations to prevent the disease in the first place.