The Top 5 Dangerous Dog Diseases That Require Quick Vet Intervention

Dogs are true companions of humans in many ways; they are loyal and loving.

Their playful qualities bring joy to everyone around them. However, like humans, these vibrant and cheerful beings are not immune to serious health issues. Dogs, too, can fall prey to illnesses that cause significant pain, emotional distress, and even life-threatening complications if not addressed promptly.

As a responsible pet owner, staying vigilant and informed about the diseases that can impact your dog's well-being is crucial. In this article, we'll explore some of the most dangerous diseases affecting dogs, exploring their symptoms and preventive measures.

Let’s get started!

5 Dangerous Dog Diseases You Should Not Take for Granted

Distemper: Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that is mainly spread through airborne particles or respiratory secretions from infected dogs. Puppies are the most susceptible, so early prevention is important.

Puppies are more susceptible to contracting this disease.  The distemper can cause a hardening of the pads on the feet and nose.

Symptoms include:

• Runny eyes
• Vomiting
• Paralysis
• Coughing
• Fever

Distemper is fatal and lacks a definitive medical cure. The best defense is vaccination, which significantly reduces the risk of infection. Additionally, it's vital to keep puppies and unvaccinated dogs away from potentially infected animals to avoid exposure.

Parvovirus: Parvovirus (commonly referred to as Parvo) is one of the most severe and life-threatening diseases affecting dogs. This contagious viral disease attacks the DNA of its host and wreaks havoc on the digestive system, particularly in young dogs aged 6 to 20 weeks. The virus spreads through contact with fecal matter from infected dogs, making hygiene and cleanliness essential.

Symptoms include:

• High heart rate
• Low blood sugar
• Difficulty breathing
• Laziness and lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea (may contain blood)
• Severe dehydration
• Internal bleeding in the intestines
• Vomiting
• High fever

Fortunately, there is a vaccine for parvo. It is considered a "core" vaccine and is recommended for every dog.

Diarrhea: It is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying issue. It can be caused by various factors, including eating spoiled food, changes in diet, stress, ingestion of foreign objects, parasites, liver or kidney disease, and more.

Symptoms

• Unformed, watery stool
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Abdominal pain

In severe cases, it may result in dehydration, which could further cause significant health problems, such as weakness, intolerance to exercise, and even collapse and seizures.

Diarrhea usually resolves with time, proper diet, and much rest, but in some instances, chronic diarrhea may be a symptom of an underlying medical disease that could range from kidney disease, liver disease, infections, or even cancer. In case of persistence, that is more than a week, take your pet to the vet for a check-up.

Heartworm: This disease is a serious parasitic condition transmitted by mosquito bites. These parasites invade an infected dog's heart, lungs, and blood vessels, causing long-term damage that can lead to life-threatening complications.

What makes heartworm particularly dangerous is its slow progression. It can take years for symptoms to manifest, and by the time they do, the disease is often in advanced stages.

Symptoms Include:

• Weight loss
• Heart disease
• Lethargy
• Respiratory difficulties
• Persistent coughing

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for heartworm. However, it can be prevented with proactive measures such as:

• Heartworm medications
• Melarsomine injections (to kill adult worms)
• Annual blood tests and routine checkups

Heartworm larvae take about six months to mature, making early detection critical. Regular administration of preventive medication can intercept the parasites before they cause severe harm.

Rabies: Another popular disease found in dogs is a disease caused by a virus that spreads from the bite or saliva of an infected animal. Once it invades the body, the virus crosses through the nerves to the brain. It is a fatal disease and gradually shows its symptoms.

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Pain
• Hyperactivity or agitation
• Tingling sensation around the bite area
• Burning at the wound site

Since rabies is incurable once symptoms appear, vaccination is the most effective way to protect your dog. Ensure your pet receives regular rabies vaccines as part of their healthcare routine to safeguard against this life-threatening illness.

Bottom Line:

Dogs are your faithful companions, so it's your responsibility to keep your furry safe from dangerous diseases. Above, we have listed a few dangerous diseases with symptoms, so the moment you notice any symptoms, don’t delay to visit your veterinarian.