The thought of your dog contracting a disease can be scary. After all, there are dog diseases that can cause serious harm. But it’s also important to know that many diseases are also preventable or can be treated if caught early.
According to Dr. Nell Ostermeier, DVM, a veterinarian with Figo Pet Insurance, there are many factors that contribute to the likelihood of your dog contracting a disease. Each situation is different. For example, you can vaccinate against some diseases, while the severity of others depends on lifestyle, breed, and location.
Read on to learn about commonly diagnosed dog diseases and treatments, which ones can be fatal or transmissible to humans and other animals, and how to help keep your dog healthy.
High-Risk Preventable Diseases
Every high-risk, preventable disease, such as parvo and distemper, affects dogs differently. According to Dr. Ostermeier, the following high-risk, preventable diseases have vaccinations to help with protection.
Parvo
Canine parvovirus, or parvo (CPV), is a contagious viral disease that can damage your dog’s digestive system. Parvo can be found in almost any environment, including dog parks, yards, and kennels. Puppies or unvaccinated adult dogs have the highest risk of death, if not treated in time.
Dogs affected by parvo have an 86.6% survival rate after receiving proper treatment. Treatment usually includes a hospital or vet visit for fluid administration. Your vet may also prescribe antibiotics to treat secondary infections caused by parvo.
Distemper
Distemper is a highly contagious infection caused by canine distemper virus (CDV). About 50% of infected dogs don’t survive. This virus attacks a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It’s transmitted through an infected animal’s bodily fluids like saliva or urine.
According to Dr. Ostermeier, puppies that don’t nurse or receive core vaccinations are susceptible to distemper.
Treatments are primarily supportive, including fluids to correct dehydration and medications to treat infections. Your vet may also recommend a pain reliever, respiratory treatment, and nutritional support to improve symptoms.
Kennel cough
Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory condition caused by inflammation of the trachea. Similar to bronchitis, coughing is the primary symptom. It’s the most common cause of canine upper respiratory tract disease and can affect dogs of all ages. Dogs usually contract this condition when in confined spaces like vets and doggy daycares.
Kennel cough is considered a minor condition, although dogs with compromised immune systems or pre-existing health conditions can develop severe respiratory issues. Thankfully, kennel cough can clear up on its own. Your vet may recommend at-home remedies like isolation and rest.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi. It’s transmitted through a tick bite and can affect any dog, especially those who don’t take a tick-prevention medication.
If your dog has noticeable symptoms, your vet may recommend antibiotics to help with an infection. Unfortunately, many dogs with Lyme disease may not show symptoms. About 1 to 5% of infected dogs may also develop kidney disease, depending on the complications.
Canine influenza
Canine influenza, also known as dog flu, is a contagious respiratory disease spread from one dog to another through contaminated objects. Outbreaks are most common in unvaccinated dogs in close contact at places like kennels and dog parks.
About 80% of exposed dogs develop a mild infection with persistent coughing lasting for one to three weeks. Canine influenza has a low fatality rate for most dogs who can recover within two to three weeks. However dogs with compromised immune systems or health conditions may have more extreme symptoms.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect dogs, other animals, and people. It’s usually contracted from direct contact with infected urine or contaminated water sources. While leptospirosis is present across the United States, it’s more common in warm and wet environments.
Dogs that spend time outdoors and drink water from rivers, lakes, ponds, or puddles are most susceptible to leptospirosis.
Treatment for leptospirosis usually includes antibiotics, fluids, and pain relief medication. When the disease is caught early, recovery is common for dogs. However more severe complications, like kidney and liver disease, can happen if left untreated.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral infection of the nervous system that can affect any mammal. While dogs can be infected, Dr. Ostermeier confirms that it’s uncommon in the United States due to the rabies vaccination.
Rabies is spread through saliva, usually when an infected animal bites or transmits saliva to an open wound or scratches. Unlike most other high-risk dog diseases, signs of rabies often present themselves in behavioral changes, such as irritability and stress.
Unfortunately, there’s no treatment for rabies once clinical signs appear. Unvaccinated dogs will most likely be put down due to the risk. A vaccinated dog will receive a booster vaccination and be in quarantine for 45 days to ensure they do not develop symptoms.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis
Infectious canine hepatitis (IHC) is a highly contagious viral disease caused by canine adenovirus (CAV), a double-stranded DNA virus. IHC can be found worldwide and is contracted through contact with infected urine, feces, or saliva. That said, it’s uncommon in areas with routine immunization, like the U.S.
Treatment includes supportive care, including fluid support and adequate nutrition. The mortality rate of IHC is about 10 to 30% and is typically higher in young dogs.
High-Risk Parasite-Borne Diseases
Dogs affected by high-risk parasite-borne diseases usually depend on geographical location and lifestyle, explains Dr. Ostermeier. For example, dogs who hang out at parks and kennels are more likely to be affected by intestinal parasites like Giardia.
Keeping a close eye on your dog can help you stay on top of their health and get treatment if they’re at risk for a parasite-borne disease. Symptoms aren’t always present, so regular vet visits are also important.
Heartworms
Heartworm disease, also known as dirofilariasis, is spread by mosquitoes. Heartworms can affect animals worldwide, but they’re most common in places with temperate, semitropical, or tropical climates. However, heartworms are preventable with medication.
If your dog contracts heartworm disease, your vet will prescribe an arsenic-containing medication. Antibiotics are only used to treat secondary infections. Over a million pets in the U.S. have heartworms so it’s best to take the preventative approach for this parasite.
Ticks
Ticks are parasites related to spiders and mites that can transmit many types of diseases, including Lyme disease. Skin wounds caused by ticks can also lead to bacterial infections.
There are ticks worldwide, and they usually live in tall grass and wooded areas. Animals that spend time outdoors, especially in wild areas, are most commonly affected. That’s why it’s a good idea to check for ticks after they come inside, especially when out hiking or exploring nature.
Ticks usually bite dogs, other animals, and people. If you see a tick, remove them carefully as soon as possible to reduce impact. If your dog is infected, your vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic. Although dogs often recover from a tick bite, severe tick infestations can be fatal.
Fleas
Fleas are small insects that feed on an animal’s blood, and many animals older than a year are allergic to them. While people can get fleas, they typically prefer living on dogs and other household pets. Fleas can transmit diseases and cause allergies and anemia, a blood disorder.
Flea season typically occurs during late spring and summer. If you live in a warm place or keep your house toasty, your dog may be susceptible to flea bites year-round.
There are many preventative flea treatments for dogs to help avoid infestation. However, if your dog becomes infested, you’ll need to control the spread by cleaning your dog and all affected household items. While severe flea infestations can cause anemia in puppies or senior dogs, this is a rare outcome.
Sarcoptic mange
Sarcoptic mange, commonly called mange, is a skin disease caused by a mite. It’s one of the most contagious dog diseases, and spreads through direct contact. An infection can cause extreme itchiness and hair loss.
Any dog can contract it. It can also affect cats and humans.
In extreme cases, dogs can also develop other skin conditions and swollen lymph nodes, which can lead to death.
Treatment for mange usually consists of oral and topical medications. Your vet may also recommend quarantining your dog until they’re better to prevent them from infecting other animals or people.
Worms
Parasitic worms, including roundworms, pinworms, and tapeworms, can infect dogs, other animals, and people. These worms are most common in puppies because they’re often passed from a mother to her puppy before birth. Worms can also be contracted through infected soil and feces.
Dogs won’t show symptoms until they are serious, so monitoring behavioral and health changes are crucial. Worms can be deadly if not treated. If your dog gets worms, your vet will likely administer a dewormer at multiple stages to ensure the worms are dead.
Giardia
Giardia is an intestinal infection that can affect domestic and wild animals worldwide, and about 10% to 30% of Giardia infections affect dogs. It’s contracted through contaminated sources, including feces, soil, and water.
It’s common for dogs to have Giardia and not show any symptoms, but diarrhea may be present. A vet may prescribe a supportive regimen with medication and hygiene measures to treat symptoms or control the infection.
Although Giardia usually isn’t fatal, untreated infections can be serious, especially if your dog has excessive diarrhea that leads to dehydration and other issues.
Fungal infections
Fungal infections are common in dogs and are primarily contracted through inhalation, ingestion, or through the skin. Some fungal infections can cause disease in dogs, including nasal aspergillosis and candidiasis.
It can be difficult to prevent a fungal infection, especially since dogs are often outdoors, where they can be infected. However, it’s helpful to clean your dog after spending time outdoors.
Fungal infections aren’t usually deadly, but do require prompt treatment to prevent symptoms from becoming serious. Treatment varies but often consists of oral or topical medication.
Internal Diseases (non-contagious)
Internal conditions, like bloat, kidney disease, and cancer, can affect any dog. They’re caused by various factors, including genes, age, and lifestyle, but aren’t contagious. While internal dog diseases can’t always be prevented, a healthy lifestyle may reduce the likelihood.
Bloat
Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), is a serious and life-threatening condition. Bloat primarily affects large, deep-chested dogs, like German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers. If a dog becomes stressed, eats too fast, or exercises after eating, their stomach can fill with gas, expand, and rotate, causing bloat. You may also see unsuccessful attempts to vomit.
A prompt vet visit for diagnosis and treatment is essential to stabilize a dog and decompress their stomach. If bloat is treated quickly, there’s about an 80% survival rate. Treatment typically includes stomach decompression, fluid therapy, surgery, and pain relief medication.
Kidney disease
Kidney disease is a chronic condition that progressively worsens over time, causing a dog’s kidneys to stop working properly. It affects about 7% of dogs – mostly older dogs. There are several possible causes of kidney failure, including high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Treatment varies as most vets aim to address the underlying cause of kidney failure. Dr. Ostermeier explains that while there isn’t a cure for kidney disease, it can be managed with the proper treatment.
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is any abnormality of the heart that affects slightly more than 10% of dogs examined by a veterinarian. An irregular heartbeat, weak heart muscles, and little or too much blood can cause cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, cardiovascular disease often becomes more serious over time.
With treatment, however, many dogs can live long lives even with heart disease. Treatment for cardiovascular disease depends on the specific type of disease and may include surgery, medication, and diet changes.
Cancer
Cancer is a type of growth made up of abnormal cells that can affect any part of the body. The rate of cancer among people is similar in dogs and cats. While young dogs can get cancer, it typically affects older dogs more often.
Cancer has many possible causes, including genetics, environmental factors, nutrition, and age. The most common types of dog cancers include skin, bone, and mouth.
While cancer isn’t preventable, you can reduce your dog’s cancer risk with general care, such as a healthy diet and early detection of warning signs (e.g. unusual lumps and swelling).
Like with people, there is no cure for cancer in dogs. However, you can treat cancer to prolong your dog’s life through surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Go to Your Vet Sooner, Rather than Later
Regular vet visits are key to staying on top of your dog’s health and understanding what their normal vital signs look like. However, you shouldn’t wait until your regular visit to raise a concern. Call your vet immediately if you notice any unusual changes in your dog’s behavior or symptoms.
Dr. Ostermeier explains that young, healthy dogs should have at least one annual exam, and healthy senior dogs should have at least two annual exams with their veterinarian. If your dog has a medical condition, your vet will advise on the frequency of vet visits.
While the possibility of your dog getting a disease can feel scary, veterinarians are available to help keep your dog happy and healthy. Many conditions can be avoided, managed, or treated with a lifestyle routine that encourages healthy dog habits.
