Prevention is the Answer
The following are all preventable with regular vet examinations and the proper vaccinations. Zoonosis occurs when diseases are transmitted from the family dog to a family member. Left untreated, there are several parasites that can be transmitted from dogs to humans. Mange and fleas can cause skin infections and rashes in humans. Rabies and Leptospirosis are not a parasite but can transmitted to humans.
Parasites
Parasites can be prevented and should. There is no reason for your dog to live with them.
- Heartworm Click here to read Robbie’s story
- Ear Mites
- Fleas: Fleas dermatitis is the most common skin allergy in dogs. It causes itching and irritates the dog’s skin. In severe cases it causes infection and hair loss.
- Ticks
- Sarcoptic Mange
If heartworm is not treated it can kill your dog. Preventive measures should be taken to safeguard from all of the above.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted though tick bites, the deer tick in particular. Lyme disease is the most common insect-transmitted disease among dogs and people in the US.
Some symptoms:
- Evidence of severe pain
- Swollen Joints
- Depression
- Lethargic, reluctance to be active
Tick Bites Can be Serious!
Coronavirus
Coronavirus infection is an intestinal disease and is highly contagious.
Some Symptoms:
- Mild diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
This can be fatal if a puppy contracts this infection.
Bordetella
Bordetella is more commonly known as kennel cough. It is a bacterial infection and it is a highly-contagious respiratory disease. Dogs who come in contact with other dogs are susceptible.
Some Symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Coughing spasms
- Lethargy
- Vomiting and or Gagging
Parainfluenza
This is another cause of coughing in dogs. It is a viral respiratory infection. This infection can infect adult dogs and puppies. It can be very severe when combined with Bordetella.
Some Symptoms:
- Fever
- Nasal discharge
- Cough
Distemper
Some Symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Skin lesions
- Pneumonia
- Lethargy
Infectious Hepatitis
Some Symptoms:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Liver and or kidney problems
Rabies
Rabies attacks the central nervous system and the brain. Rabies can be transmitted to humans. It is transmitted mainly through saliva when bitten by an infected animal.
Some Symptoms:
- Dog avoids contact with people
- In the late stages, dog becomes very aggressive
Once infected rabies is always deadly. Vaccination against Rabies is mandated by law to protect not only your dog but humans as well.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial diseasae and can be spread to humans. It can cause blood clotting disorders and or liver failure.
Some Symptoms:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
Parvovirus
This is especially dangerous to puppies and can cause death. Parvovirus normally infects lymph tissue, intestinal lining and bone marrow.
Some Symptoms:
- Severe diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration