Some diseases in dogs are viral, parasitic, contagious, or even fatal.
They can affect certain animals depending on their age (puppy or elderly dog), their size... Overview of the most common diseases.
To discover
What to plant, sow or harvest in March?
Hip dysplasia
Of joint origin, this disease is a malformation of the hip.
It more often affects large dogs (like the Golden Retriever) and causes premature wear of the cartilage in this area.
The causes can be genetic or linked to the dog's eating habits.
This disease is seen in growing dogs.
The animal may limp, be stiff, have difficulty moving or resist exercise.
This disease is treated with surgery.
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence in dogs most often affects older and sterilized female dogs.
Incontinence is sometimes a symptom of a more serious illness, which is why it is essential to consult a veterinarian if this happens to your dog.
The treatment is most often surgical, but if this is not possible, your companion will need to be fitted with mattress pads.
Urinary infection or cystitis
Cystitis in dogs is identical to that in humans: inflammation of the walls of the bladder.
The animal has a frequent urge to urinate which causes pain during urine flow, which is very small in quantity.
The presence of this disease is noted in dogs when they bend their back while urinating.
The disease can easily be treated with antibiotics after examination by the veterinarian.
Good to know
To reduce this risk, the animal must drink more (fresh water, change the water several times a day).
Renal failure
Kidney failure in dogs can be chronic or acute.
This is an inability of the kidneys to process materials that enter the body.
The balance is broken.
This disease causes general discomfort in dogs.
It is most often diagnosed in dogs that are over 7 years old.
In cases of acute renal failure, antibiotics are recommended.
If the infection is chronic, hospitalization and a switch to a specific diet should be considered.
Good to know
Up-to-date vaccinations and a healthy lifestyle reduce the possible causes.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a disease that affects mammals, it is very common in dogs.
It can be transmitted to humans.
It is caused by a bacteria present in stagnant water (contaminated by rat urine for example) and soil.
Dogs can also catch it through direct contact with rodents.
This serious illness manifests itself by fatigue, digestive problems (diarrhea, vomiting) and possibly jaundice.
Hospitalization is often necessary.
A vaccine is strongly recommended to prevent leptospirosis.
Good to know
Dogs become infected when they drink or bathe.
Distemper
Distemper is a serious contagious infectious disease, also called “young dog disease”.
The virus is transmitted by oral-nasal contact from one dog to another.
It affects internal organs, such as the intestine, the respiratory system and the urinary system.
It can be observed in cases of abnormal tearing, swollen nose or pads, cough, vomiting or fever.
There is no effective treatment, which is why a vaccine is strongly recommended.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a serious, potentially fatal viral disease that primarily affects unvaccinated puppies and dogs.
Caused by a virus, it suppresses the immune system and exposes the animal to numerous diseases.
Dogs are contaminated through oral or nasal contact with sick peers.
Very contagious, this disease requires vital diagnosis of the animal, it is therefore strongly recommended to have it vaccinated against parvovirus.
Disease |
Symptoms |
vaccine |
Hip dysplasia |
Abnormal gait, hindlimb lameness, signs of stiffness when getting up, lying down and climbing stairs, reluctance to run and jump |
No |
Urinary incontinence |
Urinary leakage: inability to control urination, urinating without realizing it while walking or sleeping |
No |
Urinary infection or cystitis |
Urine in inappropriate places (basket, etc.), has difficulty holding it in, often urinates in small quantities, signs of severe pain |
No |
Renal failure |
Urinary problems, loss of appetite, depression, diarrhea, vomiting |
No |
Leptospirosis |
Fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, joint and/or muscle pain, eye and/or nasal discharge |
Yes |
Distemper |
Fever, severe depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, difficulty breathing, purulent nasal discharge, watery eyes, conjunctivitis, uveitis, blindness, thickening of the pads, nose, pustules, loss of balance, paralysis, convulsion |
Yes |
Parvovirus |
Fatigue, fever, signs of abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting with blood, refusal to eat or drink, severe dehydration |
Yes |