Illnesses in Dogs
To keep your dog healthy, it's important to take him to the veterinarian for shots and for checkups. Dogs can contract a variety of illnesses, many of which are treatable if diagnosed early.
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Causes
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Illnesses in dogs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens and fungi. The microsporum canis fungus, parvovirus and spirochete bacteria are common parasites that cause ringworm, diarrhea and vomiting, and Lyme disease, respectively.
Symptoms
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When dogs are sick, they often have symptoms such as a cough, a fever, vomiting, nausea, a runny nose, bloody stools, weight changes, itching, diarrhea, frequent urination, fatigue and a loss of appetite. Most symptoms could signal less or more severe health problems.
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Diagnosis
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A veterinarian will often use a complete blood test to diagnose a dog's condition. A blood test is used to look for irregularities in red and white blood cell counts.
Treatment
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Many illnesses, including arthritis, gastritis and kennel cough, can be treated with antibiotics. Other medications that are prescribed for dogs, depending on their condition, are anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, anti-fungal medications and diuretics.
Prevention/Solution
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Keep your dog healthy by feeding her a diet rich in nutrients, such as vitamin C and zinc, and walking her regularly. You can also reduce stress in your pet's life by playing with her daily.
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