The Most Contagious Canine Diseases
Anyone who has a dog must absolutely know the most contagious canine diseases. Only starting from the right information is it possible to act in the right way to ensure the best health of your pets.
Medicine is advancing all the time, and this is true for both humans and animals. This means that many diseases are no longer as frequent as they were in the past.
Despite this, we must be aware of all the diseases to which our animals may be exposed, for example in the park where we take them for a walk, in the pension where we leave them when we go on vacation or in other places.
The most contagious canine diseases
1. Distemper
It is a viral disease of the respiratory tract and is considered the leading cause of death from an infectious disease in dogs. The virus that causes it belongs to the same family as the measles virus, the Paramyxoviruses . Although there is a vaccine against this virus, distemper has not yet been eradicated and continues to pose a latent risk.
This disease is transmitted through body secretions. It causes gastrointestinal discomfort, upper respiratory problems and later affects the nervous system, which is why the dog could suffer from seizures and die.
2. Canine parvo
In the list of the most contagious canine diseases, parvo can not be missing. This viral disease is very severe and rapidly progressing, with a death rate of 90% in untreated dogs. Fortunately, there is a highly effective vaccine.
This infection causes intense diarrhea, vomiting and regurgitation, which can cause dehydration and lead to death. The virus is transmitted orally, through fecal or oral transmission.
3. Canine flu
This disease is caused by the H3N8 canine influenza virus. It spreads much like human flu, through coughing and sneezing.
Fortunately, today it is a controlled disease. It occurs in animal shelters and not in the general population. There is the vaccine, which is generally administered to the population at risk.
4. leptospirosis among the most contagious canine diseases
This disease, also known as field fever, is bacterial in nature; it is transmitted through contact with the urine of infected specimens. It must be emphasized that it is a disease that can be infected with humans.
The microorganism first infects mucous membranes or skin wounds, and then moves on to the blood, a phase that can last from 4 to 12 days. Later, it invades the epithelial tissue of the kidneys and the liver parenchyma.
Leptospirosis is a disease that can manifest itself in an acute or chronic form. It is treated with antibiotic medications and its symptoms vary from one specimen to another, but can include fever, vomiting, thirst, jaundice and frequent urination or, conversely, absence of urination.
5. Canine herpes virus (CHV)
It is a viral disease. The infection can be deadly in puppies, but it can affect dogs of any age. This virus can establish latency, so the dog can have it throughout his life.
It is common in farms, where numerous specimens test positive despite not having experienced major symptoms; the virus can be infected with other dogs via the airways and mouth, as well as via the transplacental and venereal routes.
The canine herpes virus vaccine is available in the UK. It is recommended to prevent infection in newborn puppies by keeping them warm.
6. Anger among the most contagious canine diseases
Rabies is a well-known viral disease and vaccinations are so effective that it is common to forget that it is a deadly disease. It is important to remember that rabies is highly contagious to humans, which is why care must be taken and ensure that animals are vaccinated.
The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal; as for dogs that are in contact with wild animals, they run a greater risk.
Remember that if a dog bites a person, and there is no evidence that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies, it may be necessary to undergo a period of quarantine or even euthanasia.
