10 Most Contagious Diseases in Dogs

Below we have tried to compile a list of the most common diseases your dogs may suffer from during their lifetime. However, some diseases that are not listed here may also be seen in the city where you live. You can ask your veterinarian for more information on common diseases in your area.

Some diseases are called zoonosis. For zoonotic diseases, we can say diseases transmitted from humans to other living things and from our pets to us. Some diseases (scabies, ringworm) are transmitted to humans from surfaces that come into contact with your dog, such as brushes, collars, bedding.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is highly contagious and viral. Puppies are usually infected through airborne virus particles or respiratory secretions from infected dogs. Infected dogs typically present with eye discharge, fever, snot, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and paralysis. It is usually fatal.

Fortunately, there is an effective vaccine to protect your dog from this deadly disease. The canine youth vaccine is considered a “essential” vaccine and is recommended for every dog. This is the reason why it is included in the routine vaccination program.

Canine Influenza

Canine flu is caused by the Canine influenza virus. It is a relatively new disease in dogs. Because most dogs are not exposed to the virus, their immune systems cannot fully respond to the virus, and many experience intense illness when exposed. Canine influenza is spread through respiratory secretions, contaminated objects (including surfaces, food containers, leashes and belts). The virus is highly contagious as it survives for up to 48 hours on surfaces, 24 hours on clothing, and up to 12 hours on people’s hands.

Dogs can spread the virus without even showing signs of illness; which means that an apparently healthy dog can still infect other dogs. Dogs with canine influenza have a cough, fever, and a snotty nasal discharge.

Canine Parvovirus (“parvo”)

Parvo is caused by canine parvovirus type 2. The virus is very contagious and attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing fever, vomiting, and severe and often bloody diarrhea. It is transmitted by direct contact between dogs, as well as by contaminated faeces, surfaces, food and water containers, collars, and people’s hands. They also live in the soil for years, making it easier for the virus to spread. Parvo treatment is very expensive and fatal despite intensive treatment.

Prevention from this disease should be your basic principle and vaccination is the best way to be protected.

External Parasites (Ticks, Fleas and Scabies)

Ticks, fleas and external parasites such as mange are fairly common canine problems. Ticks, fleas and mange from the environment and other dogs pose a risk to healthy dogs. Ticks can transmit some diseases while sucking blood. Fleas can transmit many diseases as well as some tapeworm species.

Many external parasite medications are available to effectively prevent and treat external parasites in dogs.

A mite called Cheyletiella causes “walking dandruff” in dogs (itching and scaly dandruff on the dog’s trunk). They spread from dog to dog through direct contact.

Tick-borne diseases (hemobartonellosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, rickettsial diseases such as Lyme disease and others)

Various diseases that can infect dogs are spread by ticks, including Lyme disease and others. These diseases can cause anemia (blood loss), lameness, weakness, lethargy, organ failure, and even death. The best way to prevent these diseases is to prevent tick bites. There are many products available that reduce tick bites and kill ticks in dogs. In addition, you should regularly use preventive drugs against external parasites for your dog.

Fungal Infections

Skin rashes are most often caused by a fungal infection of the skin. An infected dog can spread it through contact with his bed or something. The fungus can also live in the soil. Ringworm gets its name because it often causes circular hair loss. Many dogs recover without treatment, but they are treated to prevent the infection from spreading to other dogs or humans.

Fungal Infections (Blastomycosis, Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis, Coccidioidomycosis, etc.)

Fungal organisms in the soil can infect dogs when they eat or smell contaminated soil. Dogs can also become infected through the skin, especially through a skin wound. Types of mushrooms seen; histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, cryptococcosis, coccidioidomycosis, Histoplasmosis.

Generally, the fungus is inhaled and causes fever, cough, lethargy, and flu- or pneumonia-like symptoms. If ingested, digestive problems (eg, pain, diarrhea) may occur. Dogs that are immunocompromised (dogs whose immune systems have been weakened by illness or certain medications) are much more likely to become infected with these fungi and develop illness.

Heartworm

Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and can cause coughing, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, heart disease and death. Fortunately, there are many medications available to prevent heartworm infection. Ask your veterinarian about the best product for your dog.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites such as worms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms are the most common parasites in dogs. They are transmitted to other dogs when they eat eggs and contaminated soil in the dog’s feces, lick contaminated fur or paws, or drink water contaminated with the feces of infected dogs. Tapeworms are also transmitted to dogs when they eat rodents infected with fleas, lice, or tapeworms.

These worms can cause malnutrition (as they steal nutrients as food is digested) and diarrhea. Hookworms can attach to the intestinal wall, suck blood and cause blood loss. There are many products available to treat worms and you should consult your veterinarian for suitable products for your pets.

Coccidia and Giardia are single-celled parasites that damage the intestinal lining. Dogs can become infected with coccidia by eating infected soil or licking contaminated paws or fur. Puppies are at high risk of infection and disease.

Kennel Cough (Dog Farm Disease)

Dog cough can be caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria. It is very contagious and your dog can become infected if he comes into contact with an infected dog. Dogs with kennel cough may not appear sick in the early stages of the disease, but they can still infect other dogs. Most commonly, dogs with Kennel cough will have a runny nose and a dry, cutting cough.

There are vaccines for kennel cough, but not all dogs need to be vaccinated. Consult your veterinarian about whether the kennel cough ( Bordetella ) vaccine is right for your dog.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is caused by strains of the bacterium Leptospira. Bacteria are shed in the urine of infected animals. Animals and humans often become infected by drinking contaminated water or coming into contact with contaminated soil or food. Dogs infected with Leptospira may develop fever, muscle weakness, vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, and kidney or liver failure. There is a vaccine for leptospirosis, and some vaccines include canine distemper combination vaccines, Leptospira vaccine.

Rabies

It is the most frightening disease of mammals and is 100% fatal. The virus is spread either through the bite of an infected animal or through saliva that gets into a skin wound. In addition, any contact with wildlife (including bats) may present the risk of rabies infection. Raccoons, skunks and other wild animals can carry the rabies virus and can be found in areas where dogs congregate.

Fortunately, rabies infection can be prevented with vaccination.