Having a dog can be a fantastic experience, especially when shared with family and friends. However, the responsibility of owning a dog means having to take care of any disease or infections they might contract along the way. Older dogs are more prone to sickness, but even younger dogs can catch an illness or get an infection. Whether you own a dog or are considering getting one, it’s essential to be aware of the common issues a dog can have during its lifetime so you can adequately prepare for or prevent them.

Lyme Disease

It’s no secret that our canine friends enjoy spending time outdoors, running free and eating what they’re not supposed to. That time outdoors can expose them to things like ticks that carry diseases. Ticks carry the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which can be transferred by a single  bite. The disease can stay on the skin or move to other organs in the body. This can also affect humans, so make sure you’re wearing long pants and covering up your skin when hiking through any wooded areas. Try to avoid tall grassy areas with your dog if possible, and always check your dog for any small spots when you come back from a walk or a hike. If caught early, Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotic medication.

Diabetes

Diabetes in pets is not what usually comes to mind when thinking about dog diseases, but dogs are just as prone to diabetes as humans. Diabetes stems from issues with insulin. Lack of insulin causes blood sugar levels to rise, which can lead to other problems. It’s hard to say exactly what causes diabetes in dogs, but to do your best to prevent it, keep your dog active and eating healthy. The older your dog gets, the more likely it will develop medical problems, so do everything you can to keep your dog fit. 

Keep Treatment Costs in Mind

If your dog ever gets ill, there will likely be medications needed to fight bacterial infections. In some serious cases, your pet may need surgery. If you don’t currently own a dog but are considering getting one, keep in mind that your dog has the potential to be a bigger financial investment beyond food, water, and haircuts. Surgeries or medications can be quite expensive, particularly if they are needed on a recurring basis. Before you get a pet, it’s recommended that you have a line item in your budget to account for any pet problems that may arise. This could be something specifically for pets, or it could be an account you have set up for broader emergencies. If you don’t have enough cash on hand, make sure you’re building up your credit score in case you need to take out a loan to pay for surgery or medications. You don’t want to be caught off guard by the unexpected costs associated with getting your dog back to good health.

Rabies

Rabies is a very dangerous and fatal disease. It’s most common among wild animals and can spread through bites. There is a vaccine, so get your dog vaccinated if they aren’t already. While preventable with a vaccine, if your dog is bitten by an animal that possibly has rabies, take your dog to the vet to be inspected. Use any medication or additional shots if it is recommended by the veterinarian. 

Heartworm

Heartworm is caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, and spreads through mosquitos. Dogs host the parasite in the heart and lungs. It’s hard to spot symptoms of heartworm because it can be living inside a dog for years before the dog shows any decline in health. It is very deadly once the worms grow, so the best way to avoid this altogether is through proper preventative medicine. Most forms of heartworm medication are chewable for dogs and can be prescribed by a veterinarian. 

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection, and not actually a worm. According to PetMD, Microsporum and Trichophyton are the two most common types of fungal organisms that can cause the disease. Symptoms include hair loss and dry, inflamed skin. Ringworm is highly contagious, as it’s possible to spread from humans to dogs, and dogs to humans. It’s most easily contracted if there is an open wound. The skin naturally protects from diseases entering the body, but if anything gets in a wound, it can be easily infected. Try to avoid letting your dog dig outside, as ringworms can live in soil and get on your dog’s body that way. If your dog does show symptoms, your veterinarian can apply treatment by bathing the dog with a special antifungal shampoo and giving medication. Be aware that cats and humans can also get ringworm, so one pet could infect others in the household. 

Conclusion

Healthy hygiene and diet is the easiest way to prevent your dog from contracting one of the many diseases a dog can get. Younger and older dogs with a weaker immune system may be more prone to disease, so make sure they are getting the proper medication and exercise to stay healthy. If your dog starts showing symptoms of these diseases, call your veterinarian immediately to properly diagnose the issue, and begin treatment as soon as possible.