Infection, illness and viruses can quickly spread from your dog to others. Here, our Yucaipa vets will explain three contagious diseases and what you should do if your pet may be showing signs or symptoms associated with one of them.
What do my dog's symptoms mean?
As dog owners, it is critical to understand some of the common illnesses that may also be some of the most contagious for our canine companions. Here, our Yucaipa veterinary team walks you through three common and contagious ailments—Parvovirus, Kennel Cough and Ringworm—and what you should do if your dog is showing symptoms of any of them.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus —also just called Parvo—is an extremely contagious illness and is often fatal. This is a viral disease that occurs when a dog comes into contact with feces from another infected dog.
The symptoms of parvovirus include dehydration, vomiting, lethargic behavior, a loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea and more. The virus can live for months, even on inanimate objects. It is capable of being spread to people too.
The best way for you to combat potential infection with parvovirus is through routine vaccinations, most importantly when your dog is still a puppy. Parvovirus currently cannot be killed by any available medications.
If you dog is displaying any of these symptoms, please contact your vet as soon as possible.
Kennel Cough
Does it sound like your dog is almost honking while they cough? This could be a sign of kennel cough—a form of bronchitis.
Like a chest cold in people, symptoms of kennel cough can include coughing, hacking and sometimes nasal discharge and phlegm. Kennel cough can sometimes also lead to fevers and, in more serious cases, pneumonia.
While kennel cough usually clears up on its own, it's very contagious for other dogs your pet may come in contact with. If these symptoms match your dog's, immediately isolate him or her from other animals and contact your vet.
Ringworm
Despite the name of this illness, ringworm isn't a parasite like a tapeworm or a heartworm. It is actually a highly contagious fungus affecting your dog's skin and spreads quickly throughout places with lots of dogs together.
Some of the most common symptoms of a ringworm infection are lesions and patchy, red spots in your dog's coat. However, a dog can also carry ringworm with no visible symptoms at all.
Ringworm doesn't just affect your pets, though — it can also spread to humans. If you think your dog might be experiencing a skin problem, it's important to see your vet for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.