About Dog Illnesses

For your peace of mind, puppy and dog health information on this site has been approved by veterinarian Dr. Megan Teiber, DVM

Vomiting, Diarrhea, Lethargy, Fever

Diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy are extremely common and can be signs of anything from a simple tummy upset to a very serious illness.

If your pup or dog also has a fever he could have a contagious illness

Nasal Discharge, Eye Discharge, Fever, Cough

These four symptoms (or any combination of them) could signal contagious diseases such as

Is it an emergency??

Being able to recognize the signs of a medical emergency in your dog could save his life by helping you to decide whether or not Fido needs an trip to your veterinarian or a 24 hour emergency pet hospital.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease affecting the urinary system, including liver and kidneys. Mainly transmitted through infected urine. It is possible for dogs to transmit Leptospirosis to human family members.

Symptoms:
Loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, fever. More advanced symptoms include jaundice, increased thirst and dehydration due to frequent urination. 

Treatment:
Early antibiotic treatment can lessen the severity and/or duration of this illness.

Parainfluenza

A highly infectious viral infection of the respiratory system. Easy airborne transmission through coughing and sneezing. 

Symptoms:
Include a runny nose, cough and fever.

Treatment:
Mostly supportive, with antibiotics being given for secondary infections.

Rabies

One of the most well-known, and feared, dog illnesses. A severe and usually fatal virus that affects the brain and nervous system. Transmitted through saliva. Once symptoms appear this illness is always fatal to both dogs and humans. 

Symptoms:
Are behavioral and usually include unusual, irrational and frenzied aggression (if your dog was very shy you may see a increased affection or acute shyness if previously friendly). You may also see lack of co-ordination, seizures and the classic foaming at the mouth.

Treatment:
There is no treatment for Rabies and the disease is always fatal.

Canine Hepatitis

Highly contagious viral disease which affects the liver. Starts in tonsils, spreads to lymph nodes, bloodstream and liver. Can be transmitted through urine, feces and saliva. 

Symptoms:
Similar to Distemper. Severe cases can progress rapidly and cause sudden death.

Treatment:
Mainly supportive care which may include IV fluids and medications.

Puppy Strangles

Also known as Juvenile Cellulitis, Puppy Pyoderma, Sterile Granulomatous Dermatitis or Lymphadenitis. Fairly uncommon.

An autoimmune disease which usually appears suddenly in puppies under 4 months of age. May have a hereditary component as some breeds are predisposed to developing it. Needs to be treated quickly to avoid serious, or fatal, consequences.

Symptoms:
Generally begin with generalized swelling of the puppy's face, but the most noticeable symptom is extreme swelling of the lymph nodes under the jaw and around the neck.

As this progresses it looks as though the puppy is being 'strangled' by the swelling, hence the name. Painful pimples and pustules then develop over the head/muzzle/ears.

Swelling might occur in other lymph nodes and joints, pustules may spread across the body, plus a puppy could lose his appetite and/or have a fever.

Treatment of Puppy Strangles:
Treatment usually consists of corticosteroids to reduce the swelling and inflammation, and antibiotics to kill off any secondary infection that has set up in the affected areas.

If your pup has a severe case, other treatments might be needed, or the standard treatment may need to be maintained for a longer period.

Panosteitis

'Pano' is a condition that is most often seen in medium, large or giant breed puppies. Caused by inflammation of the bones, usually in the front legs and it affects puppies between 6 and 18 months old.

A self-limiting disease which means that the majority of puppies will grow out of it without any treatment and without lasting side effects.

Symptoms:
Usually a puppy with Panosteitis will have some pain in his legs, and will limp intermittently. Often displays no sign of tenderness to the touch and will allow leg/s to be felt, moved without complaint.

It's usually worse in the morning, after rest, or at the beginning of a walk or play session. Then the puppy 'walks it off' and seems fine.

Usually a pup will suffer on and off for 3 - 6 months and then recover. Occasionally it can be longer.

Occasionally a pup will have a fever, seem lethargic or lose his appetite as well. If this happens he needs to be seen by a vet because treatment might be needed.

Treatment:
Most puppies recover fully without treatment and Pano is just a nuisance, but if your pup has a lot of pain or other symptoms then your vet might prescribe corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications to help him feel better.

Cancer

Cancer happens when cells grow in an unnatural, out of control, way. These cells are dangerous and can affect not only the organ or area they originate in, but can also spread throughout the body.

Causes can be environment, dietary, genetic and more.

There are so many different types of cancer that dogs can get it's impossible to cover all signs and symptoms but I've included the most common ones. Your dog may have only one of them, or several.

Symptoms:
Lumps or swellings, sores that won't heal, weight loss, apptite loss, lethargy, change in bowel habits or stool appearance, weakness, difficulty breathing, trouble peeing or pooping.

Treatment:
Treatment options vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. Lumps or tumors can be removed. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy... all the options available to humans are available to our dogs too. Not all cancers can be cured even with aggressive treatment. Quality of life should be considered along with quantity.

Health Alert. New Canine Virus Update

Circovirus is a virus which has previously affected only livestock but has now mutated to the point where it has the potential to be a risk to our dogs because it can cross from one species to another.

Main symptoms of Circovirus are bloody diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, weakness & loss of appetite.

Other symptoms can include vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), rapid heart rate and fluid on the lungs.

Quick diagnosis and prompt treatment give your dog the best chance of survival, so be aware of this very small, but real, risk.