Three Outbreaks That Could Affect Your Dog

As a dog owner, you should be just as worried about your pup getting sick as you are about yourself. Keep reading to learn more about three of the worst outbreaks affecting dogs across the nation, and what you can do to help your pet stay healthy and safe.

Dog flu

There are several strains of this respiratory virus that dogs can contract, but the most common is H3N8. Since dogs have no natural immunity to any of the strains, they are highly susceptible to contracting the flu. The good news, though, is that the dog flu has a low incidence of death. That being said, you still don’t want your pup to come down with the flu:

• Symptoms: Eighty percent of dogs that contract H3N8 show symptoms. Luckily, the symptoms are pretty easy to recognize as long as you’re paying attention to your dog. The first thing you’ll notice, especially if you have an active dog, is lethargy. Your dog will most likely also have a lack of appetite. After all, who wants to eat when they’re sick? Keep an eye and ear out for excessive coughing and sneezing, too.
• Treatment: Unless your dog develops a more serious condition as a result of the flu, like pneumonia, he will get over the flu in 10 to 30 days by himself. But that doesn’t mean you can just sit there and wait. Speak to your vet about antibiotics, and also about dog vaccinations in Phoenix, AZ. The newly developed flu vaccine has proven to be highly successful.

Parvovirus

Parvovirus attacks white blood cells and can damage the heart muscle in young dogs, causing lifelong cardiac problems. Luckily, there’s an effective vaccine for parvovirus that all dogs should receive when they’re between six and eight weeks old. Your dog should have a yearly vaccine after that:

• Symptoms: Like dog flu, parvovirus is also easy to notice. Severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea are the first signs that your dog is sick. Infected dogs also experience lethargy and severe weight loss.
• Treatment: Take your dog to the vet immediately if you think he or she may have contracted parvovirus. As mentioned above, the best way to avoid contracting parvovirus is to have your dog vaccinated. We have plenty of the vaccine in stock, so be sure to stop by as soon as possible.

Strep zoo

If you’ve never heard of streptococcus zooepidemicus (strep zoo), you’re not alone. This deadly bacteria emerged locally in a Mesa animal shelter a few weeks ago, and is a major cause for concern for any pet owner. This upper respiratory infection passes easily from dog to dog, especially if they’re in an animal shelter:

• Symptoms: Dogs with strep zoo will often cough up blood. You may also see bloody discharge from their nose or mouth. Dogs with strep zoo typically have a high fever, as well.
• Treatment: It’s important to keep your dog up and active if they’re infected with strep zoo. The more they lay around, the higher the risk that they’ll develop pneumonia. Consult your vet immediately for more treatment options.

Don’t risk having a sick pup this year. Bring your dog in to Christown Animal Hospital for dog vaccinations in Phoenix, AZ, and you can rest easy knowing that your four-legged friend will stay happy and healthy throughout 2018.

Categorised in: Dog Vaccinations

This post was written by Writer