5 MOST COMMON DOG DISEASE IN SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa always had different health issues that the world as far as dog health is concerned. And due to water shortage the viruses, bacteria, and parasites got a mileage to multiply and target more and more dogs. Diseases like Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, and etc. are creating records after records in infecting the number of pooches each year. The primary reason behind most of the cases is the ignorance of dog parents regarding vaccinations and preventives.

Therefore, Budget Pet Supplies have come up with a list of 5 Most Common Dog Diseases In South Africa that you need to be aware of to save your pal.

1. Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a disease that happens because when a dog is not vaccinated.  One of the most common deadly diseases around the world, the disease attacks the pooch with a weak immune system. Once your pooch gets affected by this virus it can create a lot of trouble in your dog’s life. The condition gets worse if there is no early treatment.

Prevention-

• Vaccinate your dog regularly to avoid this disease.
• Ask your vet to recommend some nutritional supplements like Medimune tablets
• Make sure that your pups are kept out of open areas like dog parks until they are vaccinated and at least over 3 months of age. The reason being that the viruses stay alive in the environment of the infected dogs so there is a strong chance that your pooch gets infected from these viruses.

Symptoms –

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Bloody diarrhea
• Malaise
• Rapid weight loss
• Vomiting

2. Distemper

Canine distemper is a life-threatening viral disease that, if ignored can damage the nervous systems of your pooch. The symptoms can be similar to upper respiratory infection in humans.

Prevention-

• Again the sad part is that this disease can be sometimes resistant to the treatments and hence vaccination is the only option to keep this infection at bay.

Symptoms -

• Diarrhea
• Hyperkeratinization of pads if the dog suffering from a nervous form of canine distemper 
• Vomiting
• Serious ocular discharge
• Coughing
• Scanty nasal discharge
• Fever
• Blepharitis along with cloudiness of the eye
• Seizures
• Skin Lesions
• Lethargy
• Localized muscle twitching and convulsions

3. Rabies

Rabies is famous all around the world because it can be transmitted to humans and can be fatal. It kills more than 50,000 people annually around the world. When a person gets bitten by a rabid dog they have to be given preventive immediately to prevent the disease.

Timely vaccination of dogs is very crucial because not only to humans the disease is also life taking for dogs. Vets around the world approve this fact.

Prevention-

• To avert the risk of this deadly disease ensure that your dog is vaccinated with anti-rabies vaccination.

Symptoms

The symptoms of rabies are – salivating, aggressiveness, hydrophobia, jaw remains dropped, inability to swallow, and change in tone of bark. Immediately contact a vet if you see these symptoms in any dog and if you get bitten by one, visit a doctor promptly.

4. Dental Disease

Dental diseases are one of the most overlooked health conditions because they are not visible.
If you don’t take good care of your pooch’s teeth there will be a build-up of tartar, gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues. Periodontal disease and other dental disease seem to be not so dangerous but if left untreated, it can lead to heart and kidney problems.

Prevention-

• Good dental care is the ultimate prevention technique.
• Use good dental care products like pet dent toothpaste, pet dent finger brush, pet dent toothbrush, and pet dent fresh breathe oral rinse.
• Brush every day and also there are treats that help clean tartar from your pooch’s teeth.

Symptoms-

• Bad breathe
• Trouble picking up food
• Refusing treats that require chewing
• Bloody gums
• Loose teeth

5. Parasitic Infestations

Parasitic infestations are also prevalent worldwide. Parasites like worms, fleas, and ticks feed on blood and other nutrition of your pal’s body. These infestations initially can seem harmless but in later stages, they can cause some serious health issues. Tick infestation can also transmit other dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, rocky mountain spotted fever, and etc.

And parasites like heartworms can prove lethal if preventives are not used.

Prevention-

• Keep your pal on monthly or three monthly flea and tick treatments and de-wormers.
• Ensure that your pet is on heartworm preventives year round.
• Keep a check on the environment and keep it parasite free.
• Use flea and tick collars if you go out with your pooch for camping or hiking.

Symptoms-

Symptoms are vast because there are many parasites but some common symptoms are –

• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Anemia
• Diarrhea (in case of worm infestations)
• Getting tired too quickly and panting( Heartworm infestation)
• Itching
• Reddened skin
• Hair loss

So, hope the information will be helpful to you. Love your pet and make sure that no disease can touch your companion. For any queries, you can email us on- support@BudgetPetSupplies.co.za

Be informed be safe