The 6 Most Contagious Canine Infections
As a dog owner, knowing the most contagious canine infections is on your to-do list. Only with the right information can we act correctly to ensure the well-being and health of our pets.
Medicine is always advancing, for both humans and animals. This means that many of these illnesses are no longer as common as they used to be. Even so, we must be aware of any illnesses that our pet may be exposed to, whether in a dog park, hotel or elsewhere.
1. Canine distemper, the first of the most contagious canine infections
This is a viral disease that affects the respiratory tract — also known as canine distemper. It is considered the leading cause of death in dogs from infectious diseases. The virus that causes this disease is in the same family as the measles virus, the paramyxovirus. Despite the existence of a vaccine against the virus, the disease has not been eradicated and remains a latent risk.
The disease is transmitted by bodily secretions. Its symptoms are gastrointestinal disturbances and upper respiratory problems. It affects the neurological system and, after that, dogs can experience seizures and even die.
2. Canine Parvovirus
In the list of the most contagious canine infections, parvovirus cannot be left out. This viral disease is very serious and has a rapid evolution. Furthermore, the mortality rate reaches about 90% in untreated dogs. Fortunately, there is a highly effective vaccine against this disease.
The infection causes severe diarrhea, vomiting and regurgitation, which can lead to dehydration and death. The virus is transmitted orally, through fecal or oral transmission.
3. Canine Flu
This illness is caused by the canine flu virus H3N8. It spreads in a way very similar to human flu. That is, it is transmitted through coughing and sneezing.
This is currently a controlled disease. Furthermore, it occurs in animal shelters and not in the general population. However, there is a vaccine, which is generally aimed at the population of animals exposed to a greater risk.
4. Canine infections: leptospirosis
This disease is bacterial, transmitted by contact with the urine of infected animals. It is noteworthy that this disease can also be transmitted to humans. The microorganism first infects the mucous membranes or skin wounds and then passes into the blood. At this stage, the cycle can last from 4 to 12 days. It then invades the renal epithelium and liver parenchyma.
Leptospirosis is a disease that can manifest itself acutely or chronically. Finally, it is worth mentioning that it is treatable with antibiotics. Signs of leptospirosis vary from dog to dog but can include fever, vomiting, thirst, jaundice, and frequent urination or lack of urination.
5. Canine Herpes (CHV)
It’s a viral disease. The infection can be fatal in puppies, although dogs of any age can be affected. This virus can be dormant, so dogs can remain infected for life.
In addition, it is noteworthy that it is common in kennels, where many have positive test results without having suffered major symptoms. However, this condition allows transmission of the virus to other dogs. It is transmitted nasal and oral, in addition to transplacental and venereal.
Finally, there is a vaccine against this disease in the UK. In any case, it is recommended to prevent the infection of young dogs, keeping the puppies warm.
6. Anger
Rabies is a well-known viral disease and the vaccination was so good that it is often forgotten that it is a deadly disease. It is important to remember that rabies is extremely serious for humans. Because of this, we need to be careful and keep the animals up to date with the vaccine against this disease.
It spreads through the bite of an animal that is already contaminated. In this sense, dogs that are in contact with wild animals are at greater risk.
It is important to note that if a dog bites a person and there is no evidence that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, it may be necessary to subject the animal to a period of quarantine or even euthanasia.
