6 Common Diseases That Street Dogs Are Vulnerable To
6 Common Diseases That Street Dogs Are Vulnerable To
Street dogs are prone to various diseases. These diseases are transmitted by way of contact with infected dogs or other animals. Even humans can transmit diseases from one dog to another dog by petting or handling an infected dog, sharing beds, brushes, etc. between dogs. However, vaccines can help prevent most of these diseases.
If you or someone encounters an injured or ill dog on the road, you can search for ‘street dog helpline number near me’ on the internet and get in contact with a reputed animal NGO like VASTRA.
6 Common Diseases That Street Dogs Are Vulnerable To
Below we have listed 6 common diseases that street dogs are prone to:
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Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is caused by a very contagious virus and is a deadly disease. Street dogs and puppies can contract this disease by airborne exposure i.e. sneezing or coughing and also by bodily fluids.
Symptoms: Infected dogs typically develop a snotty nose, fever, coughing, runny eyes, diarrhoea, seizures, vomiting, and paralysis.
Vaccine: Although fatal, canine distemper can be prevented through vaccination.
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Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a fatal disease that spreads by direct contact between dogs, exposure to surfaces, contaminated stool, clothes, and more. It is highly contagious. The objects and surfaces which are exposed to the virus remain contaminated for a long period of time and it becomes hard to get rid of the virus.
Symptoms: Fever, severe diarrhoea, and blood-filled vomiting, as it attacks the gastrointestinal system.
Treatment: Intensive treatment and medication are required.
Vaccine: Is available to prevent the disease.
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Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is caused by a combination of bacteria and virus. It spreads easily by contact with an infected dog and is contagious. Initially dogs that contract this disease don’t show any symptoms, but can still infect other dogs.
Symptoms: Dry, hacking cough and snotty nose are the most common symptoms,
Vaccine: Yes, available.
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Rabies
Rabies spreads through saliva and is an incurable viral infection. It is transmitted by bites from infected animals. There is no effective treatment available for rabies.
Symptoms: Aggression, lack of coordination, seizures and paralysis.
Vaccines: It is advised to get vaccines for rabies at the earliest so as to avoid contracting it. It can be fatal, if not treated quickly.
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Tick-borne diseases
External parasites like ticks and fleas attach themselves to animals and transmit tick-borne diseases. Such diseases are transmitted when an infected tick bites a dog or a human. The most common tick-borne diseases are Lyme, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and more. If tick-borne diseases are left untreated, they can have serious consequences on both dogs and people.
Prevention: By using anti-tick shampoos, medicines, etc. you can prevent ticks from attaching and living on dogs.
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Skin allergies and ear infections
Dogs often suffer from skin allergies and ear infections which can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. Mostly they are caused by yeast build-up in the ears, bacteria, diet-related issues, environmental factors, and flea-related allergies.
Symptoms: Common signs of allergies and infections are whining, pawning at the ears, shaking the head, and biting or scratching the skin repeatedly.
While the causes for allergies and infections are many, it is important that dogs must get treatment before the allergies or infections get worse.
Street dogs are more vulnerable to the diseases mentioned above and as many are highly contagious, they spread rapidly and can be fatal due to non-treatment. VASTRA, an NGO in India for healthcare of animals works for the betterment of these street dogs and to provide them with the care and protection they deserve. Apart from animal welfare, we are also a reliable NGO for education, health, and infrastructure development.
