Dog Diseases

Dog diseases can have many different causes. Below you will find an overview with some basic information about common diseases in dogs.

Infectious Diseases In Dogs

There are different types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can be dangerous for dogs. While bacteria can not only survive in the outside world but can also multiply and move, viruses are usually dependent on hosts and carriers. They use the cellular system of the affected animal to reproduce. Parasites range from unicellular creatures such as Babesia (a blood parasite) to insects (e.g. fleas), arachnids (ticks, mites), or worms.

Infectious diseases are generally less of a problem for healthy dogs with an active immune system than for old, weakened animals or pregnant bitches and puppies. Their immune systems are less able to defend themselves when an infectious agent enters the body. They must therefore be given special protection, e.g. by vaccinations or increased hygiene.

Incidentally, parasites are rarely fatal to their host. They usually do not pose a life-threatening threat to otherwise healthy animals. There is a very simple reason for this: if they kill their host, they lose their own livelihood. A massive infestation with e.g. worms can still put too much strain on the organism and seriously weaken the host animal – in this case, the dog.

Some germs that cause dog diseases are also dangerous for humans. These are referred to as zoonotic pathogens.

Common and well-known infectious diseases in dogs are:

• kennel cough
• distemper
• parvovirus
• demodicosis
• Lyme disease

Metabolic Diseases In Dogs

Metabolic diseases include those in which hormones are out of balance or enzymes are not working properly.

These include e.g.:

• Diabetes mellitus (diabetes)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) / Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Addison’s disease
• cancer in dogs

Neoplasia is another word for tumor or growth; This is used to describe all canine cancers. In benign tumors, the uncontrolled growing cells form a tight knot. This damages the surrounding tissue mainly by taking up space and exerting pressure, so that neighboring cells die. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow into the neighboring tissue and literally “eat away” it. They also often form metastases, i.e. new tumors that sometimes spread throughout the body. Tumor cells can also increase the activity of the tissue of origin. For example, if they are in an organ that produces hormones, the hormone levels can rise as a result of cancer growth.

Some important tumors are:

• Mammary tumors (mammary groin tumors)
• papillomas (warts)
• Malignant lymphoma (lymph gland cancer)
• hemangiosarcoma

Genetic Dog Diseases

Many diseases have at least a genetic component. If a dog has certain genes, it can be more susceptible to certain diseases. However, there are also directly genetic diseases that only occur in dogs with a corresponding genetic defect.

Breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs, for example, often suffer from respiratory tract deformities caused by selection for a short, round head. However, malformations of other organs can also be present across all breeds. Malfunctions in the immune system or hormone-producing organs can also be genetic.

Age-Associated Diseases

With increasing age, the repair mechanisms of the cells become less and less effective. As a result, ligaments become less elastic, joints become stiffer, injuries heal more slowly and muscle mass decreases.

Common diseases of old age are:

• Osteoarthritis (changes in the articular cartilage)
• Cognitive dysfunction (“canine Alzheimer’s”)
• Cataract / lens opacity (cataract)

Posture-Related Dog Diseases

Environmental conditions can also make a dog ill. If he is kept and/or fed incorrectly, corresponding problems arise.

• obesity (obesity)
• Poisoning (e.g. chocolate, indoor plants)

It should not be forgotten at this point that dogs can also feel psychological stress. This can weaken them so that they are attacked by infectious diseases more quickly because negative stress impairs the function of the immune system. However, it can also lead to behavioral changes and abnormalities. Stressed and/or anxious dogs often become aggressive.

However, behavioral disorders also arise early in the dog’s life as a result of incorrect imprinting in the puppy phase and a lack of familiarization with everyday stimuli.

The above classification of dog diseases is not set in stone: Some diseases can be sorted into several categories. For example, papillomas (warts) are tumors but are caused by a virus, so they can also be seen as infectious diseases.