There are many viral infectious diseases that can affect dogs, some of which are more serious and contagious than others. Some of the most common viral diseases in dogs are:
- Canine influenza: A respiratory infection that causes fever, coughing, nasal discharge, and sometimes pneumonia. It is similar to the human flu but not transmissible to humans.
- Canine parainfluenza: Another respiratory infection that causes coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. It can weaken the immune system and make the dog more prone to secondary infections.
- Parvovirus: A highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and blood loss. It is mainly a disease of unvaccinated puppies and young dogs.
- Canine distemper: A multisystemic disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It causes fever, discharge from the eyes and nose, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and paralysis. There is no cure for the disease and it is often fatal.
- Canine coronavirus: A viral infection that causes mild to moderate diarrhea in dogs. It is usually self-limiting and does not require specific treatment.
- Lyme disease: A bacterial infection transmitted by ticks that causes fever, joint inflammation, lameness, and loss of appetite. It can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early.
- Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection spread by contact with contaminated water or urine. It causes kidney and liver damage, vomiting, jaundice, and bleeding. It can be fatal if left untreated and can also infect humans.
- Giardia: A parasitic infection that causes diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration. It can be treated with antibiotics and is more common in dogs with compromised immune systems or poor hygiene.
- Rabies: A fatal viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system. It is transmitted by bites from infected animals and causes aggression, lack of coordination, paralysis, and death. It can also infect humans and other mammals and is preventable by vaccination²³.
- Hepatitis (Adenovirus): A viral infection that causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage. It can be prevented by vaccination and treated with supportive care.
- Bordetella: A bacterial infection that causes coughing, sneezing, and respiratory distress. It is also known as kennel cough and is common in dogs that are exposed to crowded or stressful environments. It can be prevented by vaccination and treated with antibiotics.
These are some of the most common viral infectious diseases of dogs, but there are others that can also affect them. It is important to keep your dog up to date on their vaccinations, check them regularly for ticks and parasites, and take them to the vet if they show any signs of illness. By doing so, you can help your dog stay healthy and happy.
Source:
(1) 10 Common Infectious Diseases in Dogs | Pet Keen. https://petkeen.com/infectious-diseases-in-dogs/.
(2) Common Canine Diseases – American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/common-canine-diseases/.
(3) The Six Most Common Viral Dog Diseases – Vetinfo.com. https://www.vetinfo.com/six-common-viral-dog-diseases.html.
(4) 11 Most Dangerous Viruses in Dogs – Top Dog Tips. https://topdogtips.com/viruses-in-dogs/.