Spooky Illness #1: Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a very contagious respiratory illness that is spread amongst dogs through direct contact, contaminated objects and airborne germs. The symptoms of kennel cough closely resemble that of the human 'common cold' and include sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms including inappetence, diarrhea or vomiting. The most telltale sign is usually the cough, which is often described as a distinct 'honking'. The best way to protect your pet from kennel cough to ensure they are up to date on the vaccine, which is called the Bordetella vaccine. Although this vaccine does not protect against every strain of kennel cough, it contributes to helping reduce the severity and duration of illness if contracted. In addition to the vaccine, you can help reduce your pet's risk of exposure by avoiding areas that are heavily populated with unfamiliar dogs such as dog parks. This is especially important during outbreaks of respiratory illness!
Spooky Illness #2: Fleas
Fleas are among the spookiest health concern that can plague your pet! They create immense discomfort including severe itchiness, skin irritation and can sometimes even lead to anemia! What's more is that once they make themselves at home on your pets and in your house, it can be very difficult to successfully eradicate them! And although humans are not an adequate host for fleas, they will happily bite humans prior to moving on to a different host, leaving behind itchy, painful welts. The best way to protect your pets (and yourself!) from fleas it to keep your pets on year-round prescription parasite prevention dispensed by your veterinarian.
Spooky Illness #3: Heartworm
Heartworm Disease is a potentially deadly disease caused by the Dirofilaria immitis, or heartworm parasite - a worm that invades and infects the heart of its host. These worms reproduce at a fast rate and can grow up to 14" long, causing serious disruption to the internal body system of their hosts. Heartworm Disease is transmitted (passed) through the bite of an infected mosquito and can affect both dogs and cats. The symptoms of Heartworm Disease can be subtle and are often undetectable until the disease has progressed to a life-threatening severity. The best way to protect your pet from Heartworm Disease is to 1) ensure they are on year-round prescription heartworm prevention dispensed by your veterinarian and 2) perform yearly heartworm tests recommended by your veterinarian in order to catch the disease early in it's progression!
Spooky Illness #4: Giardia
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that affects the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and inappetence. It's a very contagious disease that is passed through fecal matter and both dogs and cats are able to contract it. It can live in the environment for a long time, and is often found in high-trafficked areas where many dogs congregate such as dog parks or doggy daycares. It is diagnosed through a fecal test and is typically treated with oral anti-parasitic medications. The best way to keep your pets protected from giardia is to practice good hygiene when it comes to interacting with environments where many other dogs may be present (pick up poop in a timely manner, discourage your dog from interacting with fecal matter, bathe your dog after social interactions, keep your dog away from high trafficked environments such as doggy daycares during outbreaks, etc). Additionally, perform yearly fecal tests recommended by your veterinarian to catch disease early! Note: Giardia is transmittable to humans, so it's imperative to follow your veterinarian's hygiene recommendations if your pet tests positive for giardia.
Spooky Illness #5: Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis often referred to as 'lepto' for short, is a bacterial infection that is carried by rodents and transmitted through their urine. It's commonly found in water sources such as puddles and streams, which is often how our companion animals come into contact with it. Leptospirosis is mostly a concern for our dogs - while it's possible for cats to contract it, this is rare. Symptoms of leptospirosis include loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, blood spots on eyes or in mouth, yellowing of the skin and eyes, blood in urine and lethargy. It's important to note that Leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning humans can contract it. If your dog becomes infected with leptospirosis, you can contract the disease by coming into contact with their urine. The best way to keep your pet (and you!) protected from leptospirosis is to ensure your dogs are up to date on the yearly vaccine!
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