What’s Bugging Your Dog? Most Common Dog Diseases Transmitted by Parasites

If you have a dog, then you probably agree that dogs are a breath of fresh air. They have a way of dragging you outside several times a day. Some days, it might be hard to tell who is walking whom — but we all agree that fresh air and sunshine can make any soul feel better. One important step is to make sure that, when you take your best friend outside, he or she is protected from little creatures that might want to bite or latch onto skin and fur because these teeny little bugs can wreak havoc with your world. They also transmit some nasty dog diseases. Changing weather patterns with warmer temperatures and milder winters are contributing to this risk by making it easier for disease-transmitting parasites to survive for more months of the year. Also, people are traveling more around the world with their dogs, picking up and moving diseases to new areas. Take a few moments to armor yourself with the knowledge that can protect your furry friends, your family, and you.

Parasites

If you have a dog, then you probably agree that dogs are a breath of fresh air. They have a way of dragging you outside several times a day. Some days, it might be hard to tell who is walking whom — but we all agree that fresh air and sunshine can make any soul feel better. One important step is to make sure that, when you take your best friend outside, he or she is protected from little creatures that might want to bite or latch onto skin and fur because these teeny little bugs can wreak havoc with your world. They can also transmit some nasty diseases to your pet (or dog). Changing weather patterns with warmer temperatures and milder winters are contributing to this risk by making it easier for disease-transmitting parasites to survive for more months of the year. Also, people are traveling more around the world with their dogs, picking up and moving diseases to new areas. Take a few moments to armor yourself with knowledge that can protect your furry friends, your family, and you. 

Heartworm In Dogs

Mosquitoes spread heartworm to dogs. Therefore, this ​dog ​disease tends to be common in areas with abundant mosquitos; as found in many parts of the world. Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm that can infest any dog, regardless of age or sex, although adult worms take a few months to develop and are not found in very young dogs. Adult heartworms live in the dog’s blood particularly in its heart and adjacent blood vessels. They can grow from 4-12 inches in length, reach maturation one year after infection, and live for approximately 5-7 years. Adult heartworms release offspring, known as microfilariae, into the dog’s blood. When a female mosquito bites an infected animal, it sucks blood containing microfilariae, which then develop inside of the mosquito. They are then transmitted when the mosquito bites another dog.  

Infected dogs may not show clinical signs in the early stages of the disease. Once the disease progresses and the adult worms have developed in the blood vessels, signs of heartworm disease can become apparent. Canine heartworm disease signs are not enough to make the diagnosis, and can include coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy and fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss.  

Heartworms ​in dogs ​are a life-threatening parasite. The earlier they ​are​ detected and treated, the better the chances that your dog will recover with fewer complications. Heartworms​ in dogs​ affect the​ir​ heart by restricting blood flow and can cause damage to other internal organs. The heart may enlarge and become weakened from the increased workload, and heart failure can occur. If untreated, the disease can be fatal. Your veterinarian can run a quick blood test to detect if your dog has heartworms. Further tests, such as chest x-rays, bloodwork, and an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram), may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis, to evaluate the severity of the disease, to evaluate the disease progression in later stages, and to determine the best treatment plan for your dog. 

BABESIOSIS IN DOGS

Ticks spread the parasitic germ (protozoa) Babesia, which causes Babesiosis, to dogs. This parasite infects the dog’s red blood cells leading to lethargy, lack of appetite, fever, heamolytic anemia (where the dog’s red blood cells break down), jaundice (i.e., yellowing of the skin, also called icterus), and weight loss. Specific tests, including blood tests and careful examination of blood smears, are needed to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment can be intensive, and blood transfusions may be required.

ANAPLASMOSIS IN DOGS

Anaplasmosis is a bacterial disease that is transmitted in at least two forms with the scientific names: Anaplasma phagocytophilium and Anaplasma platys. Deer ticks and western black-legged ticks are ticks that can transmit Anaplasma phagocytophilium. This disease affects the white blood cells in dogs, cats, and humans. Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, joint pain, and stiffness appear 1-2 weeks after infection. Anaplasma platys may be transmitted by the brown dog tick. This bacterial disease causes a decrease in platelet count in dogs, and sometimes cats. In addition to the clinical signs above, some animals may also suffer bruising and bleeding due to the decline in platelet count.

EHRLICHIOSIS IN DOGS

Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial disease transmitted to dogs, cats, and humans by the brown dog tick. This disease causes flu-like signs — fever, fatigue, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea — usually within one to three weeks of being bitten by an infected tick. Just as with Anaplasmosis, bleeding disorders can also occur in affected dogs.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM DISEASES

Tiny creatures can make a significant impact! This is why it’s so important to take the necessary precautions to protect your furry friend at all times. Talk to your veterinarian about ways to prevent the spread of ​​disease​s​ to your dog through mosquito, tick, and sandfly bites. Appropriate parasite control is vital and should be administered year-round to reduce the risk of infection that could cause serious harm.