Malaysia’s extreme climate might be perfect for some days and it’s not always the best for your furry companion. Whether your dog loves exploring outdoor places or just cuddling on the couch, plenty of diseases can affect your dog that you might never know.
Dogs are known as the best companions because they provide unconditional companionship and love. They show their care endlessly and serve us best as watchdogs and guard dogs. So it is your responsibility to provide them with the same care. As a responsible pet owner, you should be aware of the health concerns related to your companions.
In this discussion, we will cover the top 10 diseases and their symptoms that you have to look for in your fur baby.
10 Common Dog Diseases in Malaysia
Here are the 10 diseases that every pet owner should be aware of. Let’s learn more about these diseases and their related symptoms.
1. Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a common illness but a silent threat to your dog. It can cause severe heart failure, organ failure, or even death. This disease is transmitted through mosquito bites, and once the worms take residence in your dog’s body, it can affect its overall functioning.
| Symptoms | Prevention |
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Regular vet consultations are necessary as they can help in prevention. In addition, regular medication pills or topical treatments can be highly effective. |
2. Tick fever
The disease is common but serious in Malaysia and is spread by tick bites can lead to serious health issues. The parasites enter your dog’s red blood cells and can lead to anemia, fever, and even organ failure.
| Symptoms | Prevention |
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You can schedule frequent grooming sessions that will help you know the condition. Use tick collars, oral treatments, and spot-on treatments to prevent this issue. |
3. Canine Parvovirus
When it comes to your dog’s health you can’t neglect this silent enemy. Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral infection that affects your dog’s gastrointestinal system. It spreads easily through infected pets, contaminated surfaces, feces, bowls, leashing, and clothing. It causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
| Symptoms | Prevention |
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You can schedule frequent grooming sessions that will help you know the condition. Use tick collars, oral treatments, and spot-on treatments to prevent this issue. |
4. Ringworm
A fungal infection of skin, nails, and hair. It causes circular patches of hair loss, often with a red and inflamed ring. This is usually common in puppies and senior pets with weak immune systems, however, they can be contagious not just to other pets but to human beings too.
| Symptoms | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Circular patches of hair loss on skin which might be itchy and inflamed. | Regular grooming and washing your dog’s bedding can be a healthy preventive measure. Also, avoid your dog’s exposure to infected pets as they can come in contact with the disease. |
5. Rabies
Rabies is a fatal viral infection that can affect the nervous system. This is transmitted through bites from infected animals like stray dogs. It is a zoonotic disease that can be spread from animals to humans. It can result in changes in behavior, difficulty breathing, or aggression.
| Symptoms | Prevention |
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Regular vaccinations are the best way to prevent this disease. Even in Malaysia, rabies vaccination is required by law for pets to ensure their good health, so keep your pet safe with up-to-date vaccinations. |
6. Kennel cough
Kennel cough is caused by bacteria and viruses that affect the dog’s respiratory system. It is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can spread commonly in dogs. Kennel cough is often compared to a human cold, but it still needs your dedicated help.
| Symptoms | Prevention |
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Vaccination is highly needed for your pet, especially during boarding, grooming, or any visit to parks. |
7. Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can affect both humans as well as dogs. It occurs when a dog’s body can’t make enough insulin or effectively use the insulin it makes. It can lead to high blood sugar levels and affect the overall functioning of your dog’s body.
| Symptoms | Prevention |
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Managing diabetes with a healthy and proper lifestyle can give your furry companion enjoy their life in a better way. |
8. Canine Influenza
Canine influenza also called dog flu is caused by a specific flu. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease, caused by type A influenza virus. Dogs of any breed, sex, and age are at risk and get infected.
| Symptoms | Prevention |
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Good hygiene should be maintained and vaccination is needed at times of boarding, grooming, and park visits. |
9. Fungal infections
Fungal infections are caused by various fungi that affect your dog’s skin, ears, and nails. These infections often grow in warm and moist environments and cause skin issues. From itchy skin to dark red spots, this causes a lot of discomfort for dogs.
| Symptoms | Prevention |
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Regular grooming is the key to preventing infections. In addition, you can make your dog bedding clean and comfortable. |
10. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a contagious bacterial infection that can affect your dog’s liver, kidneys, or other organs. A dog can get infected by the bacteria found in contaminated water, soil, and the urine of infected animals. It is a serious disease and needs proper care and attention.
| Symptoms | Prevention |
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Practice good and healthy hygiene and required vaccination to be given at the right times. |
Summing up
These diseases can prove to be harmful and painful for your dogs. Early detection is the key to a healthy and secure well-being. As a responsible owner, you should be aware of the early symptoms in your dog’s body and should take preventive measures to cure them.
But we know that every pet owner has certain confusions in their mind and we’re here to help you with our pet consultation services. Boonuu consultation services ensure the best care for your companion and provide comfort in compassionate care.
However, you should stay updated on your dog’s body changes as prevention is better than cure.
