Dogs are definitely great animals to have around as pets. We usually equate them with fun and happy-go-lucky times, and well we should. However, we must be knowledgeable about the common dog diseases that may fall upon our dog so we will know how to treat them when the need arises. Here are several dog diseases and symptoms that we should avoid.

Heartworm is a common ailment that besets canines, especially puppies. It is primarily caused by mosquitoes and the infection it brings is transmitted in the bloodstream and enters the vital organs like the heart and lungs. When this is left untreated, it could eventually lead to congestive heart failure. Watch out for unusual cough and lethargy in the animal.

Parvovirus is one of the most terminal and common dog diseases you must be aware of. Dirty and unsanitary living quarters are to blame for this ailment that attacks the intestines of the poor animal. When they come in contact with contaminated feces, virus sets in and the disease quickly escalates. Symptoms of decreased appetite, vomiting, intense diarrhea and lethargy will show right away. Because this disease is dangerous as it is fast, death will occur after a few short days when appropriate treatment is neglected.

Another disease that is caused by a dirty environment is distemper. To date, no cure for it has been found yet and dogs that have this only have a 50% survival rate - even less for puppies. The symptoms of this include coughing, chest congestion, diarrhea and abnormal excretion in the dog's nose and eyes.

A canine viral disease that most people fear is rabies. Although it is more commonly associated with dogs, raccoons, bats and even cats are also susceptible to this disease. Rabies assaults the animal's nervous system and is spread through saliva. During the first stage the dog will be feverish and have slower eye reflexes. It will advance to aggressive behavior and the eventual failure of the canine's motor movements. When they do have rabies, you need to put them to sleep immediately.

Bloat is a canine disease that is the result of overeating or consuming food too fast. Overeating causes twisting of the stomach which in turn, cuts off the blood supply and traps gas. This is very painful for the dog and usually leads to a quick death. Be alert when your pet eats too fast and too much and look out for depression, dry heaves and restlessness.

Studies show that many of our pets are susceptible to obesity. While it is not generally a fatal condition, it complicates many dog medical conditions and is harmful to its general health. Obese dogs suffer more stress in their vital organs and will be a higher risk if they ever need to be operated on. A good nutritional diet will be beneficial for their over-all health.

The aforementioned dog diseases and symptoms will help you treat your canine's need appropriately. However, it must be said that preventive measures is far better so your pets do not have to undergo through discomfort at all. Exercise, diet and environment are factors to watch to keep them as healthy as possible.

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