Even though many organizations are working towards improving the health of stray dogs, they are still vulnerable to several diseases. There are several reasons to contribute to their deteriorating health. Exposure to contaminated water, lack of vaccinations and medical attention, and poor nutrition are reasons why viral stray dog diseases arise. Stray dogs also suffer from physical injuries, which may cause severe infections. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that living conditions are miserable for these fur babies.
It is important to note that stray dogs are not inherently more prone to viral diseases than fancy breeds. However, their circumstances can increase their risk of illness and infection. Nonetheless, it is up to humans to enhance their lives by conducting regular vaccinations.
4 Viral Stray Dog Diseases
Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
CPV, or as we call it, “parvo,” is a highly contagious viral disease that attacks a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. It generally affects puppies and young dogs. CPV can spread through contact with infected feces or vomit and survive in the environment for an extended period. It is one of the most common diseases found in Indian stray dogs.
Symptoms: Symptoms of Parvo include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, diarrhea with blood or mucus, and bloating in some cases.
Treatment: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent CPV. However, the first medication for dogs struggling with it is to control vomit and diarrhea. Some cases may require hospitalization. Although, a profound treatment for Parvo is yet to not discovered. Some IV Fluids, anticonvulsants, and antibiotics can control the infection.
Rabies
Rabies is the disease that scares most people. It is a viral disease that transmits to humans through the bite of an infected animal. Therefore, rabies is dangerous for dogs as well as hampers human health. The rabies virus attacks the nervous system, causing brain and spinal cord inflammation. Rabies is fatal if not treated early.
Symptoms: Rabies can cause sudden changes in a dog’s behavior, and they tend to become more aggressive and restless. Excessive salivation and drooling is the most noticeable symptom of rabies in dogs. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, paralysis, and seizures.
Treatment: A rabies-infected dog must receive a rabies vaccine immediately. The vaccine can only help prevent the disease’s onset, not completely cure it. The vaccine is most effective when received within a few days of exposure.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a parasitic disease that can damage a dog’s heart, lungs, and other organs. Stray dogs are more prone to parasitic disease due to a lack of preventive treatments. Its leading cause is a parasitic worm called Dilofilaria immits, transmitted by infected mosquitos.
Symptoms: Symptoms of heartworm disease in dogs include coughing, lethargy, weight loss, difficulty breathing, and a swollen abdomen. In some advanced cases, dogs may suffer heart failure and other serious complications.
Treatment: Prevention is the best way to protect stray dogs from heartworm disease. Many FDA-approved preventive medications are available in chewable tablets or topical treatments. Heartworm disease treatments are expensive, and it is hard to supply medicines to all street dogs. Thereby, many stray dogs die at the hands of this disease.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by contagious drinking water from rivers, streams, and lakes. The life of stray dogs has reached a point where they must consume contaminated food and water to survive. Leptospirosis can also spread by contacting infected animals or their urine. The bacteria can enter the body through mucus membranes or cuts and scratches.
Symptoms: In severe cases, dogs may develop kidney or liver failure, which is life-threatening. Other than that, Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms ranging. Common symptoms include fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Treatment: Treatment for Leptospirosis includes antibiotics to kill the bacteria and prevent complications. Humans can be of great help to dogs to avoid Leptospirosis by providing clean drinking water.
A stray dog has to go through many difficulties in life. And there are many situations where humans can help stray dogs. If nothing, a call to the veterinarian counts as a life-saving effort. And for minor infections, people can simply consult a vet online. That being said, Jaldee Vets provides free online consultations in support of the #StrayLivesMatter initiative.