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There are approximately 78 million owned dogs in America, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Only the housecat is more common, and that is only because their owners tend to have more than one feline. Dogs are actually more popular on a house-to-house basis. Around thirty-nine percent of US households own as least one dog, compared to just thirty-three percent for cats. Why the discrepancy? It comes down care. Dogs generally require more attention and more care than cats. Few pet owners would argue with that statement. Felines are typically more independent than their canine counterparts. They do need to be walked or groomed on a regular basis, like most dogs. It is also fact that dogs are more susceptible to sickness and disease than cats. As a result, they generally live shorter lives and are more expensive to care for. It is also why the average cat owner spends less on vet visits than the average dog owner. Of course, this doesn't make us love them any less. It may even make us love them more! Common Ailments Like most living creatures, dogs are more likely to get sick when they are either very young or very old. There are a number of common conditions, diseases, and disorders that all dog owners should be aware of. Let us take a moment to review them. Rabies Any pet owner who has ever seen the movie "Cujo" knows that rabies is bad news. A viral disease that is contracted from other infected animals, rabies attacks the central nervous system and is spread through the saliva. The first stage of the disease is often mistaken for a simple fever, but things tend to go downhill from there. Dogs with rabies may not become Cujos, but they typically grow more aggressive, even violent as the disease progresses. There is no known cure for rabies, and dogs that contract it must be euthanized as soon as possible. Fortunately, there is a vaccine for both dogs and human beings. If you reside in a rustic area, it is always a good idea to have your dog vaccinated at an early age. Even though rabies vaccination is mandatory in all states, it has been reliably estimated that nearly half of all dogs are not vaccinated. Remember, the only way to prevent rabies with absolute certainty is to have your furry friend vaccinated. Distemper According to most veterinarians, distemper is the most serious condition a dog may encounter. Like rabies, there is no known cure. Distemper is contracted through the excrement of other infected canines. Adult dogs that get the disease survive about half of the time, while puppies usually die. Once again, like rabies, the disease attacks the central nervous system, which may lead to paralysis or death. Common symptoms include coughing, chest congestion, diarrhea, and nose and eye discharges. Though there is no cure, prescription medications are needed to combat dehydration and the vomiting. Antibiotics can also reduce the risk of secondary infections and increase the chances of survival. Heartworm Heartworm is easily the most common and the most eminently treatable disease we have discussed today. Spread by infected mosquitoes, only a small percentage of dogs that contract the disease will ultimately succumb to it. Because they have immature immune systems, puppies are far more likely to come down with heartworms than adult dogs. They are also far more likely to die from it. All puppies should receive a vaccination to prevent infection. They should also be checked at least twice a year for early detection. Even dogs that have full-blown cases of heartworms can be treated with prescription medications. Early symptoms include mild fatigue, a nagging cough, and restlessness. If left untreated, heartworms may result in congestive heart failure. Monthly heartworm medications are available in flavored chewable tablets. Dog owners should look for tablets that not only protect their pets from heartworm, but also from roundworms and hookworms. Parvovirus Like distemper, parvovirus is contracted though infected fecal matter that a dog may consume while out on a walk. Unlike distemper, the disease is expeditious and aggressive. Symptoms typically appear only a few hours after contraction. Parvovirus attacks the animal's intestines, which often results in violent vomiting and diarrhea. Loss of appetite and depression are other common symptoms. The only good news is that this virulent virus can be prevented if your dog is vaccinated prior to infection. If not, the odds are only about fifty-fifty that your pet will survive. He must be taken immediately to an emergency animal hospital where they will attempt to save his life with a battery of antibiotics and injections of subcutaneous fluids. Time is of the essence and it may be possible to cheat death if the vet can keep your dog properly hydrated. Prescription medications for your furry friend can be purchased safely and affordably from online pharmacies. Phillip Collins is a freelance writer who writes about pet care and products such as dog medicine.
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