Nothing can compare to the love of a dog. Through thick and thin, your dog is there for you. You may even think of your dog as if he or she is your child. As such, keeping your beloved pet healthy matters most. But even when you feed your dog high-quality food and make sure he exercises regularly, illness can occur. In fact, there are several conditions that you can catch as well.
Worms
It’s not uncommon for puppies to have worms. In fact, they’re born with them, so it’s important to start deworming as soon as the vet gives the okay. However, if your dog does develop a parasite that leads to worms, you can catch it as well. According to Petful, roundworms are highly contagious and easily transmitted via dog excrement. Always make sure you clean up after your dog goes to the bathroom, and wash your hands thoroughly.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease, or Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted by tick bites. Symptoms of Lyme disease can vary. It’s not always easy to diagnose the condition in dogs. In fact, it’s usually only diagnosed via blood tests after the pet exhibits lethargy, lack of appetite or has a history of tick removal. Humans infected with Lyme disease suffer from a variety of symptoms. According to Darras Law, aside from the well-known bulls-eye rash, symptoms include fever, head and body aches, fatigue, meningitis, migraines, muscle impairment, and joint pain.
Rabies
While not nearly as prevalent as before, rabies can still affect both you and your dog. Rabies is contracted when your dog is bitten by another animal carrying the disease. According to PetCareRX, dogs infected with rabies may exhibit a change in bark, seizures, lethargy, and drooling. In humans, the symptoms often include fever, drooling, confusion, headaches, and body aches. When it comes to treating rabies, it’s important to get your dog’s initial vaccination and then follow up with routine booster shots. In addition, even with inoculation, always inform the vet if you suspect your dog has been bitten by an infected animal. If you get bitten or scratched by an animal you think might be rabid, you should also make sure to visit your doctor to make sure you haven’t been infected as well.
Just like children, having a dog is an enormous responsibility. If you’ve been thinking of getting a dog, make sure you are prepared and able to give her the love, time and routine medical care she needs to thrive. Also, take time to educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of the aforementioned conditions and what to do if you suspect infection.
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