Common Dog Diseases and Prevention – Real Guide for Indian Dogs

Common Dog Diseases and Prevention

Dogs are like family, but many owners in India treat them like accessories.
This is why a lot of dogs suffer from preventable diseases — not because the disease is rare, but because owners don’t know the real signs or they ignore early symptoms.

In India, dogs face specific problems due to:

• heat and humidity

• stray dog population

• poor hygiene

• low awareness about vaccination

• bad quality food

• lack of proper vet care

This article will not give you generic information. It will tell you what actually happens, what to watch for, and how to prevent it without wasting money

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1. Parvovirus (Parvo) – The Most Dangerous Disease for Puppies

What is Parvo?

Parvo is a viral disease that attacks the puppy’s intestines and immune system. It is extremely dangerous and spreads quickly.

Why it’s common in India:

• puppies taken outside too early

• unvaccinated stray dogs

• dirty streets and parks

• infected poop left on ground

Symptoms:

• sudden diarrhea (often bloody)

• severe vomiting

• weakness and depression

• loss of appetite

• dehydration

• fever

Real-life warning:

Many owners think diarrhea is normal in puppies. It’s not.
If diarrhea is frequent or watery, it can be parvo, and it can kill a puppy within 2–3 days.

Prevention:

• vaccination (the only real prevention)

• keep puppies indoors until full vaccination

• clean the environment

• don’t let puppies sniff or eat unknown things outside

What to do if it happens:

• go to the vet immediately

• do not give home remedies

• parvo needs IV fluids and medication

• isolate the puppy (parvo spreads easily)

2. Distemper – The Silent Killer

What is Distemper?

Distemper is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system and nervous system.

Why it is common:

• spreads through air and saliva

• stray dogs carry it

• vaccination is not done properly in many areas

Symptoms:

• fever

• coughing

• runny nose

• eye discharge

• loss of appetite

• later stage: seizures, tremors, paralysis

Real truth:

Distemper can cause permanent damage. Even if the dog survives, it may have neurological issues for life.

Prevention:

• proper vaccination

• avoid contact with unknown dogs

• keep the dog clean and stress-free

3. Worms (Roundworm, Tapeworm, Hookworm)

Why worms happen in India:

• dogs eat garbage

• dogs eat infected poop

• contaminated soil

• fleas (tapeworm)

Symptoms:

• weight loss

• bloated belly

• diarrhea

• visible worms in stool

• weakness

• dull coat

Prevention:

• deworm every 2–3 months

• keep the environment clean

• prevent dogs from eating garbage

• control fleas

Real-life note:

Many owners think deworming is only for puppies.
But adult dogs also need regular deworming. Worms slowly destroy the intestines and weaken the dog over time.

4. Tick and Flea Infestation

Why it’s common in India:

• hot and humid weather

• stray dogs

• grass and bushes

• lack of regular grooming

Symptoms:

• constant scratching

• red skin

• hair loss

• black dots (flea dirt)

• restlessness

Real danger:

Ticks spread diseases like:

• Babesiosis

• Ehrlichiosis

• Lyme disease (rare but possible)

These cause:

• fever

• anemia

• dark urine

• weakness

• bleeding gums

Prevention:

• monthly flea/tick treatment

• regular bathing

• clean bedding

• avoid areas with heavy infestation

5. Skin Infections (Hot Spots, Mange, Ringworm)

Why it happens:

• poor grooming

• wet fur for long time

• allergies (food or dust)

• tick/flea bites

Symptoms:

• itching

• redness

• hair loss

• scabs

• bad smell

Prevention:

• regular grooming

• bathing with mild shampoo

• keep the dog dry after rain

• proper flea/tick control

Real truth:

Skin problems are often ignored.
People think it’s “normal itching.”
But it is not.
It can lead to severe infection and hair loss.

6. Ear Infections (Very Common in India)

Why it happens:

• dogs with long ears

• moisture after bathing

• ear mites

• poor cleaning

Symptoms:

• shaking head

• scratching ears

• bad smell

• dark discharge

• redness

Prevention:

• clean ears once a week with vet-approved cleaner

• dry ears after bathing

• avoid cotton buds

Real truth:

Ear infections become chronic if ignored.
Then dogs keep shaking head and scratching, which can damage the ear.

7. Heat Stroke (Very Common in Summer)

Why it happens:

• hot climate

• no shade

• no water

• over-exercise

Symptoms:

• heavy panting

• drooling

• weakness

• vomiting

• collapse

Prevention:

• avoid walks in afternoon

• keep water always available

• provide shade and cool area

• don’t force exercise

What to do if it happens:

• move dog to shade

• give cool water

• wet the body with cool water (not cold)

• go to vet immediately

Real truth:

Heat stroke can kill a dog within hours.
Don’t delay.

8. Digestive Issues (Diarrhea, Vomiting)

Why it happens:

• low-quality food

• sudden food change

• eating garbage

• infections

• worms

Symptoms:

• diarrhea

• vomiting

• loss of appetite

• lethargy

Prevention:

• stable diet

• quality food

• avoid human food

• keep garbage away

Real advice:

If diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, go to vet.
If vomiting continues, vet immediately.
Don’t give medicines without vet.

9. Dental Problems (Most Owners Ignore)

Why it happens:

• no brushing

• soft food only

• lack of chewing

Symptoms:

• bad breath

• yellow teeth

• bleeding gums

• drooling

Prevention:

• brush teeth 2–3 times a week

• chewing toys

• dental chews

Real truth:

Dental problems lead to:

• heart issues

• kidney problems

• poor digestion

10. Respiratory Infections (Cough & Cold)

Why it happens:

• dusty environment

• poor immunity

• exposure to infected dogs

• seasonal change

Symptoms:

• coughing

• sneezing

• nasal discharge

• fever

• weakness

Prevention:

• keep the dog warm during winter

• avoid cold water

• keep clean environment

• proper vaccination

Final Prevention Routine (What You Must Do)

Daily:

• fresh water

• balanced food

• clean environment

Weekly:

• brush coat

• check skin for ticks

• clean ears

• check stool

Monthly:

• flea/tick treatment

• clean bedding

Every 3 months:

• deworming

• vet checkup

Every year:

• vaccination booster

Final Words

Most dog diseases in India happen because owners ignore early signs or don’t vaccinate properly.
If you take simple preventive steps, you can save your dog from suffering and save money too.

Remember:
A dog shows symptoms only when the disease has progressed.
Early detection is the only way to save your pet.