(by Sally Writes)
Rats, mice, raccoons, and other pests are more than just a nuisance for property owners. If you have a pet, a pest infestation could be exposing your four-legged friends to dangerous diseases. In fact, several of the most common illnesses found in dogs stem from contact with pests. As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to be aware of dangers that your dog might face both inside and outside the house. Here are some of the most common diseases that your dog can catch from pests, and how to avoid them.
Distemper
Distemper is a fatal condition that kills more dogs than any other disease each year. While most people know that puppies can catch distemper from other dogs, not all owners are aware that many pests are also carriers of the disease. Your puppy can contract distemper after coming into contact with badgers, skunks, otters, and foxes.
Symptoms include a runny nose, watery eyes, a reduced appetite, and lethargy. The best way to protect your puppy from distemper is through vaccination. Luckily, this is one of the first vaccines that most veterinary clinics recommend new pet owners give their puppy alongside measles, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.
Heartworms
Heartworms are a parasite that commonly affects dogs and can lead to discomfort and even death without medical intervention.
Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, but your dog can also catch them by eating an infected rodent. Over the course of several months to half a year, they multiply on the right side of the heart. This can lead to exhaustion, fainting, and coughing up blood. If you suspect your pet may have heartworms, it’s critical that you contact a vet immediately. Owners living in high-risk areas may want to take preventative measures by giving their dog ivermectin for 18 months to prevent infection.
Parvovirus
This is another infection commonly found in unvaccinated puppies. As with distemper, most vets recommend that puppies get inoculated for parvovirus as early as possible. This disease is transmitted via raccoon feces, and beyond vaccinations, one of the best ways to prevent infection is by keeping raccoons off of your property. You should also be diligent about cleaning wild animal scat from your backyard.
Rabies
Rabies is one of the most well-known diseases that can be transmitted by pests and other animals thanks to its relatively aggressive symptoms. The rabies virus travels through the nervous system, and it can take months or even years to manifest. Once symptoms begin to show, though, there is little that can be done in the way of a cure for both humans and pets. You should be sure to give your puppy a rabies vaccination to ensure that your four-legged friend doesn’t get infected if bit by a wild animal.
There are several potentially deadly diseases that dogs can catch from common pests such as bugs, rats, raccoons, and other rodents. The best way to protect your pup from getting sick is through prevention. By keeping your dog up to date on its vaccines and keeping your property free of pest infestations, you can help to keep both you and your dog happy, healthy, and free from dangerous diseases.
