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Demodectic mange is a skin condition caused by a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicle. A small number of Demodex mites live in the skin of most dogs without causing any problem. When a dogs immune system is compromised due to illness, parasites, or poor nutrition, Demodex mites can multiply rapidly. It is especially…

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals and can cause serious symptoms. Vaccination of dogs and the use of common sense precautions can reduce the risk of exposure for you, your family, and your pets. How Leptospirosis is Spread People and dogs are exposed to the Leptospira bacteria via contact with…

Infectious Canine Tracheobronchitis, more commonly known as Kennel Cough, is a contagious disease that affects the respiratory system. Like similar illnesses in people, it can be caused by a variety of organisms. How Dogs Get Kennel Cough Kennel cough is spread mainly by airborne viruses and bacteria expelled when infected dogs cough. People can inadvertently…

The most common ear problem in dogs is inflammation of the outer ear, technically termed otitis externa. The area between the outside opening and the eardrum can be irritated by infections, parasites, allergies, and foreign objects. Signs of Ear Problems Signs of irritation include scratching, shaking the head, and reacting painfully when the ears are…

Heartworm disease is a potentially life-threatening parasitic infection. Found worldwide, it infects wild and domestic dogs, sea lions, ferrets, and cats. In rare cases it can infect other animals and humans. How Pets Get Heartworms Heartworm Disease is caused by a worm, Dirofilaria immitis, and spread by mosquitoes. When a mosquito feeds on an infected animal,…

Parasites are organisms that live in or on your dog, causing harm. Minimizing parasites is an important part of keeping your pet healthy. Some pet parasites can cause problems for people too, so keeping them out of your home is also good for you and your family. External parasites are insects or arachnids that live…

Canine Distemper is a serious viral disease. Widespread vaccination has reduced its incidence, but dogs that get it often die. Canine distemper can also infect pet ferrets. How Dogs Get the Virus How Canine Distemper is Diagnosed Susceptible dogs are infected by inhaling the Distemper virus, which is found in secretions and feces from infected…

We all know how important good dental hygiene is for our own health, but many dog owners are unaware that this is true for their pets too. Dental disease is one of the most common preventable illnesses in pets, affecting more than 75% of dogs and cats over three years of age. Infections of the…

Ehrlichiosis is a disease spread from the bite of a tick. The brown dog tick is the primary host of this serious disease, which was first seen in military dogs returning to the US from the Vietnam War. The organism that is carried by ticks and causes the Ehrlichiosis infection is called a rickettisa, which…

Most organisms and viruses that cause diseases are very specialized to the species that they infect.  Diseases that can affect multiple species are overall fairly rare.  The ones that can be passed from animal to man are called zoonoses (zoe-uh-noe-sees).  Rabies is the most well known of the zoonotic diseases; and for good reason –…