Common Dog and Cat Diseases
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Dog diseases explained simply
Parvo
Parvo is a very dangerous disease, especially in puppies. It can cause vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, weakness and death. It spreads easily where infected dogs have been. Vaccination is very important.
Distemper, often called “contempa” locally
Distemper is a serious dog disease. It can cause fever, coughing, runny eyes, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, twitching, fits and long-term nerve problems. It can kill dogs. Vaccination is the best protection.
Rabies
Rabies affects the brain and can spread to people through bites or saliva. Any suspected rabies case is an emergency. Keep your pets vaccinated.
Kennel cough
Kennel cough causes a dry cough and spreads easily between dogs. It can be mild, but puppies, old dogs and weak dogs can get very sick.
Tick-bite disease
Ticks can spread diseases that cause fever, weakness, pale gums, not eating and sometimes death. Check your dog for ticks and ask the vet about tick control.
Worms, fleas and mange
Worms can make pets thin, pot-bellied and weak. Fleas cause itching and can spread worms. Mange causes hair loss, sores and severe itching. These problems can be treated, but they should not be ignored.
Cat diseases explained simply
Cat flu
Cat flu can cause sneezing, sore eyes, runny nose, mouth ulcers, fever and not eating. Kittens can become very weak. Vaccination helps protect cats.
Feline panleukopenia
This is a very serious cat disease, especially in kittens. It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, weakness and death. Vaccination is important.
FIV and FeLV
These are viruses that can make cats weak over time. They can spread between cats, especially through fighting or close contact. Sterilising cats helps reduce roaming and fighting.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a skin fungus. It can cause round hairless patches and can spread to people. It needs treatment and cleaning of bedding and the home area.
Worms and fleas
Cats also need parasite control. Fleas, worms and ticks can make cats uncomfortable and sick.
Simple warning signs: phone a vet quickly if your pet…
- Will not eat or drink.
- Has repeated vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Has blood in vomit or stool.
- Is struggling to breathe.
- Has a swollen belly, especially in dogs.
- Is very weak, collapsed or having fits.
- Has been hit by a car.
- Has been bitten badly by another animal.
What to bring when you come to the clinic
- Your pet, safely carried or on a lead.
- Any vaccination card or clinic card you have.
- A short explanation of what happened and when it started.
- A photo or sample of vomit, stool or poison packaging if relevant, only if it is safe to bring.
FAQs
Why must my dog or cat get vaccinations?
Vaccinations are like training for the body. They help the body recognise dangerous diseases before the animal gets badly sick. A vaccinated pet has a much better chance of being protected.
Puppies and kittens are especially at risk because their bodies are still young. They need the correct vaccine course and then boosters later in life.
Please ask the SPCA vet or your vet what vaccine schedule is right for your pet.
What happens if my dog does not get its shots?
Your dog can get very sick from diseases like parvo, distemper and rabies. Some of these diseases kill quickly. Treatment can be expensive, and sometimes the animal still dies even with treatment.
Why is rabies vaccination so important?
Rabies can kill animals and people. If a dog or cat bites someone and rabies is possible, it becomes a serious public health problem. Rabies vaccination protects your pet, your family and your community.
Why is spaying and neutering important?
Spaying is for females. Neutering is for males. It means the animal is sterilised so it cannot have babies.
This is important because there are already many unwanted puppies and kittens. Many end up hungry, sick, abused, dumped or killed on the roads.
Spaying and neutering can also reduce some health problems and some problem behaviours, depending on the animal.
Will my pet become lazy after being fixed?
Not automatically. Pets become overweight mainly from too much food and too little exercise. After sterilisation, you may need to feed the correct amount and keep your pet active.
At what age should my pet be spayed or neutered?
This depends on the animal, size, health and vet advice. Please phone the SPCA clinic or speak to your vet. Do not wait until your pet has already had unwanted babies.
Chains and small cages
A dog chained all day can become frustrated, lonely and injured. If a dog must be restrained for safety, it still needs shade, water, food, movement, attention and a safe sleeping place.
Dog bloat: why it is an emergency?
Bloat can happen when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and may twist. This is very dangerous and can kill quickly.
Warning signs include a swollen belly, trying to vomit but nothing comes out, restlessness, drooling, weakness, panting and collapse. If you suspect bloat, phone a vet immediately. Do not wait to see if it gets better.
To reduce risk, feed smaller meals, slow down fast eaters, and avoid hard exercise straight after meals.
Heat stress
Dogs and cats can overheat, especially in hot weather. Signs include heavy panting, weakness, drooling, collapse and very red gums. Keep animals in shade with water. Never leave a pet locked in a car.
Fireworks and storms
Many pets run away when they are scared by loud noises. Keep pets indoors or safely fenced during storms, fireworks or loud events. Make sure they have identification.