India, having a predominantly tropical climate, has numerous viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal pet diseases. Broadly, the diseases affecting pets vary from season to season.
In North India, summers see the prevalence of numerous diseases, while pets remain healthier in winters. In South India, where the seasonal variation is less, such marked patterns of change in diseases do not occur.
On the whole, in India, the following diseases are commonly seen.
Rabies
Rabies is the first and foremost disease to be concerned about due to its zoonotic importance. The virus prevalent in the saliva of rabid animals spreads. Contrary to the popular myth that Rabies can be contracted only by the bite of a dog, any warm-blooded animal can spread the disease.
Other Viral Diseases
Other viral diseases affecting dogs include Distemper, Parvo, and Corona. Any unvaccinated animal can get these diseases, and prevention remains the best method for cure. The incidence of Parvo and Distemper is seen to be more in the summer, and each year, numerous animals succumb to them.
Skin Infestations
Summer is also the time when skin diseases are seen. Dogs are prone to skin infestations with ticks and fleas. The irritation caused by these ectoparasites causes them to itch and thereby damage their coat, which becomes prone to secondary bacterial, fungal, and mite diseases. Mange caused by microscopic skin parasites called mites can also be contracted when a diseased pet comes in contact with a healthy animal.
Tick Fever
Ticks also transmit a potentially fatal disease called Tick Fever. This disease is prevalent all over India, and the best method to control it is to prevent your dog from getting ticks. Ticks also cause anaemia due to their feeding on canine blood. A very large tick population can cause a condition called tick paralysis. Hairy breeds are more prone to ticks and other skin troubles. In areas like Delhi, the medications used for this disease have reduced efficacy because of drug resistance.
Worms
The other major scourge that stalks your pets is Endo parasites or worms. There are two major categories of worms in dogs, i.e,. Tapeworms and Roundworms. They cause recurrent stomach trouble, weight loss, and general ill health for your pet. Fortunately, they are easily controlled with the numerous broad-spectrum dewormers available from your Vet. Dogs that tend to scavenge will be more prone to this disease.
Prevention
Most of the diseases mentioned above are easily prevented. Basic hygiene, regular check-ups, routine vaccinations, proper grooming, and skin care all help a lot in the prevention. India being endemic for most of these diseases, care needs to be taken for early diagnosis and treatment.
