If you live in an apartment it is important before buying a dog as a pet, know what is the race that can more easily adapt to these environments, and requiring less space. This is usually breeds rather small. Hot dogs, Miniature Schnauzer, French Poodle, Doberman Pincher, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Maltese, Pug, Chihuahua, are some possible breeds of dogs that do not require too much space to do their exercises.

Some breeds, like retrievers, Labradors, beagles, cocker spaniels and they need plenty of exercise, otherwise easily tend to obesity.

Anyway, the dogs must go for a walk every day. In addition to lead them to their needs, walking through the park, running and jumping is very important for the health care of the dog as well as to be in contact with another animal or vegetation.

But if you live in a small apartment with little space, and to assess the need for exercise for the dog must take into account other factors. For example, poodles, toys or dwarfs, are barking and have a high-pitched bark. This, in a small, can lead to poor living with the animal (though, of course, always depends on each person).

Dogs (like any animal) have very different diseases, and many of them can be transmitted to humans, so special care is recommended to prevent infection.

In a previous post already addressing the issue, now update: Main canine diseases.
This is a list of the main (or common) diseases of dogs:

Gastric foreign bodies: the dogs are chewing almost everything they encounter, and as with small children is very common intake of foreign bodies if they are small. Depending on the nature of the material ingested, can cause serious disorders, but generally not of concern.

Hip dysplasia: German Shepherd typical disease. A condition or dysplasia of the hip bone at its junction with the femur, genetic, hereditary and congenital completely disqualifying issue, although the disease has no outward manifestation and is detectable only by x-rays.

Anal sac disease: is infection, impaction or formation of abscesses in the anal sacs of the dog. The animal expresses pain and discomfort when sitting. To solve the problem must squeeze the bags mentioned.

False pregnancy: the signs of pregnancy (pregnancy) and lactation in the bitch, usually occurs 60 days after estrus. The mechanisms responsible for the syndrome are not entirely clear and mildly affected dogs do not need to be addressed.

Glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure, which causes lesions in the retina and optic nerve. This problem is resolved in most cases surgically.

Canine Infectious Hepatitis: a viral disease that manifests with highly variable signs such as fever, conjunctivitis, bleeding or abdominal pain.

Mastitis: is inflammation of the mammary glands of the dog. It is usually caused by infection.

Distemper: a viral disease that can manifest with gastrointestinal problems, respiratory and nervous. You can take the animal to death. It is very serious and is therefore important that our dog has the full vaccine schedule (there is a vaccine against canine distemper).

Otitis: Inflammation of the ear. May be due to bacterial, fungal or parasitic. The most often have animals that have the longest ears, such as the cocker or basset.

External parasites: a common disease, perhaps the most common of all: we talk about fleas and ticks. External parasites (fleas and ticks) feed on the blood of dog, weak, and they can transmit some diseases.

Gastrointestinal parasites, internal parasites, such as those caused by Toxocara canis or Dypilidium caninum, generally cause diarrhea, anemia and emaciation. To avoid this problem animals should be wormed regularly.

Parvovirus: is a viral disease that causes severe diarrhea, often bloody. It mainly affects puppies and is very dangerous. Is prevented by vaccinating the animal.

Pyometra, is named to the accumulation of pus in the uterine cavity. In severe cases can lead to animal death as a result of toxins released into blood.

Ocular prolapse: is the displacement of the eyeball out of orbit and is given as a result of trauma. You must relocate the eye if the terms of the animal and allow it. It is a “common disease” of Peking (although it can happen to a dog of any breed).

Rabies viral illness very dangerous. The sick animal can, when you bite and infect other animals or man. The condition has a hopelessly fatal outcome, which is why it is essential to prevent by vaccinating the animals. The World Health Organization estableción one day, September 28, as World Rabies Day.

Scabies: parasitic disease caused by the so-called “itch mite”. Causes intense itching and is very contagious (even for humans). It is commonly seen in stray dogs and abandoned.

Ringworm: This is benign skin lesions caused by fungi called “dermatophytes.” It is presented as alopésicas areas (hairless) circular so-called “courts”.

Mammary tumor, mammary gland tumor that sometimes spreads to other organs of the bitch. Requiring surgical intervention.

Contagious venereal tumor: a tumor that spread from one animal to another through sexual contact, occurring in most cases the external genitalia of the animal. In general, treatment has a good prognosis.

Urolithiasis: the appearance of stones (uroliths) in the urinary tract, usually associated with food. In more severe cases require surgery.

Vaginitis: inflammation of the vagina by infectious causes. Treatment is with antibiotics.

Given the slightest doubt, it is always advisable to consult a specialist (a veterinarian), who will tell us whether or not serious ailment afflicting our dog and what treatment is recommended.

It is a disease caused by a virus.

Transmission is by direct contact between cats through licking, fighting, sharing plates, through saliva, blood, urine, tears and milk. There are also intrauterine infection.

This virus causes tumors in different locations in the body, anemia, reproductive problems, mouth ulcers, liver problems, etc..

There is no effective treatment against this disease. The best thing is a good prevention vaccination and control measures to reduce the spread of the virus in communities of cats.

Feline Panleukopenia

Feline panleukopenia is a viral disease highly contagious.

Infected animals develop fever combined with depression, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, melena (blood in the stool), abdominal pain, dehydration, etc..

It produces leucopenia (low white blood cell count in blood. It is a highly contagious by direct contact or contaminated material. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Is prevented with vaccination and annual revaccination.

FELINE INFECTIOUS RHINOTRACHEITIS

The feline herpesvirus causes feline rhinotracheitis, characterized by sneezing, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, ulcerative keratitis, and fever. Specifically produces conjunctivitis, blepharospasm (eyelid closure) and ocular discharge.

It can be complicated and lead to inflammation around the eye. All these signs are accompanied by a respiratory process that accompanies it. The animal may have anorexia, sneezing, runny nose, cough (tracheitis), chronic sinusitis, abortions in pregnant animals. In very young kittens can be fatal.

Rhinotracheitis is preventable by vaccination, the herpes virus is one of the three viruses included in the trivalent vaccine, calicivirus and panleukopenia addition.

Feline Calicivirus

Produce disease characterized by upper respiratory signs, oral ulcers, pneumonia and sometimes arthritis.

May cause nasal and ocular discharge, serous usually mild.

The agent of infectious canine hepatitis virus. The symptoms of viral hepatitis are characteristic symptoms of this disease therefore may be confused with the symptoms of other diseases such as distemper and leptospirosis. It can affect dogs of all ages.

Affected animals present: decay, lack of appetite, fever, conjunctivitis, tremors, convulsions, paresis, vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes bloody.

Prevention of this disease is achieved by vaccination.

LEPTOSPIROSIS

It is an infectious disease caused by microorganisms of the genus Leptospira. It is spread through the urine of infected animals or people, and the bacteria that causes can live in polluted water.

Animals with this disease are listlessness, fever, weakness, vomiting, renal, gastrointestinal problems, and so on. Vaccination against this disease is very important as it can be transmitted to humans.

RABIES

Rabies is an infectious and transmissible to humans. It is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system.

The rabies virus is present in the saliva of infected animal and can be transmitted to humans by biting other animals or by contact with an open wound.

In the Community of Madrid is compulsory annual vaccination of dogs three months old. In cats, vaccination is recommended but not required by law.

Highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs of all ages. It is more common in puppies without vacunadosa from 6-12 weeks (at which point you lose the immunity transmitted by the mother).

Infected animals shed the virus in all secretions and excretions. Predisposition appears in those places where animals are kept in overcrowded and unhygienic because it is easier to spread.

The mortality rate depends on the virulence of the virus, the dog’s age and the status of their immune status (defenses).

The highly variable síntomasson: malaise, loss of appetite, depression, fever, cough, vomiting and diarrhea to get nervous symptoms such as seizures.

There is no specific treatment, sick or suspect animals should be isolated and have no contact with others.

Parvovirus

This is another viral disease. The virus causes mainly vomiting and diarrhea with or without blood.

Produces loss of appetite, depression, fever, vomiting, watery diarrhea and dehydration smelly and progressive hemorrhagic.

Sick animals should be isolated. The treatment is reduced, as is the case of distemper, to treat the symptoms and wait for the animal’s immune system fight disease.

Do dogs patients have treatments?
Yes, antibiotics are used. In some cases it is necessary to accompany this medication with rehydration therapy and other measures. When the animal is treated at an early stage are less likely to produce severe damage to vital organs, with a better prognosis for recovery. Anyway it should be noted that ten of every hundred infected dogs may die.
What protective measures should I take if a pet is Leptospirosis?
Fundamentally, these actions aim to prevent situations of high risk of contracting the disease. In this sense, follow the following recommendations:
- As a rule of general hygiene, washing hands after coming in contact with your pet or anything that could potentially be contaminated with urine and feces.
- Prevent the dog sleep in the same beds than people.
- Avoid urinating in gardens, sandboxes or other place where children can play.
- Do not handle or make direct contact with urine, blood and other tissues of the animal until it is dealt. Most of the dogs no longer spread the bacteria in the urine 24 hours after receiving antibiotic treatment.
- Wear gloves and boots if occupationally, necessarily have to handle these biological materials.
- Disinfect the places in the home that could be contaminated with animal urine. For this trade can be used antibacterial products or prepare a diluted bleach solution of one part in ten water.

My dog ​​can infect others?
The spread between dogs is feasible, although this rarely happens. It can potentially infect other animal species. Cases of leptospirosis in cats are rare.

How I can protect my dog ​​from leptospirosis?
The most appropriate prevention measures are a combination of environmental actions, management of pet vaccination. Cleaning the home and its surroundings and rodent control to help eliminate these animals are the main source of transmission of the disease. It is important to keep your pet come in contact with possible sources of infection by bacteria, such as landfills, potentially contaminated water bodies, stray dogs or wild animals.

Vaccination in an effective prevention method although it should be noted that due to the large number of different types of leptospires that exist, can not speak of complete protection against infection.

Consult your veterinarian to establish the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your pet.

How is the disease transmitted?
The bacteria spread into the environment via the urine of infected animals and can contaminate both water and soil where it survives for weeks or months. Infected rats are one of the main causes of infection because bacteria release to the environment for months or years without getting sick. Both people and your pet can become infected from direct contact with infected urine or contaminated items. Leptospira can enter the body through wounds in the skin or surface lining (mucosa) of the mouth, nose and eyes. Another form of income is from drinking water contaminated with the bacteria.

What if my pet is sick?
Both dogs and cats the clinical signs of the disease are variable, nonspecific, and sometimes have no symptoms. In a first stage, the most common clinical signs are fever, vomiting, diarrhea, depression of the general state with poor appetite and muscle aches. The table can move forward with gastrointestinal disorders and kidney problems. In general, unvaccinated puppies or those born to mothers who were not vaccinated are at increased risk and suffer more severe consequences than adults. Cats rarely suffer from leptospirosis.

How can I confirm if my pet is leptospirosis?
Through consultation with a veterinarian who, in addition to the clinical inspection of the animal, perform a blood test to determine whether or not the body produced substances, called antibodies, and immune response in the presence of lepstopiras.

Medical treatment involves the administration of anti-inflammatory that, depending on the degree of impairment of osteoarthritis can be steroids or other. As demonstrated in recent studies, it appears that the administration of drugs plays an important role in the formation of cartilage can be obtained very interesting results.Finally, in severe cases may be indicated for surgical intervention. By an operation, the specialist may remove bone spurs in order to help unlock the joint. This is the only way to completely eliminate the pain. It is also possible to implement the animal a total prosthesis. However, it should be noted that these techniques can be applied to all joints and which are not always feasible.

With regard to secondary canine osteoarthritis appears as a result of a trigger, which makes the affected joint to stop functioning normally. For example, this type of osteoarthritis may occur because of trauma, sprain, fracture, etc .- or due to a birth defect, such as hip dysplasia.

Another common reason that causes the appearance of secondary osteoarthritis is obesity. If you control the food your friend can have a weight well above the average found in the race. The joints are not made to hold an overload of kilos so important, so easily deteriorate. Contrary to what occurs with osteoarthritis primary school can affect animals of all ages and, as a rule, usually affects only one joint.A diagnosis
The diagnosis of this disease can be based on three factors: the animal’s clinical history, examination of gait and manipulation. When studying history, the veterinarian must take into account old articular fractures, injuries that the animal has suffered for some time, and possible strains. By observing the motion shall be if the dog is limping, if only very slightly and incipiently, as the lameness is an unmistakable symptom of the disease. Finally, by manipulating the affected area is quite possible that the samples of animal pain.

Often, the region where the diseased joint is usually somewhat distorted due to bone spurs and muscle atrophy caused by the lack of physical activity. Sometimes a click is detected when the moving characteristic. Through the radiological study, the animal health specialist can determine the severity of osteoarthritis and to establish the most appropriate treatment.

The articular surface is covered by tissue called cartilage, which plays a role similar to shock absorbers found in automobiles. It also prevents the underlying bone deterioration due to repeated rubbing that is submitted by the continuous movement. Osteoarthritis is characterized by a progressive destruction of the cartilage and bone by abnormal proliferation at the edge of the articular surfaces known as osteophytes, also called “parrot beaks’ when they are located in the spine. The affected joints lose elasticity, causing pain and prevent the animal from moving normally.Evolution of damage
Generally, this condition affects, first, joints higher members: hips and knees, shoulders and elbows. Symptoms are more or less important depending on the number of affected joints. However, there is a clear sign that makes us guess that the animal is affected. Lameness usually manifests when the dog gets up and starts after spending a long time still.

Pain prompts the animal to avoid supporting the affected limb and to be prevented, stop running, and of course, jump. Conformable evolves, the pain increases. In making certain movements, the dog emits little moans, it is even possible that the animal is irascible and prone to aggression when trying to manipulate the joint.

In more advanced cases, it is possible that the joint is partially blocked, making it impossible to perform certain movements. At this point, the animal hesitates to use the sick limb. Furthermore, this lack of activity leads to a significant deterioration of the muscles surrounding the joint. As a result, begins to atrophy diseased area, which is increasingly making use of them.