As the pet-owning community grows rapidly in Dhaka — with hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats now kept as companions across the city — so does the importance of understanding the diseases that most commonly affect them.
Research conducted at veterinary hospitals in Dhaka has identified consistent patterns: certain diseases recur far more frequently in our climate, environment, and population. This guide covers the seven most common diseases we see at LD Veterinary Hospital, their warning signs, and — most importantly — how to prevent them.
1. Skin Diseases (Most Common in Both Dogs and Cats)
Skin disease is the single most prevalent condition recorded in pets at Dhaka veterinary hospitals, accounting for nearly 19% of dog cases and 36% of cat cases. Dhaka’s hot, humid climate creates ideal conditions for bacterial infections, fungal dermatitis (ringworm), mange (caused by mites), and flea allergy dermatitis.
Warning signs: Persistent scratching, hair loss in patches, redness or crusting of the skin, a sour or musty smell, or visible parasites on the coat.
Prevention: Regular grooming, monthly flea and tick prevention treatment, keeping your pet’s bedding clean and dry, and prompt treatment of any skin abnormality before it spreads.
2. Canine Parvovirus (CPV) — A Major Killer of Unvaccinated Dogs
Parvovirus is one of the most serious threats to dogs in Bangladesh. It is highly contagious, spread through contact with infected faeces, and survives in the environment for months. At Dhaka veterinary hospitals, Parvovirus accounts for approximately 16% of all dog cases — making it the most dangerous infectious disease in the local canine population.
Warning signs: Severe, bloody diarrhoea, persistent vomiting, extreme lethargy, refusal to eat, and rapid dehydration. Puppies under 6 months are most vulnerable and can die within 24–72 hours without treatment.
Prevention: The DHPP vaccine (given from 6–8 weeks of age with boosters) provides highly effective protection. An unvaccinated dog that visits parks, markets, or any public space is at serious risk. There is no cure — treatment is supportive care, and survival rates depend heavily on how quickly treatment begins.
3. Feline Panleukopenia (FPL) — Cat Distemper
The feline equivalent of Parvovirus, Panleukopenia is a devastating viral disease in cats. It destroys white blood cells, leaving the immune system completely vulnerable. Studies at Dhaka veterinary hospitals found Panleukopenia in approximately 8–20% of sick cats presented for treatment.
Warning signs: Sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), high fever, loss of appetite, and severe depression. In kittens, death can occur within hours of symptoms appearing.
Prevention: The FVRCP vaccine, given from 6 weeks of age, is the only reliable protection. Indoor cats are not safe — the virus can be carried indoors on shoes, clothing, and hands.
4. Salmonellosis — A Zoonotic Risk for Families
Salmonella is a bacterial infection found in both dogs and cats in Dhaka, and it is notable because it is zoonotic — meaning it can spread from pets to humans. Salmonellosis was recorded in approximately 16% of dog cases and 18% of cat cases in Dhaka-based studies.
Warning signs in pets: Fever, vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes with blood or mucus), lethargy, and dehydration. Some pets carry the bacteria without showing obvious symptoms, making them a hidden transmission risk.
Prevention: Wash hands thoroughly after handling pets or their waste. Avoid feeding raw meat diets. Ensure fresh water is always available. Regular veterinary check-ups help identify asymptomatic carriers.
5. Canine Scabies and External Parasites
Scabies, caused by microscopic Sarcoptes mites that burrow under the skin, is a highly contagious condition that causes extreme itching and hair loss. It is common in stray and rescue dogs in Dhaka and can spread to other pets — and in some cases, temporarily to humans.
Ticks and fleas are year-round concerns in Bangladesh’s climate. Beyond the discomfort they cause, ticks transmit serious diseases including Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis, which cause fever, anaemia, and potentially fatal organ damage.
Warning signs: Intense scratching, hair loss beginning at the ears and elbows, thickened or crusty skin, visible ticks on the coat, or small dark specks (flea dirt) on the skin.
Prevention: Monthly veterinarian-approved topical or oral parasite prevention treatment is the gold standard. Avoid contact between your pet and stray animals, and check for ticks after any outdoor activity.
6. Rabies — A Public Health Emergency
Rabies remains a critical concern in Bangladesh, with the country reporting a significant number of human deaths annually. Any warm-blooded animal can carry and transmit the rabies virus, and once clinical symptoms develop in any species including humans, the disease is almost universally fatal.
Warning signs in pets: Sudden, unexplained change in behaviour (a friendly pet becoming aggressive, or a normally active pet becoming withdrawn), difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, disorientation, and paralysis in later stages.
Prevention: Annual rabies vaccination is legally mandatory for all pet dogs in Bangladesh. It is strongly recommended for cats. A vaccinated pet is protected and also cannot transmit the virus. There is no treatment once symptoms appear.
7. Canine Distemper — A Multi-System Viral Disease
Canine Distemper is a serious viral illness that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs simultaneously. It is spread through airborne exposure and direct contact with infected animals. Distemper was recorded in approximately 5% of dog cases at Dhaka veterinary hospitals — but in unvaccinated populations, outbreaks can spread rapidly.
Warning signs: The disease progresses in stages. Initial signs include fever, runny nose, and watery eyes similar to a cold. This is followed by vomiting and diarrhoea. In later stages, the nervous system is attacked — causing muscle twitches, seizures, and paralysis. Dogs that survive neurological Distemper often suffer permanent damage.
Prevention: The DHPP vaccine — the same vaccine that protects against Parvovirus — provides strong protection against Distemper. This is why maintaining your dog’s vaccination schedule is so critical.
The Single Most Effective Prevention: Routine Veterinary Care
The vast majority of these diseases are either entirely preventable through vaccination or dramatically more treatable when caught early. This is why annual wellness check-ups are not a luxury — they are an investment in your pet’s survival.
At LD Veterinary Hospital, every check-up includes a full physical examination, parasite screening, vaccination review, and a personalised health discussion with our veterinary team. We have the diagnostic equipment to identify infections early and the surgical facilities to treat complications when they arise.
Book a Health Check-up at LD Veterinary Hospital, Uttara
Don’t wait for your pet to show symptoms. Schedule a routine wellness visit today at our Sector-07 clinic in Uttara, Dhaka.
Phone: +880 1733339597 | Email: manager@ldveterinaryhos.com | ldveterinaryhos.com
LD Veterinary Hospital | House #15, Sonargaon Janopath, Sector-07, Uttara, Dhaka-1230