Have you ever heard of mumps in dogs? This condition characterized by swelling in the neck area of the dog is officially called parotitis. However, the disease is better known as mumps in dogs, since it looks a lot like the mumps that humans can have. Although not so common, this disease - which can also affect cats - causes strong discomfort in the animal, which feelsBut does the dog really have mumps or is it another condition that only resembles human mumps? What are the symptoms of mumps in a dog? And how to treat the animal of this disease so that the neck returns to normal size? The Paws of the House answer all your questions about mumps in dogs below!

Mumps in dogs: understand what exactly is "mumps in dogs"

Mumps in dogs is the popular name for parotitis, a viral disease characterized by a dysfunction of the parotid glands. The parotid glands are salivary glands (i.e. they produce saliva) and are located in the neck of the animal, just below each of the ears. When inflammation occurs in these glands, the region swells and forms the famous mumps in dogs. The result is a dog with a neckswollen, very similar to what happens to humans with mumps. But then, can we say that a dog has mumps? More or less.

Mumps is actually quite similar to the human disease, which leads many people to call the condition mumps in dogs. In addition, there are cases of mumps in dogs transmitted by a human infected with the virus. However, this is extremely rare. Usually, mumps in dogs is transmitted in other ways. Thus, since the cause of the disease is not the same, the dog is not infected.he term "mumps in dogs" is not the most correct, although it is the most common.

The transmission of mumps in dogs happens through contact with the virus

"Mumps in dogs" can be transmitted through contact with an infected person. However, this is an extremely rare condition. Most cases of mumps in dogs occur through Paramyxovirus, a family of viruses that also transmits canine distemper. Therefore, it is common for mumps in dogs to appear as a consequence of distemper. In addition, it can appear as eitherA secondary disease to others, such as pharyngitis, the virus is usually transmitted through saliva or direct contact with an infected animal, usually between dogs. In addition, the disease can be transmitted through bites and scratches - so it is very common for mumps in dogs to appear after a dog fight, when one of them is infected and ends up scratching or biting the other.

The most common symptoms of mumps in dogs are swelling, pain and difficulty chewing

Mumps in dogs is the biggest sign that the animal has parotitis. In photos of dogs with mumps we can see how the region is swollen and with prominent nodules. But this is not the only symptom. When the dog has mumps it also has other signs that help to identify the condition. The swelling region usually causes a lot of pain in the animal and difficulty chewing. BesidesIn addition, mumps can leave the dog with a fever, no appetite (mainly because of difficulty chewing) and anorexia. Mumps in dogs can happen on just one or both sides of the animal's face.

A swollen neck does not always mean that the dog has mumps

Parotitis or mumps in dogs is caused by the Paramoxidae virus, which can be transmitted in several ways. However, a swollen neck does not always mean that the animal has this disease. Mumps in dogs can mean, for example, a tumor in the region that has caused the glands to increase in size. Another possible cause of swelling in the neck is salivary mucocele, a disease in which the glands are swollen.The ducts through which the secretions come out become blocked, so saliva accumulates and swelling occurs. Therefore, it is important that, when observing mumps in dogs, the guardian takes the animal to the veterinarian to receive an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment of mumps in dogs is done with medication and dietary changes

There is no specific remedy for mumps in dogs. Typically, a dog with mumps needs to take anti-inflammatories and medications to reduce swelling. In addition, it may need canine antibiotics, painkillers for pain and medicines to control fever. Because a dog with mumps has difficulty chewing, it ends up eating less and loses many nutrients. Therefore, theTreatment of mumps in dogs usually relies on a nutritious and easily digestible diet, with lighter foods such as wet food - which still has a good amount of water. Water intake should also be stimulated and, in some cases, fluid therapy may be indicated. With proper treatment, mumps in dogs is usually cured in 10 to 15 days.

Prevent mumps in dogs by avoiding contact with infected animals

As mumps in dogs is a contagious disease, the best way to prevent your pet from contracting it is to avoid contact with infected animals. When walking your dog, prefer well-sanitized and ventilated environments. Castration of the dog is also important in this case, as it prevents certain behaviors such as fights between dogs, which are a gateway to the virus that causes the disease.In addition, it is important that the animal takes the V10 vaccine against distemper, since the disease is caused by the same virus as mumps in dogs and can lead to this condition. Finally, if you have a dog with mumps at home, keep it isolated during treatment so that the animal does not pass the disease to other pets, thus avoiding the spread.