How to Check for Disease in Stray Pets and What to Do Next

Approach with Caution

Before inspecting the pet for any diseases, it’s essential to approach them carefully. Many stray pets are fearful of humans due to their past experiences, and some may react defensively. Keep a calm demeanor and use slow movements to avoid startling the animal. It’s also important to wear gloves when handling stray animals, as many diseases can be transmitted through direct contact, such as rabies, parasites, or ringworm.

Examine Their Physical Condition

The first step in assessing the health of a stray pet is to perform a visual inspection. Pay attention to the following aspects:

Coat and Skin: A healthy pet will have a clean, shiny coat. If the pet has patches of missing fur, sores, scabs, or flaky skin, it could indicate a skin condition like mange, fungal infections, or parasitic infestations. Fleas, ticks, and other external parasites are common in stray animals, so check closely for any signs.

Eyes and Ears: Healthy eyes should be clear and bright, without any discharge, redness, or cloudiness. If the pet has discharge coming from its eyes or ears, it could be an indication of an eye infection or ear mites. Also, check if the pet is squinting or seems to have difficulty seeing.

Nose and Mouth: A dry or cracked nose may suggest dehydration, which can be a result of illness or malnutrition. Examine the pet’s mouth for any visible signs of dental disease, abscesses, or gum infections. Foul-smelling breath or excessive drooling may also be signs of a serious health issue.

Teeth and Gums: Healthy gums should be pink. If they appear pale, red, or swollen, it could indicate a dental issue or infection. Keep an eye out for any broken teeth or abscesses.

Look for Behavioral Changes

Stray animals are often frightened, so their behavior may differ from that of a domesticated pet. However, certain behavioral changes can signal a health issue:

Lethargy: If the pet seems unusually tired, refuses to move, or is hiding in a corner, it could be a sign of illness, pain, or infection.

Loss of Appetite: A pet that refuses to eat or drink for an extended period is a clear indicator of potential illness, particularly digestive issues or infections.

Aggression: While fear can cause aggression, sudden aggressive behavior could also be due to pain, neurological issues, or infections, including rabies. If the pet shows signs of aggression, keep your distance and avoid physical contact.

Vomiting or Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal issues are common among stray animals, often due to poor diet or infections. If the pet shows signs of vomiting or diarrhea, it may need immediate medical attention.

Check for Parasites and Fleas

Stray animals are often infested with fleas, ticks, and internal parasites like worms. Here’s how to check:

Fleas: Look for small, dark, fast-moving creatures in the fur, particularly around the neck and back. Fleas often leave behind “flea dirt,” which looks like small black specks. You can use a damp paper towel to wipe the fur; if the specks turn red, it’s flea dirt, which is actually flea feces made from the pet’s blood.

Ticks: Ticks are larger than fleas and may be found attached to the pet’s skin. Use a tick removal tool or tweezers to carefully remove any ticks, making sure to remove the entire tick, including its head.

Worms: If you notice visible worms in the pet’s stool or around its anus, it’s a sign of intestinal worms. These parasites can cause malnutrition and other health complications.

Check for Signs of Infectious Diseases

Stray pets are at a higher risk of infectious diseases due to their exposure to unsanitary environments and other infected animals. Here are a few common diseases to watch for:

Rabies: Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is often fatal. A rabid animal may exhibit strange behavior, such as aggression, confusion, and difficulty moving. If you suspect the pet may have rabies, avoid any direct contact and seek immediate medical help.

Distemper: This viral disease affects dogs and can cause symptoms such as coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes. A pet with distemper may also develop neurological signs, including seizures. Distemper is highly contagious, so it’s important to keep the pet isolated from other animals.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): These viral diseases are common among stray cats. Infected cats may show signs of weight loss, lethargy, and fever. Testing for these diseases should be done by a vet, as both are incurable but manageable with proper care.

Parvovirus: A highly contagious viral infection that affects puppies, parvovirus causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Without proper treatment, it can be fatal.

Provide Immediate Care

If you notice any concerning signs of illness or injury, it’s important to act quickly:

Hydration and Nutrition: If the pet seems malnourished or dehydrated, provide clean water and food. Start with a small amount of soft food and gradually increase the quantity. Don’t force feed, as this can cause further stress.

Contact a Veterinarian: The next step is to contact a local veterinarian for a full health checkup. It’s important to get professional advice and treatment for any serious conditions or diseases. Many veterinarians offer discounted services for stray animals or can help direct you to an animal rescue organization.

Isolation: If you already have pets at home, keep the stray animal isolated until a veterinarian clears it of any contagious diseases. This helps protect your pets from potential infections.

Take Preventative Measures

To prevent further health problems, it’s important to take some preventative steps:

Vaccinations: Ensure that the stray pet receives all necessary vaccinations. Vaccines protect against common diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.

Spaying/Neutering: If the stray is unspayed or unneutered, consider having this procedure done. Spaying or neutering reduces the risk of certain cancers and helps control the stray population.

Flea and Tick Prevention: Use appropriate flea and tick treatments to ensure the pet is free of parasites. Your veterinarian can recommend the best treatment options.

Q&A Section

Q1: How can I tell if a stray dog has rabies?

Ans) Rabies can cause extreme changes in behavior, such as aggression, confusion, difficulty walking, or paralysis. If you suspect a dog has rabies, avoid direct contact and immediately contact animal control or a veterinarian for guidance.

Q2: What should I do if the stray pet is injured?

Ans) If the pet has visible injuries like broken bones or deep wounds, try to stabilize the animal as best as you can. Use a clean cloth or bandage to cover the injury, and transport the pet to the vet as soon as possible for proper care.

Q3: Can stray pets spread diseases to humans?

Ans) Yes, some diseases, such as rabies, ringworm, and parasites like fleas and ticks, can be transmitted to humans. It’s important to wear gloves and take precautions when handling stray animals.

Q4: Should I take a stray cat to the vet if it looks healthy?

Ans) Even if a stray cat looks healthy, it’s always a good idea to have it checked by a veterinarian. Cats can carry diseases like feline leukemia and FIV, which may not show obvious symptoms.