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The following is a list of common canine diseases that may affect your dog if he
or she is not properly vaccinated. Please read through them to see why it is
required for your pet to have the protection of these vaccinations.
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Distemper is a highly contagious and often fatal virus that affects a dog's respiratory,
gastrointestinal and nervous systems. It can be spread as an airborne infection or through
contact with an infected animal, its feces or its urine. Because a puppy's natural immunity
may wear off before he is vaccinated, reduce risk of exposure by limiting contact with
unfamiliar dogs until the vaccination series is completed. Symptoms include coughing,
sneezing, nose and eye discharges, fever, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite and
seizures.
Infectious Hepatitis (also known as adenovirus) is a viral disease spread by contact with
infected animals, their feces, urine or saliva. It affects the liver, kidneys and cells lining the
blood vessels. Symptoms include high fever, thirst, inflammation of nose or mouth, diarrhea,
abdominal pain and tenderness, liver damage, loss of appetite, hemorrhage and depression.
Leptospirosis is an extremely contagious bacterial disease that spreads through contact with
nasal secretions, urine or saliva of infected animals. Early signs are not apparent, so
infection can go undetected. Recovered animals can continue spreading the disease, which
can also infect humans. Symptoms are inflamed kidneys, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of
appetite and listlessness. Liver damage can also occur. Note that early signs of the disease
may not be readily apparent.
Parvovirus is a common, deadly viral infection, usually of puppies. Parvovirus is spread by
contact with feces, blood or vomit of an infected dog. Symptoms include severe diarrhea,
fever, vomiting, loss of appetite and dehydration.
Parainfluenza is a highly infectious virus that can be one of the causes of a "kennel cough."
It spreads quickly among dogs kept in close quarters. If neglected, it may seriously damage
the respiratory system and even lead to death. Symptoms are a harsh, dry, hacking cough,
loss of appetite, depression and a runny nose and eyes.
Coronavirus is a highly contagious viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Coronavirus is
spread by contact with the feces, blood or vomit of an infected dog. Symptoms include
vomiting, diarrhea, high fever and dehydration.
Bordatella is a bacterial infection involved in infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) and
is spread by airborne bacteria. A dog may catch this disease through contact with other
dogs at places like dog classes, dog parks, kennels, dog shows and field trials. Symptoms are
persistent coughing, sneezing and retching, accompanied by nasal discharge. Increased
susceptibility to other upper respiratory infections is also possible.
Rabies is an infection of the central nervous system that results in paralysis and death.
Rabies is always fatal. It is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.
Rabies is a serious public health threat, so it is essential to vaccinate your dog. Most states
have laws requiring vaccination. Symptoms are a stage of high excitability including
unprovoked biting and sensitivity to noise. There is also a stage of paralysis, cramps and
swallowing difficulties.
