Dog Diseases    

Dogs of all ages and breed may be at risk for one or several of the following diseases:

Parvovirus

Parvovirus (more commonly known as Parvo) is a highly contagious disease that causes diarrhea and vomiting, and often leads to death. Although Parvo is most common in puppies, dogs of any age are susceptible. The most common way to transmit Parvo from one dog to another is via contaminated feces. Parvo can also be carried on the dog's hair and feet, as well as contaminated cages, shoes and other objects.

Coronavirus

Next to Parvo, Coronavirus is the second leading cause of viral diarrhea. While Coronavirus affects dogs of all ages, it affects puppies most severely. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, excessive thirst, weight loss and loss of appetite. Your dog can have both Coronavisus and Parvo at the same time. In fact, dual infections can lead to severe enteritis and death.

Giardia

Giardia is a parasite that lives in many different and often unexpected water sources. It causes giardiasis, which is the most frequently occuring protozoal water-borne illness in North America. Your pet can contract the disease simply by drinking contaminated water. Symptoms of Giardia include diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain and poor weight gain.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a devastating bacterial disease which can cause permanent and painful disabilities in dogs. Symptoms include arthritis, sudden onset of severe pain and lameness, fever, lethargy, depression and loss of appetite. Severe forms of Lyme disease can affect the heart, brain and kidney.

Distemper

Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease. It affects the respiratory and nervous systems, causing fever, lethargy, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and eventually death.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a contagious disease of the liver. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Hepatitis can also cause severe kidney damage.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease carried by many wild animals. A dog can contract the disease from infected animals or by drinking contaminated water. Symptoms include high fever, jaundice, hemorrhaging, and bloodstained feces.

Infectious Tracheobronchitis

Infectious Tracheobronchitis (more commonly konwn as Kennel Cough or ITB) is an acute, highly contagious disease. Several organisms can cause ITB: Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza (CPI), canine adenovirus 1 (CAV-1), canine adenovirus 2 (CAV-2), canine distemper virus (CDV), reovirus and small organisms called mycoplasma. Symptoms include severe coughing spells sometimes followed by vomiting and gagging. The dog may also have watery eyes and/or a nasal discharge.

Rabies

Rabies is probably the most feared disease. The rabies virus attacks the brain and is always fatal. Dogs are exposed to rabies by bites from wild animals particularly skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes. Rabies can be transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected pet.

How can I protect my dog from these diseases?

You can prevent infectious diseases by maintaining high levels of general pet health. limiting your pet's exposure to possible sources of infectious agents and vaccinating your dog. Only your veterinarian can determine which vaccines are appropriate for your dog based on his age, lifestyle and other factors. Schedule an exam with your veterinarian so a vaccination/disease prevention program can be designed to keep your dog happy and healthy for years to come.