Canine Diseases
Here’s a list of Canine Diseases for which we vaccinate your puppy or adult dog. Some vaccines will be given according to the lifestyle of your canine companion.
#1 Canine Distemper
A highly contagious viral disease transmitted by direct or indirect contact. A healthy dog does not need to come in direct contact with an infected dog, because air currents and inanimate objects can carry the virus.
Though the disease occurs more often in young dogs, those of any age may contract distemper. This is especially true of animals under stress or those that are relatively isolated from other dogs. Early signs of canine distemper are like those of severe cold and often go unrecognized by the pet owner. They also can have runny eyes and nose, diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures.
Many dogs can recover but are left with permanent damage to the nervous system, sense of smell, hearing & sight. Vaccination is the best means of prevention. All dogs should be vaccinated yearly.
#2 Canine Hepatitis
A virus that can infect many tissues, but usually attacks the liver, causing hepatitis. Most adult dogs that develop infectious canine hepatitis recover, but the disease is often fatal in puppies.
The virus is transmitted by contact with objects that have been contaminated with urine from infected dogs. The virus attacks organs throughout an unprotected dog’s body, producing fever, respiratory disease, diarrhea, liver and eye damage, and changes in the blood. An effective vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis.
#3 Canine Parainfluenza
This is caused by a virus, which produces a mild respiratory tract infection. It is often associated with other respiratory tract infections. These viruses are usually transmitted by contact with the nasal secretions of infected dogs.
#4 Canine Parvovirus
Parvo is a serious problem, due to the highly resistant nature of the virus. It can withstand extreme temperature changes and exposure to most disinfectants.
Dogs become infected with the virus through contact with the stool of an infected dog or a contaminated environment. The virus attacks the intestinal tract, white blood cells, and heart muscle. Parvovirus causes severe and often bloody vomiting and diarrhea. Infected animals rapidly dehydrate and severe cases progress to shock and death. Vaccine for parvovirus is available and your pet should be vaccinated annually.
#5 Canine Bordetellosis (AKA Kennel Cough)
Kennel cough is caused by bacterium bordetella bronchiseptica which is present in the respiratory tracts of many dogs. It is a primary cause of the severe chronic cough, tracheobronchitis. In addition to the cough, some dogs develop a purulent nasal discharge.
Transmission most frequently occurs by contact with the nasal secretions of infected dogs. If your dog is at the groomer, boarding, or goes for walks in the park, the Bordetella Vaccine should be given. We recommend that you vaccination for kennel cough every six months.
#6 Rabies
All warm-blooded animals can become infected with the rabies virus. We see rabies in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. However, rabbits, hamsters, squirrels, chipmunks, guinea pigs, gerbils, opossums, rats, and mice are hardly ever affected by rabies. It is one of the world’s most publicized and feared diseases and is almost always fatal.
The rabies virus attacks the brain & central nervous system and is transmitted to humans chiefly through the bite of an infected animal. Clinical signs may vary. Some animals may stagger, seem vicious, or even overly friendly. Stonebrook Family Pet Clinic usually vaccinates a puppy at four months with a booster in one year. After that, we vaccinate our canine companions every three years.
#7 Canine Leptospirosis
A bacterial disease that attacks the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. It can affect dogs of any age. An infected dog can spread Leptospira bacteria for months after it has been sick. Other dogs and even humans can pick up the bacteria from the infected dog’s urine. Vaccination is the best prevention for leptospirosis. All dogs should be vaccinated yearly.
#8 Heartworm Disease
It is one of the most common and dangerous canine illnesses. Your dog can get heartworm disease, whether he/she is an outside dog or even if he/she stays inside most of the time. Dogs get heartworm disease from mosquitoes. It is the female mosquito that bites and transmits the infections. Female mosquitoes are very tiny and can easily slip through cracks around windows, doors, or screens.
Every dog can be at risk, indoors, or out. Unfortunately, no dog, or breed of dog, is immune to heartworm disease. The mosquito that bites your dog could be carrying this common and deadly parasite. One bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes for your dog to become infected. A simple blood test can determine if your dog has heartworms.
If your dog gets heartworm disease, treatment is available. For more information visit the American Heartworm Society. There are several preventatives that help prevent heartworm disease. They are available as oral pill/chews, topical liquids, or even bi-annual injectables. We will help guide you in the best prevention for your pet.
#9 Canine Coronavirus
This virus affects the intestinal tract of dogs. The length of time between encountering the virus and showing signs of illness is one to five days. Signs include depression, vomiting, and diarrhea. This virus is transmitted through the stool of an infected dog and may shed the virus for two weeks after signs of infections have ended. A vaccine is available for the prevention of Canine Coronavirus infection.
#10 Lyme Disease
The organism spreads throughout the body, inflaming joints, and several organs. Transmitted via a bite from the deer tick, and to a lesser extent the dog tick, and Lone Star tick, it causes inflammation leading to organ dysfunction, to produce the clinical signs of anorexia, depression, fever, stiffness, and joint pain and swelling.
At Stonebrook Family Pet Clinic we will look at your dog’s lifestyle to see if he/she is at risk for this disease and vaccinate accordingly.
For more information about our vaccinations that keep your dog healthy, contact us here.
