Dog Vaccinations

Routine vaccination dog vaccinations has become established practice and consequently the level of contagious dog diseases has fallen considerably over the years. However dogs that are not properly vaccinated are still at risk of contracting a number of possibly fatal diseases. For dogs, Parvovirus and Leptospirosis are probably the most common threats but it is also necessary to protect against Distemper and Hepatitis. Additionally some dog vaccines are able to protect against Parainfluenza and Bordettella bronchiseptica. (see article on Kennel Cough). These are the causes of canine infectious tracheobronchitis. Not all dog vaccines cover each of these different diseases. To check what your dog is actually covered for look inside your dogs vaccination certificate and see which of the above are ticked. The standard annual dog vaccination should cover all except Bordetella which requires a separate vaccine.

Dog Diseases

Canine Parvovirus

Source: Virus shed in faeces of infected dogs. The virus can be spread on shoes, clothing and on the coat and body of other dogs. It is very persistent.

Symptoms: Severe gastroenteritis is the main sign. This can start rapidly along with vomiting, blood in diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. The dog stops eating and drinking and looks unwell. It is often fatal especially in puppies and older dogs.

Canine Distemper

Source: The virus is delicate and because of this the main source of infection is by inhalation via close dog to dog contact.

Symptoms: Can take up to three weeks to show signs in the dog. They include runny eyes and nose together with a lack of appetite. These symptoms are followed by diarrhoea, coughing, and tiredness. In the later stages the dog can appear to fit. It is often fatal.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Source: Infection is usually spread by direct contact with infected dogs or their urine or faeces.

Symptoms: Include loss of appetite, severe thirst, high temperature, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The dog may have pale gums and conjunctiva and can develop jaundice.

Leptospirosis

Source: Bacteria in the urine of infected dogs. Two main forms of the disease occur - one from infected rats and mice and the other from infected dogs. It is a zoonosis. i.e. it can be spread to humans.

Symptoms: Include lethargy, severe thirst, high temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea with blood, and jaundice. It may be fatal.

Canine infectious tracheobronchitis

Source: An upper respiratory disease usually occurring from close dog to dog contact.

Symptoms: A persistent harsh dry cough which may cause retching and loss of appetite. Very rarely severe cases may progress to pneumonia.