Being aware
of new symptoms or patterns of behavior can be helpful
indicates of internal disease. Of course, monitoring
external wounds and injuries is also important in combating
infection, etc. Diarrhea, constipation, fever, shivering,
runny nose, dry hot nose, runny or watery eyes, coughing,
increased or ravenous appetite with no weight gain, loss of
appetite, vomiting, increased urination, restlessness,
nervousness, and any indication of pain are indicates of
serious problems. Always check with your veterinarian if
these symptoms are present or persist.
Certain
preventative vaccines should be given from youth through
adult life. Breeders should have the beginning puppy shots
already administered as a series. The following diseases or
viruses can be prevented with vaccinations to insure a
healthy and long life.
Canine
Distemper Virus
is a widespread, often fatal disease. Spread of bodily
fluids through food and water causes infection. All dogs
should be vaccinated against distemper starting with
distemper-measles vaccination at 6 - 9 weeks of age.
Infectious
Canine Hepatitis Virus
(Canine Adenovirius type -1 and type -2) is an acute liver
infection. Hepatitis caused by CAV-1 (adenovirius type-1)
may cause severe kidney damage or death. CAV- 2 (adenovirius
typ-2) causes respiratory infection and is an important
factor in kennel cough. Symptoms include fever, loss of
appetite, depression, coughing, and tender abdomen. Signs of
liver disease (jaundice, vomiting, hepatic encephalopathy)
may occur. In the severest cases, bleeding disorders cause
hematomas of the mouth.
Canine
Bordetella
is the bacterium that causes bronchitis and may contribute
to kennel cough (inflammation of the upper respiratory
system). This bacterial infection is spreads through
coughing and sneezing. It can occur alone or in combination
with distemper, adenovirus type - 2 infection, parainfluenza,
and other respiratory problems.
Canine
Leptospirosis
is a bacterial infection spread by urine contaminated
water. Incubation period ranges from 2-20 days. Symptoms
include enlargement of the spleen, jaundice, fever,
vomiting, failure to eat, reduced urine output, dark urine,
inactivity, and nephritis. Permanent kidney and liver
damage is a possible result. The disease is easily spread to
other animals, and less commonly, to humans.
Canine
Parainfluenza
is another cause of kennel cough, affecting the lower
respiratory system. Although parainfluenza is often a mild
respiratory infection in healthy dogs, it can be severe in
puppies or debilitated dogs.
Canine
Parvovirus
infection is
a disease affecting the lymphatic system and
gastrointestinal tract causing severe dehydrating diarrhea
in dogs of varying ages. Other symptoms include loss of
appetite, lethargy, fever, and vomiting. It is spread by
contact with canine feces. Parvovirus infection is
especially dangerous for puppies.
Rabies
is a virus that causes inflammation of the brain. After
neurological symptoms have occurred, Rabies is almost always
fatal. It is transmitted through contact with saliva,
usually via a bite. All mammals are at risk, including
humans. Symptoms include flu-like sickness, then
uncharacteristic aggression and anxiousness.
Canine
Coronavirus
is a highly
contagious disease affecting the upper respiratory and
gastrointestinal tracts. This intestinal disease causes
vomiting and diarrhea in dogs of all ages. Particularly in
puppies, dehydration from coronavirus infection can be
life-threatening.
Remember the
information given is only a guide and you should always
check with your
veterinarian if you think there is a problem or before
administering any medication.