Apart from external wounds or obvious injuries which we can see we need watch for symptoms which can tell us our companion is suffering from an internal disease. Symptoms to watch for are diarrhea, constipation, fever, shivering, runny nose, dry hot nose, runny or watery eyes, coughing,
increased or ravenous appetite but no weight gain, loss of appetite, vomiting, increased urination, restlessness,  nervousness, and any indication of pain. Always check with your veterinarian if these symptoms are present or persist.

Certain preventative vaccines should be given to your dog from puppyhood through adult life. Breeders should have the beginning puppy shots already administered and you will probably have to finish the series. The following are the diseases or viruses for which your dog will need vaccinations to insure a healthy and long life .

Canine Distemper Virus
a widespread, often fatal disease. 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
cause infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection. Hepatitis caused by adenovirus type -1 may cause severe kidney damage or death. Adenovirus type - 2 is an important factor in kennel cough.

Canine Bordetella
may contribute to kennel cough. This bacterial infection can occur alone or in combination with distemper, adenovirus type - 2 infection, parainfluenza, and other respiratory problems.

Canine Leptospirosis
is a bacterial infection which may lead to permanent kidney damage. The disease is easily spread to other pets and to humans.

Canine Parainfluenza
is another cause of kennel cough. 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 which is widespread and may cause severe dehydrating diarrhea in dogs of varying ages. Parvovirus infection is especially dangerous for puppies.

Rabies
is one of the world's most publicized and feared diseases and is almost always fatal. Rabies virus attacks the brain and central nervous system. It is transmitted to humans mainly through the bite of an infected animal.

Canine Coronavirus
infection is a highly contagious intestinal disease causing vomiting and diarrhea in dogs of all ages. Particularly in young 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.