Canine distemper is a highly contagious, very serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and the nervous systems. Dogs that do not receive periodic immunizations may lose their protection and become infected after stress, immunosuppression, or contact with diseased animals.

Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) is considered a core vaccine, primarily because it is necessary for the prevention of canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1) (against which it cross-protects), the cause of infectious canine hepatitis. (CAV-2) is a respiratory disease that may cause a dry hacking cough, retching, sneezing, and watery nasal discharge. In sever cases it may lead to pneumonia, inappetence, fever, and lethargy.

Canine parvovirus “parvo” is a highly contagious virus that commonly causes GI disease in young, unvaccinated or incompletely dogs. Presenting signs include anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea, which is often hemorrhagic. Parvovirus can be severe, even fatal.

Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus and is one of the most common pathogens of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as canine cough. Although the respiratory signs may resemble those of canine influenza, they are unrelated viruses and require different vaccines for protection. CPIV is excreted from the respiratory tract of infected animals for up to 2 weeks after infection and is usually transmitted through the air. The virus spreads rapidly in kennels or shelters where large numbers of dogs are kept together.

This bacterial infection may exhibit symptoms of fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, and depression and it could lead to chronic kidney and or liver disease. Leptospirosis can be found all across the United States, though some regions may be more susceptible than others. The most common way for dogs to get leptospirosis is through water contaminated with urine from rodents and small mammals like mice, squirrels, raccoons and some livestock. Contaminated water sources could possibly include: puddles, ponds or lakes.

Rabies is a virus that attacks the nervous system and is always fatal. Rabies vaccinations are required by all states.

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a highly contagious bacteria that can cause kennel cough also known as canine infectious respiratory disease. Like the flu shot in humans, this vaccine protects and helps lessen the severity of the infection.