| Canine Vaccines |
| Canine Cough or Tracheobronchitis Several types of bacteria and viruses are known to cause infection and inflammation of the lungs and respiratory passages of dogs. The most prevalent are adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. The stress associated with boarding and increased exposure to these organisms commonly results in "kennel cough" in unvaccinated dogs. |
| Coronavirus Canine coronavirus can cause serious disease leading to death when it strikes in tandem with parvovirus. Puppies are particularly susceptible to severe symptoms. Infected dogs shed the virus through their feces.Distemper Vaccination against distemper virus is essential for all dogs. Nearly every dog will be exposed to distemper virus in its lifetime, and when infection occurs it is often fatal. Distemper virus attacks many body organs in addition to the nervous system. Symptoms include listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, and discharge from the eyes and nose. In its final stages, it may cause convulsions and paralysis. Death may occur one to three weeks after infection. |
| Hepatitis This virus is spread by contact with urine, feces and other secretions from infected animals. The liver is the primary organ affected and death is possible in severe cases. |
| Leptospirosis Lepto is a serious bacterial disease of mammals including dogs and humans. While many organisms may be attacked by the leptospira bacteria, the liver and/or kidney are the most frequently affected. Symptoms of the disease may include fever, vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, coughing and increased urination. If left untreated, death may occur. Diagnosis of lepto can be difficult. Leptospira bacteria are harbored in the bodies of wildlife, rodents and livestock, and are expressed in the urine of infected animals. Any surface water contaminated by this urine represents a source of infection to your pet. Increased rainfall may elevate your pet's risk of contracting leptospirosis. While there are many strains of leptospira bacteria, specific strains may be more prevalent in specific geographic regions. Common serovars include Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa and Pomona. Leptospirosis is the world's most common infectious disease shared by animal and man. |
| Lyme disease The bacteria which cause Lyme disease in dogs and humans is carried by a specific tick species. Lyme disease is very difficult to diagnose because of the long incubation period and vague, arthritic, flu-like symptoms that may accompany it. As the disease progresses, Lyme-causing bacteria damage many different organs including the liver, heart, nervous system and kidneys. Infective ticks, as small as the head of a pin, may inhabit urban and rural lawns and gardens, as well as fields and forests. Cool, wet weather in the spring and fall increases your pet's risk of contracting Lyme disease. |
| Parvovirus This highly contagious and debilitating virus is spread through infected fecal material. It is a very hardy virus and can survive in the environment for extended periods. In severe cases, it can lead to shock and death. Vaccination against parvovirus is extremely important for all dogs. |
| Rabies This is a fatal viral disease of all mammals including dogs, cats, livestock and humans. Infected wildlife and unvaccinated animals are the source of this virus. Because rabies is a significant health hazard, it is extremely important to vaccinate your pet. |