Protecting your Dog

Dogs are commonly vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough), corona virus, lymes disease, and  rabies. Some of these vaccinations can be combined and given as one vaccination. We will help you determine which vaccines are needed to keep your dog healthy.                    

Distemper

Distemper is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease that can be spread dog-to-dog and also people-to-dog when a person comes in contact with an infected dog and then comes in contact with an non-infected dog.  It affects the respiratory and nervous systems.  Signs include fever, lethargy, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures, ultimately leading to death.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a contagious disease of the liver that can also lead to severe kidney damage.  Signs include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. 

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease carried by cattle and many wild animals.  Your dog can contract the disease from infected animals or by drinking contaminated water.  Symptoms include high fever, jaundice, hemorrhaging, and bloodstained feces.  

Parvovirus (Parvo)

Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that causes diarrhea and vomiting. The disease is most deadly in puppies, but all dogs are at risk.  Parvo is usually transmitted from one dog to another through contaminated feces.

Infectious Tracheobronchitis (also known as Kennel Cough or Bordetella)

Kennel Cough is a inflammation of the trachea and bronchi that lead to the lungs and is very contagious. The main symptoms are severe coughing spells sometimes followed by vomiting and gagging, watery eyes and nasal discharge.  Kennel cough can be caused by many different viruses and bacteria.  The vaccination protects against some of the most contagious types of kennel cough.

Coronavirus

Coronavirus is a leading cause of viral diarrhea.  Puppies are most severely affected by the virus, but it can affect all dogs. Signs to watch for include diarrhea, vomiting, excessive thirst, weight loss and loss of appetite. It is possible for your dog to have both parvo and coronavirus at the same time, and this combination can lead to enteritis and death.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a disease carried by ticks that can cause permanent disability in dogs.  Symptoms include sudden onset of severe pain and lameness, fever, lethargy, depression and loss of appetite. Severe forms can affect the heart, brain and kidneys.

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal viral disease affecting the central nervous system of all mammals, including humans. Rabies is transmitted through contact with saliva from an infected animal due to a bite wound or a break in the skin. Dogs that go outside, even occasionally, are at highest risk for contracting the disease.  If an unvaccinated dog bites or scratches a person, legally they much be handled as if they may be rabid. Usually a 10 day quarantine is required. Vaccination protects your dog from the disease and protects you from possible exposure to this deadly disease. Many local governments require rabies vaccination for dogs as well as cats.