9 Canine Diseases You Can Prevent
Keeping your dog healthy involves a combination of proper care, nutrition, and preventive measures. One crucial aspect of dog health is vaccination. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends creating a core vaccine program for your dog, tailored to their specific needs. Here, we outline some of the most significant diseases that can be prevented through vaccination:
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a highly contagious and often deadly disease transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an infected dog's discharges from the eyes, nose, or urine. It is a primary killer of puppies and poses a severe threat even to older dogs.
Canine Adenovirus Type 1 & 2
Hepatitis, caused by Adenovirus type-1, attacks the liver and is transmitted through contact with objects contaminated by urine, saliva, and feces. Adenovirus type-2 is a respiratory infection that may be associated with kennel cough. Early signs of infection are similar to distemper.
Canine Parainfluenza
This mild respiratory tract infection spreads through contact with nasal secretions. While it can affect dogs of all ages, the infection is more severe in young puppies.
Canine Parvovirus
Parvovirus is highly resistant to extreme temperature changes and most disinfectants. It causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, making it highly contagious and particularly dangerous for puppies.
Canine Coronavirus
This highly contagious, mild, and self-limiting intestinal disease can occasionally be fatal. It causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs of all ages but is most often seen in young puppies.
Canine Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infectious bacterial disease transmitted by contact with infected urine from rodents and other animals. It can be spread to humans and other animals and may cause permanent kidney damage. A 4-way canine leptospirosis vaccine is recommended.
Canine Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough)
Kennel cough is a bacterial respiratory tract infection transmitted by nasal and oral secretions. It causes a harsh, non-productive cough lasting one to three weeks. Bordetella infections can occur alone or with other respiratory issues.
Canine Borreliosis (Lyme Disease)
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of an infected tick. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, muscle stiffness, and lameness in severe cases.
Rabies in Dogs
Rabies is one of the most feared diseases, almost always fatal, attacking the brain and central nervous system. It is transmitted to humans through a bite or scratch from an infected animal.
Which Vaccines Do Dogs Need?
Core vaccines typically protect against Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 1 (Hepatitis), Adenovirus Type 2 (Respiratory Disease), Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. Additional vaccines provide protection against Leptospirosis and Coronavirus, tailored to the dog's specific needs and lifestyle.
Ensuring Your Dog’s Health
Following a proper vaccination schedule is crucial for preventing these devastating diseases. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination plan for your dog, ensuring they remain healthy and protected throughout their life. For more information, visit k9reproduction.com.
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