Parvovirus:
Parvovirus (more commonly known as Parvo) is a highly contagious disease which causes diarrhea and vomiting, and often leads to death. Parvo is most common in puppies, however, dogs of any age can be susceptible. Contaminated feces is the most common way to transmit parvo from one dog to another. Parvo can also be carried on the dog's hair and feet, as well as on contaminated cages, shoes, and other objects.

Coronavirus:
Coronavirus, next to Parvo, is the second leading cause of viral diarrhea. It affects dogs of all ages, puppies most severely. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, excessive thirst, weight loss and loss of appetite. It is possible for your dog to have both Coronavirus and Parvo at the same time. In fact, dual infections can lead to severe enteritis and death.

Lyme disease:
Lyme disease is a devastating bacterial disease which can cause permanent and painful disabilities in dogs. Symptoms include arthritis, sudden onset of severe pain and lameness, fever, lethargy, depression and loss of appetite. Severe forms of Lyme disease can affect the heart, brain, and kidney.

Distemper:
Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease. It affects the respiratory and the nervous systems, causing fever, lethargy, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and eventually death.

Hepatitis:
Hepatitis is a contagious disease of the liver. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Hepatitis can also cause severe kidney damage.

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

Infectious Tracheobronchitis:
Infectious Tracheobronchitis (most commonly known as Kennel Cough or ITB) is an acute and highly contagious disease. There are several organisms that can cause ITB. They are Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza (CPI), canine adenovirus 1 (CAV-l), canine adenovirus 2 (CAV-2), canine distemper virus (CDV), reovirus and small organisms called mycoplasma. These organisms may act alone or in combination; however the most commonly involved organisms are Bordetella, CPI and CAV-2. Symptoms include severe coughing spells sometimes followed by vomiting and gagging. The dog may also have watery eyes and/or a nasal discharge.

Rabies:
Rabies is probably the most feared disease. The rabies virus attacks the brain and is always fatal. Dogs are exposed to rabies by bites from wild animals particularly skunks, raccoons, bats, and foxes. Rabies can be transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected pet.

How can I protect my dog from these diseases?
The prevention of infectious disease is accomplished by maintaining high levels of general health, limiting exposure to possible sources of these infectious agents, and by the regular use of vaccines. Only your veterinarian can determine which vaccines are appropriate for your dog based on his age, lifestyle, and other factors. Schedule a health exam with your veterinarian so she/he can design a vaccination/disease prevention program to keep your dog happy and healthy for years to come.