RABIES - Nervous System Disease
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.  In many states and cities, rabies vaccine is required by law.

Clinical signs may include:
  • Aggression
  • Disorientation
  • Drooling
  • Seizures
  • Death
DHLPP (Distempter, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
Distemper - Nervous System Disease
Vaccination against distemper is essential for all dogs because the virus is found all over the country and is easily spread.  Distemper can cause respiratory signs and neurological problems like seizures.  Death may occur one to three weeks after infection.

Clinical signs may include:
Early Clinical Signs:
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Listlessness
  • Dry cough
  • Discharge from eyes and nose
  • Diarrhea
Later Clinical Signs:
  • Head shaking
  • Chewing movements
  • Seizures
  • Confusion
Hepatitis - Infectious Disease of Liver and Kidneys
The virus that causes this disease 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.

Clinical signs may include:
  • Lethargy
  • Decreased appetite
  • Fever
  • Bloody nose
  • Painful abdomen
Leptospirosis (Lepto) - Infectious Disease of Liver and Kidneys
Lepto is a serious bacterial disease of mammals such as dogs and humans.  Diagnosis of lepto can be difficult, and if left untreated, death may occur.  Lepto bacteria are carried by wildlife, rodents and livestock, and are shed 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 many organs may be infected by the lepto bacteria, the liver and/or kidneys are the most frequently affected.  It is important to take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible if your pet appears ill.

Clinical signs may include:
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Excessive urination
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Jaundice
Parainfluenza - Contagious Respiratory Disease
Canine parainfluenza virus is one of the causes of kennel cough, a contagious, non-life-threatening cold-like condition that causes coughing and other symptoms in dogs. Kennel cough, which can also be caused by bacteria called Bordetella, can have effects on animals for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Parvovirus - Gastrointestinal Disease
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 months or years.  In severe cases, it can lead to shock and death.  Vaccination against parvovirus is extremely important for all dogs.

Clinical signs may include:
  • Severe depression
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • High fever
  • Bloody diarrhea
​LYME DISEASE - Tick-Borne Disease
The bacterium that causes Lyme disease in dogs and humans is carried by a specific tick species.  Infected ticks, as small as the head of a pin, may inhabit lawns and gardens, as well as fields and forests.  Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose because of the vague signs of arthritis, lethargy, and fever.  As the disease progresses, Lyme-causing bacteria can damage many different organs including the liver, heart, nervous system and kidneys.

Clinical signs may include:
  • Lameness
  • Anorexia
  • Depression
  • Various signs associated with organ failure
  • Fever
  • Stiffness
  • Joint pain/swelling
BORDETELLA - Contagious Respiratory Disease
Several types of bacteria and viruses are known to cause respiratory disease in dogs.  Infection can lead to coughing, difficulty breathing and pneumonia.  Contact with any infected dog can result in spread of disease.  Dogs at greatest risk are those that come into contact with other dogs at daycare, boarding facilities, dog shows, parks or pet stores.

Clinical signs may include:
  • Dry, hacking cough
  • Retching
CANINE INFLUENZA ("DOG FLU") - Contagious Respiratory Disease
Dog flu, or canine influenza virus (CIV), is a highly contagious respiratory disease with two known strains spreading rapidly across the United States.  Dogs who frequently interact with other dogs are at a high risk.  But just like there's a human flu vaccine, there's a vaccine for dogs, too, that can prevent the disease or lessen the symptoms.

Just like human flu, dog flu spreads through sneezing, coughing and contacted with contaminated items such as dog toys, bowls, and blankets.

The risk of exposure is higher for social dogs who: 
  • Attend day care
  • Go to the dog park
  • Visit dog groomers

But there is one way dog flu isn't like human flu - it's not seasonal.
*The above information is taken from the following sources:
  Elanco as trademarked by Eli Lilly and Company or its affiliates
  Zoetis Petcare as trademarked by Zoetis Services, LLC
  PetCareRx.com