Dog Diseases Explained

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper often causes death or permanent disability and occurs most frequently in young, unvaccinated puppies.
Distemper is the most serious disease of dogs because the chances of survival are poor and dogs that survive often have nervous signs such as fits.
The disease is usually caught through direct contact with an infected dog, often beginning with high temperature, runny eyes and nose, a dry cough and diarrhoea. Dehydration, weight loss and nervous signs may follow.

Canine parvovirus first appeared in the late 1970’s as an epidemic which caused many deaths.
Spread through contact with an infected dog or its faeces, the virus can survive in the environment for many months.
This means that it can be transported on shoes and other objects so that even puppies that have been kept indoors, away from other dogs, may be at risk.
Dogs of all ages can be affected but it is often fatal in young dogs causing sudden onset of sickness, fever and severe, bloody diarrhoea.

ICH Mainly causes liver damage although it can also cause respiratory infections. In severe causes death often occurs rapidly after diagnosis leaving little time for treatment.
ICH is a very contagious viral disease spread through contact with infected dogs.
In addition to providing protection, vaccination helps minimise the spread of disease because those dogs who do survive infection can become symptomless carriers, posing a risk to unvaccinated dogs.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the liver and kidneys
The disease is mainly spread through contact with infected urine, e.g. at a lamp-post!
A severe case can be fatal, or can cause permanent kidney damage which may lead to disability and death later in life.
Leptospirosis can be passed to humans.

Kennel Cough commonly occurs when dogs are brought together in groups, e.g. at dogs shows or in Kennels.
The condition may last for several weeks.
Caused by many agents, either alone or in combination, Kennel Cough is not usually life threatening, generally causing an uncomfortable harsh, dry cough and possibly a nasal discharge.