Canine distemper (hard pad)
Canine distemper is a serious disease of dogs caused by a virus. Affected dogs are often very ill and many die from the disease. Symptoms include coughing, a snotty nose, vomiting, diarrhoea and convulsions. Animals which recover may have ongoing illnesses for the rest of their lives. The vaccine is very effective and if given every 2-3 years will produce full protection against the disease.
Canine Infectious Hepatitis (adenovirus 1)
Canine Infectious Hepatitis is a disease caused by a virus which attacks the liver and can cause liver failure. Many animals who succumb to this disease will die. Less severely affected dogs may have a cough and high temperature and may also develop a white layer on the front of the eye. There is no specific treatment for the disease but vaccination gives good protection.
Canine parvovirus ('parvo')
Canine parvovirus a disease due to a virus which causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea, usually in young puppies. Many puppies affected by the disease will die. The disease is often less severe in older dogs but if bitches are infected while they are pregnant the puppies may be born with deformities. Vaccine protection is generally very good although in some breeds, eg Rottweilers, there have been reports of young puppies catching the disease despite having been vaccinated. If this happens, it is usually because the immunity from the mother had not worn off when the vaccine was given and so the vaccine did not work properly. However, giving the final injection when the puppy is older should overcome this problem.
Leptospirosis (Weil's disease)
Leptospirosis is an infection caused by a bacterium. The disease is usually spread by rats which pass the bacteria out in their urine. The bacteria only survives well in moist conditions outside the rat, so dogs which spend a lot of time in water are most at risk. The disease is very serious and can cause jaundice and liver failure and can be spread to people as well as infecting dogs. Vaccination gives very good protection that usually lasts for a year (although dogs at high risk may need to be vaccinated more often).
Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis)
Kennel cough is not a serious disease in most otherwise healthy dogs. However, it is very infectious and will rapidly spread around the dog population. As its name suggests, it causes coughing which can go on for a month in some cases. Good kennels will insist that your dog is vaccinated against this disease before agreeing to take them for boarding. The protection given by the vaccination only lasts for about 6 months so most dogs are only vaccinated just before going into kennels. Kennel cough is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria including: Canine parainfluenzavirus, Canine adenovirus 2 and Bordetella. Ask your vet for details of which of these your dog is protected against before putting your dog in kennels.
Rabies
Vaccination against rabies is compulsory in many countries because of the risk of passing this horrible fatal disease to humans. Vaccination is unnecessary for dogs in those countries which are free of rabies - the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Japan - except in those animals which are going to be exported abroad. Dogs in the UK may now be vaccinated against rabies for travel to some European countries or Rabies-free islands and can return to the UK without having to go through the 6 month quarantine period. Rabies vaccination has to be repeated every 2 years to maintain protection, but more frequent vaccination may be needed to comply with travelling regulations. Contact your vet for details if you plan to travel abroad with your dog.
