Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus is a very nasty disease that affects dogs of all ages but is most commonly seen in young pups, where it can be very serious and frequently fatal. The virus attacks the intestines causing severe diarrhoea with blood, uncontrollable vomiting and abdominal pain. Without high level veterinary treatment, most dogs with parvovirus will die, and unfortunately, some will die even if they receive intensive veterinary care.

Parvovirus is spread via dog faeces and can remain in the environment for years, even after any trace of faeces have been cleaned away. For this reason, it is not necessary to have direct contact with other dogs for the disease to be spread or contracted. The virus is so persistent that an infected dog’s environment and belongings must be cleaned with potent disinfectants in order to prevent the virus from spreading to other dogs. Outbreaks occur regularly especially in the summer months, with an estimated 20,000 dogs infected in Australia every year.

Whilst vaccination is a highly effective prevention for most strains of parvovirus, it is essential that pups receive their full course of vaccines, as well as regular adult vaccinations in order to be protected. It is also important to be aware that while uncommon, it is still possible for some dogs to contract the disease even if fully vaccinated. 

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper (CDV) is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect dogs of any age, with young puppies being at highest risk.

Symptoms vary but can include fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, eye discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and depression. Muscle tremors, seizures and paralysis can occur later in the disease process. Treatment is usually ineffective and the recovery rate very low. Dogs that do recover may have permanent brain damage.

Thankfully, due to widespread vaccination, this disease is now rarely seen in Australia. 

Canine Cough

Canine cough (also known as 'Kennel Cough' or Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis) is a condition produced by several highly infectious agents, which can be easily spread wherever dogs congregate such as parks, grooming salons, doggy day care, shows, obedience schools and boarding kennels. Among the infectious agents associated with canine cough is the bacterium known as Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine viruses parainfluenza, adenovirus type 2 and mycoplasma species.

Affected dogs have a highly contagious dry hacking cough which can persist for several weeks. Whilst it can be distressing for dogs and their owners, it rarely leads to serious consequences, and very often, vets do not recommend any specific treatment for the condition. Uncommonly, the disease complex can lead to pneumonia in very young puppies, geriatric dogs, or those with suppressed immune systems.

Like the 'flu in humans, annual vaccination is not 100% effective in preventing all occurrences of the disease, but is still important to minimise the likelihood of contracting canine cough. 

Canine Infectious Hepatitis (also known as Canine Adenovirus Type 1 - CAV-1)

Canine infectious hepatitis is an extremely contagious and often fatal viral disease of dogs. Dogs of any age can become infected, however severe cases are rare in dogs over two years of age.

Symptoms include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and severe abdominal pain. In severe cases death can occur within 24 to 36 hours. Dogs that recover may develop long-term liver and kidney problems and can act as carriers spreading the disease to other dogs for many months.

Vaccination against this disease forms one of the 'core' vaccinations for dogs, and therefore it is now uncommonly seen thanks to widespread vaccination practices.

Canine Leptospirosis

Canine leptospirosis is a serious disease risk in some areas of Australia, and can cause high death rates. This bacterial disease is spread in the urine of infected rats and is usually transmitted to dogs who ingest food and water contaminated by rats.

There is an increased risk where high rat populations exist such as in cities, near rubbish dumps or around sugar cane areas. Incidence can also increase after long periods of wet weather or building activity, when rat populations are forced to move or concentrate. Leptospirosis is a ‘zoonotic disease' meaning it is an animal disease that can be passed to humans. 

The disease leads to kidney failure and may be shed in the urine of infected animals or people.

For this reason, vaccination against leptospirosis is highly recommended for some dogs. If your vet feels this vaccination is important for your dog, they will discuss their individual risk with you.