Your Dog’s Vaccinations

The vaccines canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and parvovirus are usually combined into a single vaccination called DHLP-P. This combination, used to vaccinate puppies and as a booster for adults, is very effective. The vaccine for rabies is given separately.

Distemper

This highly contagious viral disease is usually fatal. It used to be quite widespread at one time. Due to conscientious vaccination protocols, it is not seen often in our area. Symptoms include fever, coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and nose, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Ultimately, the virus attacks the dog’s nervous system and may cause seizures.

Parainfluenza

This virus is part of a group of viruses and bacteria responsible for infectious tracheobronchitis, or kennel cough. Characterized by a dry, hacking cough often accompanied by fever and loss of appetite,  kennel cough is a highly contagious airborne disease. Vaccines may help prevent it.

Parvovirus

A relatively new disease, parvovirus usually causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea and loss of appetite in dogs of all ages. If untreated affected dogs often become dehydrated and die. The virus may also affect the hearts of very young puppies and cause death within 12 hours.

Leptospirosis

This bacterial disease is transmitted through the urine of an affected animal. It may infect the dog’s kidneys and cause weakness, vomiting, high fever and loss of appetite.

Infectious canine hepatitis (ICI-)

Another viral disease, ICH primarily affects the liver. Signs include fever, lethargy, abdominal pain and blue haze over the dog’s eyes.

Bordetella bronchispetica

Common to the respiratory tracts of many animals, these bacteria are a primary cause of kennel cough. Some veterinarians recommend vaccinations for all dogs; others reserve the vaccination for those dogs at high risk.

Rabies

This deadly viral disease affects the nervous systems of all mammals, including humans. It is transmitted mainly by a bite from a diseased animal. Strains of the rabies virus have become established in wild animals, mainly skunks, foxes, raccoons and bats. Dogs and cats, however, are the main carriers of rabies to humans.