Infectious Diseases - Dogs


1. Canine Parvovirus

• nightmare situation for a shelter

• very contagious disease caused by a very small virus that is very difficult to destroy as it is resistant to many disinfectants

• virus can last a long time in the environment

• is spread by dog to dog contact

• can be spread by being carried on surfaces, people, clothes, wind

• causes severe damage to lining of intestines producing diarrhoea with blood, vomiting, dehydration, and death

• can be effectively vaccinated against, vaccine series should be started in puppyhood

• can be treated but poses big risks to other animals

2. Canine Distemper

• another disease caused by a virus

• very contagious, but not as common any more

• produces nasal discharge, cough, vomiting, diarrhoea, occ fits, and often death

• this virus can be easily killed by common disinfectants, and exposure to sunlight

• can be effectively vaccinated against, vaccine series should be started in puppyhood

3. Canine Hepatitis

• another disease caused by a virus

• causes liver disease, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea

• usually fatal in young animals

• seldom seen any more

• can be effectively vaccinated against, vaccine series should be started in puppyhood

4. Kennel Cough

• many different agents (viruses & bacteria) cause this disease

• very contagious, spread by coughing

• occurs usually in groups of dogs

• causes a persistent harsh cough that is not life threatening

• a treatable condition that is common in shelters

• can be effectively vaccinated against, vaccine series should be started in puppyhood

• a very common problem faced by shelters worldwide

5. Canine Leptospirosis

• a bacterial disease causing kidney damage in dogs

• bacteria caught from rats and other infected dogs

• often fatal

• may respond to treatment in early stages

• not very common in the Wellington area, but is likely to become more prevalent

• is a zoonotic disease

• can be effectively vaccinated against, vaccine series should be started in puppyhood

Wellington SPCA routinely vaccinates against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza 3