Common Dog Diseases

Canine Distemper
Distemper is a viral disease of dogs. It is highly contagious and is spread primarily by aerosol droplets through coughing and sneezing. Infected dogs may shed the virus for months. This virus does not survive well in the environment. After an incubation period of 7-14 days, the symptoms commonly seen are discharge from the nose and eyes, often becoming thick and greenish-yellow. Coughing and sneezing tend to occur, along with depression, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. If the dog survives the disease it may sustain damage to the nervous system exhibited by seizures. Distemper is almost always fatal in puppies under 6 months. Puppies have a natural immunity received from anitibodies of their mother, however this disappears by 6 to 8 weeks. At this age it is recommended to get them started on the series of vaccinations that will give them protection. Canine distemper is NOT transmissable to humans, and can be killed with bleach. PLEASE do not put bleach directly on the animal! Use bleach to clean its living area, food dishes, etc.

Parvovirus
This viral disease is spread by the fecal - oral route. It is extremely contagious and the virus can survive in the soil, on clothing, shoes, flooring, etc. The incubation period is 3 to 8 days. Dogs commonly develop diarrhea, often with blood, vomiting, loss of appetite and depression. This disease is usually fatal to puppies. This disease is NOT transmissable to humans, and can be killed with bleach or a parvocidal disinfectant.

Canine Coronavirus
This virus is also highly contagious, and spread through the feces. Its incubation period is only 1 to 1.5 days. Symptoms are similar to parvo, but it is a milder disease. It is NOT transmissable to humans, and can be killed with bleach.

Canine Parainfluenza
This airborne viral disease is highly contagious, but much less severe than distemper. The incubation period is 5 to 10 days. Common symptoms include discharge from the nose and a persistant cough, often ending with a gagging sound. The disease is self limiting, lasting 2 -3 weeks. This viral infection has commonly been referred to as "Kennel Cough". This disease only becomes serious if left untreated and a secondary bacterial infection sets in leading to pneumonia. This disease is NOT transmissable to humans, and can be killed with bleach.

Canine Hepatitis
This uncommonly seen disease is spread through urine, feces, and saliva. The virus can survive in the environment for weeks and even months. The incubation period is 4 to 9 days. Common symptoms are fever with depression, loss of appetitie, discharge from the eyes and nose, abdominal pain and vomiting. This is highly fatal to puppies. This disease is NOT transmissable to humans and can be killed with bleach.

Leptospirosis
This disease is not a virus, rather it is a spirochete, a highly specialized form of bacteria. It is very rarely seen in Florida, it is spread through the urine onto the skin. After an incubation period of 5 to 15 days, the most common symptoms are weakness, fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, and jaundice. This disease rarely causes death, but can persist as a chronic disease. It is usually spread by urine contaminated water, and is a zoonotic disease. This disease IS transmissable to humans!