When to Call the Vet
There are many common canine ailments, some more likely to afflict certain breeds than others. Although vaccinations will generally keep your dog safe from infectious diseases such as canine distemper, parvovirus, Lyme disease and rabies, there are times when disease will get through your vigilant filtering and prevention system. You should always be on the lookout for signs of illness, no matter how many booster shots your dog gets.
Parvovirus
Parvo is a disease that damages your dog's intestinal lining, and is often fatal to young or unvaccinated dogs.
Signs:
Fever, weakness, a poor appetite, depression followed by vomiting and severe diarrhea
What to do?
Take your dog to the vet ASAP. Because parvo is picked up via the stool of an infected dog, keep your dog away from the feces of others. Dogs with coronavirus, a much less serious problem, will also show these symptoms, and might also have bloody stools.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a highly contagious and dangerous health condition in dogs. So make sure your dog is vaccinated.
Signs:
Loss of appetite, nose and eye discharge, neurological problems such as drooling, head shaking and even seizures. Look for hard skin patches on the feet or nose.
Viral or Bacterial Infection (most notably parainfluenza or bordetella — kennel cough):
Signs:
Coughing, hacking, listlessness and poor appetite, followed by a recurring cough
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects the liver and kidneys. It can be picked up from contaminated urine.
Signs:
Depression, weakness, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, mouth and tongue ulcers. This is highly contagious, and can be transmitted to humans.
