Rabies in Dogs

Rabies is a universally fatal virus that can infect any mammal. The vaccine is vital to not only protect your dog, but to also protect you and your family. The first rabies vaccine or shot is given to puppies between 16 and 20 weeks of age. The second dose of the vaccine is given a year later. Subsequent doses or booster doses are given to the pet every year or every three years, depending on the vaccine. 

If you suspect that your dog has come in close contact with wild animals, especially a bat (the main carrier of Rabies in Alberta), please contact Peak Veterinary Hospital right away.

Parvovirus in Dogs

“Parvo” or canine parvovirus (CPV)  is a highly contagious viral disease of dogs. Unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months are extremely susceptible to infection.  Symptoms seen in dogs or puppies infected with CPV include lethargy, depression, loss of appetite, followed by high fever, severe vomiting, and often bloody diarrhea. These patients become gravely  ill and develop severe dehydration. The virus attacks the cells that line the intestines as well as invades the bone marrow where it destroys protective immune system cells. Bacteria from the intestinal tract enter the bloodstream causing a blood infection (sepsis) which can prove fatal if not treated. 

CPV is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces, environments, objects (kennels, bowls, clothing, shoes etc) or people. Canine parvovirus can survive in the environment for long periods of time making it easily transmitted. 

Dog vaccinations are paramount to protect your dog from canine parvovirus.  It is often administered as part of a combination shot (DA2PP, DHPP, DAPP) which includes, canine distemper, canine adenovirus, and parainfluenza vaccines. All dogs should be vaccinated against parvo as puppies with regular boosters throughout adulthood.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper, or “hard pad disease”, is a contagious and serious disease to which there is no cure, only prevention with vaccines.  The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of dogs of all ages.  It is often fatal and dogs that do survive usually have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage. 

It is important to note that canine distemper virus can be found in wildlife such as foxes, wolves, coyotes, raccoons, skunks and mink. 

Unvaccinated dogs and puppies become infected when they come in contact with an infected dog or wild animal. Canine distemper virus is often spread in the air by coughing and sneezing. It can also be spread by shared food and water bowls as well as equipment. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months, and pregnant dogs can pass the virus through the placenta to their unborn puppies. 

Symptoms seen in dogs with distemper include discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, and vomiting. Dogs will also develop neurological symptoms such as a head tilt, circling behavior, muscle twitches, convulsions with jaw chewing movements, drooling, seizures, and paralysis. 

Dog vaccinations are paramount to protect your dog from canine distemper virus. It is administered as part of a combination shot (DA2PP, DHPP, DAPP) which includes, canine parvovirus, canine adenovirus, and parainfluenza vaccines. 

Bordetella / Kennel Cough

Bordetella (often called Kennel Cough) is a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs. The first dose of the

Bordetella, also referred to as Kennel Cough or Canine Cough,  is a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs.  It is an important infectious agent in canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRD). CIRD or kennel cough is spread by fomites (ie. toys, bowls, kennels etc) but primarily spread in the air. Dogs in any space were dogs are housed together (ie. boarding facilities, grooming facilities, shelters, doggy daycare, even veterinary hospitals) are at risk of infection. It can also be spread in circumstances where dogs have nose to nose contact, such as puppy classes, dog parks and other outdoor social interactions. Even dogs without symptoms can spread canine parainfluenza virus. 

Dogs infected with Bordetella may have a cough, runny nose, sneezing, loss of appetite and fever.  Most healthy dogs will recover from Bordetella with rest and occasionally a cough suppressant. However, puppies or dogs with reduced immune systems may develop more severe symptoms requiring medical treatment.

The first dose of the Bordetella vaccine is given during the puppy series, which coincides with the important socialization period and boostered every year. 

Parainfluenza in Dogs

Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. As with Kennel Cough, it is an important infectious agent in Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease complex (CIRD). CIRD is spread by fomites (ie. toys, bowls, kennels etc) but primarily spread in the air. Dogs in any space were dogs are housed together (ie. boarding facilities, grooming facilities, shelters, doggy daycare, even veterinary hospitals) are at risk of infection. It can also be spread in circumstances where dogs have nose to nose contact, such as puppy classes, dog parks and other outdoor social interactions. Even dogs without symptoms can spread canine parainfluenza virus. 

Dogs infected with CPIV may have no symptoms or only mild symptoms lasting 7 days such as cough, nasal discharge and possible fever. Symptoms may worsen with additional viral or bacterial infections (ie. canine adenovirus type 2, Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine. In puppies or immunocompromised dogs, infection can lead to a more severe pneumonia and can be fatal.Vaccination is paramount to protect your dog from canine parainfluenza virus and other infectious agents responsible for Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease complex. The first shot is given during the puppy series and boostered annually.

Adenovirus in Dogs

The Adenovirus is a viral infection that causes inflammation of a dog’s liver. The first Adenovirus shot is typically

Dogs need to be vaccinated against two predominant types of Canine Adenovirus (CAV), CAV-1 and CAV-2. Canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1) is responsible for causing an infectious inflammatory disease of the liver. 

Canine Adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) is a causative agent of kennel cough, also called Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease complex (CIRD). Infection is often mild but can result in a cough to pneumonia. 

Dog vaccinations are the primary method for prevention of both CAV-1 and CAV-2 disease, beginning with puppy shots and must be continued throughout their adult lives.  It is often administered as part of a combination shot which includes, canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and parainfluenza vaccines. These combination vaccines may be termed DA2PP, DHPP, DAPPv and more. 

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