Contagious Dog Diseases

Canine Distemper

• Canine distemper is a serious and contagious disease that affects the central nervous system, the respiratory system and the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms of distemper include loss of appetite, fever, discharge--which can occur in the eyes or the nose--depression, diarrhea and vomiting. There is no known cure for canine distemper, and most treatment is supportive treatment in which the owner provides the dog with a safe, warm and clean environment. Regular cleanings of the eyes and nose along with antiemetic medications (which reduce nausea and vomiting,) as well as antidiarrheal medication may be provided to relieve discomfort. Survival is possible, but the disease is fatal for most.

Bordetella

• More commonly known as "kennel cough," this respiratory infection is spread through viruses such as parainfluenza, bordetella and mycoplasma. The most noticeable symptom of kennel cough is a dry cough, similar to hacking. Some dogs may also vomit or retch following the cough. Nasal discharge along with fever, lack of appetite, and lethargy are some of the symptoms of the disease. Pneumonia and death may occur in very rare cases. Some dogs will be able to fight off the infection on their own, but in severe cases, antibiotics are recommended for the pneumonia.

Leptospirosis

• Leptospirosis is spread through contact of infected urine as well as bite wounds or ingestion of a contaminated item. Once inside the dog's body, the leptospira bacteria can multiply quickly and begin various infections of the kidneys, liver, nervous system, eyes, the spleen and even the genitals. Symptoms include fever accompanied by shivering followed by vomiting and dehydration. In severe cases, dogs can develop hypothermia, liver failure or kidney failure, in which case the disease can become fatal. For dogs who do not naturally fight the infection, treatment involves antibiotics accompanied by fluid replacement therapy.

Parvovirus

• Parvovirus is one of the most well-known, contagious illnesses in the United States. The most common sign of a dog infected with parvo is bloody diarrhea. Additional symptoms include darker colored feces, vomiting, fever and dehydration. Parvovirus is treated through the use of supportive therapy, which involves replacing lost fluids, nutritional supplements and antibiotics to control secondary infections. Parvovirus often kills affected puppies, but some adult dogs may survive the infection.

Rabies

• Rabies is possibly one of the most well-known viral infections that can occur in humans, cats, dogs, livestock and wild animals. Infection occurs when the dog is bitten by an infected animal, such as a raccoon. The disease then spreads through the new host, causing symptoms such as fever and a change of behavior. For example, a normally shy dog becomes quite aggressive. Additional symptoms include disorientation, seizures, respiratory failure and so forth until death finally occurs. Survival is extremely rare for both humans and animals who are infected with rabies.