The Scoop on Dog Vaccines

Provided by Purina

To prevent health conditions, all dogs should follow a routine vaccination schedule administered by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian may provide routine vaccinations for canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza, Bordetella, Lyme disease and rabies. Remember, most vaccines must be given over a period of time and require multiple veterinary visits. So check with your veterinarian to maintain a happy, healthy dog and protect Fido against the following diseases.

Distemper

A highly contagious, often fatal virus that affects a dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Generally this virus spreads as an airborne infection, so vaccination is the only effective control.

Adenovirus

Also know as infectious hepatitis, a viral condition that affects the liver and cells lining the blood vessels. It can cause high fever, thirst, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, liver damage and hemorrhage.

Coronavirus

A highly contagious viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, high fever and dehydration.

Leptospirosis

An extremely contagious condition that spreads through contact with nasal secretions, urine or saliva of infected animals, and can affect humans as well. The ailment causes inflamed kidneys, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Liver damage can also occur.

Parvovirus

A common and potentially fatal viral infection, symptoms of which include loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, fever and vomiting. If left untreated, parvovirus can kill puppies very quickly.

Parainfluenza

This virus is one of a number of infectious agents that cause what is often called "kennel cough." This health condition is highly contagious and affects the respiratory system.

Rabies

A fatal infection of the central nervous system that can affect all mammals, especially raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes, domestic dogs and cats, and humans. Since rabies poses a serious public health threat, most states require dogs to receive this vaccination.