Canine Distemper
This is probably the most dreaded disease in the dog world. Statistics show that half of the dogs which contract distemper will die; the death rate among puppies sometimes reaches 80 per cent. Survivors of distemper are often left with damage to their nervous system or to their sense of smell, sight, or hearing. Partial or total paralysis is not unusual.

Canine distemper is an infectious disease. It is not necessary that a healthy dog come in contact with a diseased dog to become infected. The virus may be borne by air currents and inanimate objects. This, of course, increases the dangers of the disease since it virtually makes all susceptible dogs vulnerable to an attack. Canine distemper is found also in foxes, wolves and mink but not in cats. Canine hepatitis, another serious illness of dogs, often occurs simultaneously with canine distemper. Neither distemper nor canine hepatitis is transmissible to man.

The many signs of distemper are not always typical and for this reason treatment may be delayed or neglected. Usually the animal is listless and has a poor appetite. Congestion of the eyes may cause squinting or discharge. Cough, nasal discharge and diarrhea are common. The virus may attack the nervous system, causing partial or complete paralysis, "fits," or a twitching in groups of muscles. Distemper is so prevalent and the symptoms so varied that any sick young dog should be taken immediately to your veterinarian for a definite diagnosis.

Practically speaking, it is nearly impossible to prevent exposure to canine distemper virus. Young dogs are more susceptible to the disease than older ones. However, some mature dogs leading comparatively isolated lives are very susceptible to the disease because they have not been recently exposed to the virus. This susceptibility may exist even though they were vaccinated when very young. No dog should be admitted into an area of possible exposure to distemper without immediate vaccination, unless it has been vaccinated within the last 12 months.

It is clear, therefore, that vaccination of your pet against canine distemper is not only highly recommended, but imperative.

Immunization against canine distemper provides the only effective means of control of the disease in the dog population. Since lasting protection, unfortunately, cannot be guaranteed as the result of a single series of inoculations, annual re-vaccination is strongly recommended
.
Pups older than three to four months that have an unknown immune status should receive at least one dose of modified live virus vaccine. Younger pups should get at least two doses, the first one after weaning and the last at 12 to 16 weeks of age. Some authorities hold that vaccination should be commenced at six to eight weeks of age and then repeated every two weeks until the pup is three or four months of age. These regional variations in vaccination procedure are dictated by the infectivity of the distemper virus in a given area.

It is impossible for the average pet owner to determine the correct time for vaccination. This is a matter which requires the good professional judgment of your veterinarian, based on his experience and the general health of the dog.

The important thing to remember is that veterinarians are now able to provide most dogs with complete protection against canine distemper.

Rabies
Rabies remains a public health problem even though there have been few human fatalities recently. All warm-blooded animals can spread rabies—the majority of the animal rabies cases in the United States are found in wildlife such as skunk, foxes, and bats. Dogs and cats are the most commonly infected domestic pets. Thus, every pet owner has the responsibility of inoculating his animal in order to prevent rabies outbreaks.

Rabies is transmitted from animals to man by a bite from the infected animal. Everyone bitten by a domestic or wild animal need not undergo antirabies vaccinations. Following a bite, however, a physician should be consulted immediately. The animal should be confined by a veterinarian and observed for 14 days. If the animal remains well at the end of this period, then the rabies virus is not present. Confinement is necessary even for vaccinated dogs because the vaccine is only about 80 per cent effective. However, if rabies symptoms appear, then the administration of antirabies vaccine becomes necessary. The American Veterinary Medical Association makes the following suggestions to prevent rabies:

First of all, have your pet vaccinated if you haven't already done so. Veterinary medical scientists have developed safe and effective vaccines which give your pet maximum protection against rabies. To insure continued maximum protection, follow your veterinarian's advice and observe your local rabies control regulations.

Second, if bitten by an animal, thoroughly cleanse the wound with soap and irrigate with profuse quantities of running warm water. Contact your physician, Board of Health, or police department immediately. Confine, do not kill the animal.

Third, obey leash and licensing laws in your community.
Fourth, make sure your pet is identified by a license tag and a rabies inoculation tag.

Fifth, report stray dogs to the police or local pound department.
Finally, teach children not to play with strange pets and to avoid handling any wild animal, particularly when it appears to be tame. This is especially important when you are camping.

Leptospirosis
The organisms responsbile for leptospirosis are transmitted by the feces or urine of infected rats. In areas where rats are present, it is imperative that the dog's food be kept well-sealed so that it cannot be contaminated.

Symptoms of the disease are: vomiting, fever, diarrhea, jaundice, loss of appetite, and depression. Prompt veterinary attention is mandatory.
Prevention of the disease is now possible by vaccination. A yearly booster is recommended to maintain a good level of immunity.

Infectious Hepatitis
Infectious hepatitis is a viral disease which attacks the liver. Transmission is via the urine of infected dogs or viral carriers.
Symptoms are quite similar to distemper—fever, vomiting, diarrhea, pain, and anemia. This disease is often fatal.
A preventative vaccine is now available; and, there is a triple booster for distemper, hepatitis, and leptospirosis.

Coughs, Coldsjonsi Ilitis, Bronchospasms
Dogs kept in kennels are prone to a condition known as "kennel cough" which is a dry, gagging cough caused by an infection. Except for the cough, there usually aren't any other symptoms. Dog cough syrup may be used to relieve the soreness of the throat.

Coughing can also be caused by something caught in the throat. If you suspect this possibility, an X-ray may be necessary.

Many other conditions are characterized by coughs such as upper respiratory infections, distemper, sore throat, tonsillitis, pneumonia, heartworm, and asthma. Only your veterinarian can make a definitive diagnosis.

Manifestations of a cold may occur at any time. Symptoms are a watery discharge from the nose, possibly also from the eyes, listlessness and loss of appetite. Aspirin can help to reduce the discomfort.

Excessive licking of the lips is the most common sign of a sore throat and possible tonsillitis. Your vet can prescribe medication for this condition. Bronchospasms may be allergic—consult your vet.