CANINE DISTEMPER - Is considered the most serious viral disease of dogs in the world. The disease is considered airborne and is highly contagious. It's more frequent and acutely affects pups under 3 months of age. Early clinical signs include anorexia, diarrhea, and dehydration. As the disease progresses, fever, depression, vomiting and y diarrhea may be observed, accompanied by signs of respiratory distress. Coughing, labored breathing, inflammation of tissues around the eyes and nose, and mucopurulent oculonasal discharge may occur.

   CANINE PARAINFLUENZA - Is highly contagious respiratory disease which contributes to upper respiratory disease and infectious tracheobronchitis. Characteristic clinical signs of CPI Infection is coughing that may be intensified by activity or excitement. Environmental factors such as drafts, colds and high humidity may enhance susceptibility to the disease. Typically, CPI is self-limiting, with a course of 5 to 10 days duration. However, secondary bacterial infection of the respiratory tract are not uncommon, and may complicate the clinical syndrome.

   BORDETELLA BRONCHISEPTICA - One of the most common causes of Canine Upper Respiratory Disease Complex, known as "Kennel Cough". The symptoms include a harsh, dry cough, aggravated by activity or excitement. The cough is followed by retching or gagging in an attempt to clear small amounts or mucus from the throat. Body temperature may be elevated as secondary bacterial infection takes place. Highly contagious, this disease is readily transmitted to susceptible dogs.

   INFECTIOUS CANINE HEPATITIS - Infections are characterized by fever, leukopenia, enlarged tonsils, hepatitis, nephritis and occasional uveitis with corneal opacity. Vaccination with modified live canine hepatitis vaccine, although effective in disease prevention, has certain disadvantages. Following vaccination, persistent kidney infections may occur, causing vaccine virus shedding in the . Uveitis and corneal opacity ("blue eyes") are occasionally observed 1 to 2 weeks post-vaccination.

   CANINE CORONA VIRUS - The symptoms of this disease include lethargy, anorexia and depression. The sudden onset of vomition occurs, in which can sometimes be found. Diarrhea is moderate to severe and is projectile. Feces are yellow-orange color with and mucus occasionally found.

   CANINE ADENOVIRUS TYPE 2 - Infections are primarily respiratory, evidenced by pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis. CAV-2 has not been associated with corneal opacity ("blue eyes"), uveitis or virus localization in the kidneys, which may be characteristic of canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1) infections.

   CANINE PARVOVIRUS - Infection results in enteric disease characterized by sudden onset of vomiting and diarrhea, often with . Susceptibility cannot be avoided. Any puppy exposed to the virus during the susceptibility period will most likely come down with the disease, regardless of many vaccination schedules. Modified Live Canine Parvovirus, Feline Panleukopenia Virus and inactivated (killed) Canine Parvovirus vaccines are available. All will (post 2 weeks from vaccination) protect dog from the virus if maternal antibody does not prevent immunization.

   CANINE LEPTOSPIROSIS - An acute infectious disease that is characterized by depression, fever and loss of appetite. The mucous membranes are usually congested. Jaundice sometimes occurs indicating severe liver involvement. The kidneys can also be damaged, resulting in uremia, vomiting, dehydration, polyuria (excessive ion) and polydipsia (excessive thirst).

FLEA - The dog's most common pest. Washing the dog with special soap can remove fleas. Flea-preventive collars are also available to protect dogs with thin coats. Flea collars, however, should not be used on short-haired, single-coated dogs--such as greyhounds, whippets, and pointers--because of skin irritation.

TICK - The tick poses a greater danger to the dog. This pest attaches itself to the dog's skin and sucks its . It also carries certain canine and human diseases. An owner can remove ticks from his dog by first dabbing alcohol on the infested area and then picking the parasites off with tweezers, making sure that the entire tick is removed.

WORMS AND OTHER INTESTINAL PARASITES - These often infest puppies. A puppy's fecal stools should be checked periodically for them. If worms are detected, take a sample of the infested stool to a veterinarian so that the type of parasite can be determined and the proper treatment rendered. Commercial deworming medicines should be avoided unless prescribed by a veterinarian.