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There are six serious, highly contagious canine epidemic diseases that are frequently fatal, but happily all can be prevented by vaccination and prompt Veterinary attention. If your dog is healthy and you give him normal care, including regular immunization shots, chances are you will never have to deal personally with any of these dread diseases.

Rabies is an ancient virus disease, transmitted by the saliva of afflicted animals such as horses, wolves, squirrels, raccoons, bats, goats, pigs, cattle, skunks, rabbits, cats, rats, and dogs. This virus affects the nervous system, resulting in two possible kinds of reactions: the 'mad dog' type, with foaming mouth, a change in voice, biting, snapping, and roaming, and the 'dumb' type, in which the dog seems to be in a state of shock, his jaw hanging open, his throat muscles paralyzed and an inability to swallow.

The incubation period after infection ranges from two weeks to several months. Only a microscopic examination of the brain tissue can determine that an animal is rabid. There is no cure for rabies. An afflicted dog must be destroyed. In doubtful cases, the dog is isolated and observed for 10 to 14 days, during which death is certain if the animal is rabid. Vaccination should be done when the puppy is at least 5 to 6 months old, followed by a booster every 1 to 4 years, depending on the type of vaccine used.

Distemper, unlike rabies is more apt to effect puppies than adult dogs. They are believed to be protected from it during the first 6 weeks of life thanks to the colostrums in their mothers milk, but after that 'puppy shots' are essential. Immunization is vital at 4 to 6 weeks of age, with follow up shots and regular booster shots thereafter. The earliest symptoms resemble those of a cold: runny nose and eyes, coughing, diarrhea, lack of appetite and fever. Later, nervous disorders appear, including fits and convulsions. There is no cure and treatment consists of dealing with the symptoms as well as with the secondary infections that occur.

Infectious Hepatitis is not the same as human hepatitis. This is a viral disease that effects the dog's liver and is transmitted through saliva and urine. It starts with symptoms such as high fever, immoderate thirst, vomiting, sore throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of weight, and a humped posture which eases the pain caused by the inflamed liver. It may accompany or follow distemper, it develops fast, and the mortality rate is high, especially in puppies.

Vaccination is usually given in combination with distemper, and leptospirosis, with a triple vaccine, which offers almost total protection if renewed annually. An infected dog can continue to spread the virus in his urine, saliva, and nasal discharge for months after he is recovered.

Leptospirosis is a highly contagious bacterial disease not restricted to dogs. Cattle, man, horses, and others can contract it too. Symptoms include dark or orange colored urine, accompanied by fever and chills, vomiting of bile, stiffness in the hind legs, and abdominal pain. Vaccination is given in a triple shot, combined with vaccines against hepatitis and distemper, and must be renewed every year.

Hard Pad is a very serious viral disease related to distemper and or hepatitis. Symptoms include runny eyes and nose, a very high fever and thickening of the pads of the feet and of the nose, which then crack and form crusts as the disease develops. There is no cure, and at the present time, no preventative vaccine, although the triple vaccine, offers some protection.

Encephalitis is another viral disease that may be associated with distemper, hepatitis. leptospirosis, or hard pad. It is one of the dire complications, causing inflammation of the brain that may follow infection by the other viruses. Fortunately, the triple vaccine gives effective protection from it.

There are other infectious diseases and disorders that can affect the health of a dog, but the 6 just covered are the most serious, and are the ones that your dog should be vaccinated against. Dogs are more resistant to disease than we are and with continued immunizations, regular visits to your veterinarian, and a well balanced diet your pet should lead a long and healthy life.