Immunization is important..

One very important way to prevent your dog from getting sick is to get him immunized against certain diseases. The following are the five major infectious diseases: Distemper, Canine hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Rabies. Distemper, canine hepatitis and parvovirus are all viruses, which means that there are no antibiotics and your vet can only treat the symptoms, but your dog's body has to fight the disease. All of these diseases can be fatal, but as long as you get your dog vaccinated you should not need to worry about him ever being infected.

The immunization process for all these diseases consists of a series of shots when the dog is still a puppy, with booster shots usually given once a year. Often one shot can be given to cover distemper, canine hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis.

Distemper - This is a virus that affects the nervous and immune systems. It usually strikes puppies, but adults can be infected as well. Distemper is transmitted through the air. Puppies usually receive a series of 3 vaccines; the first at 6-8 weeks, the 2nd at 10-12 weeks, and the third at 14-16 weeks. A booster shot should be given once a year.

Canine Hepatitis - As with distemper, this is a virus that mainly hits puppies less than a year old. It affects the liver and can lead to kidney disease. Canine Hepatitis is usually spread through infected dog's urine, stool and saliva. The vaccine timing is typically the same as the distemper vaccine, and a booster is given once a year.

Parvovirus - This virus is fatal if not treated immediately. It affects the intestines and bowel and is spread through the stools of infected dogs. The timing of the vaccine is the same as distemper and canine hepatitis.

Leptospirosis - Unlike distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus, this is a bacterial disease. There are two kinds of leptospirosis, one type attacks the kidney and the other attacks the liver. It is spread through the urine of animals that have had the disease. Although antibiotics are available, vaccination is strongly recommended. The vaccine is given at the same time as distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus.

Rabies - This virus is always fatal and affects the nervous system. Dogs who are suspected of being infected are almost always euthanized. Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals. The first vaccine for rabies is usually given at 3-4 months, the second about one year later, and a booster shot given every 1-3 years, depending on the type of vaccine your vet uses.