10 Canine Viruses Every Dog Owner Should Prepare For
Viruses don’t need a warning growl to wreak havoc on your dog’s health. As a responsible owner, you can’t afford to stay in the dark. So, take a look at these ten most common viruses in dogs, and make the right decisions well within time. This can save you worries, vet bills, and maybe even your dog’s life.
Parvovirus
Lethargy and loss of appetite mark the brutal onset of parvo. This contagious virus thrives in parks and on sidewalks, infiltrating the soil and spreading rapidly in areas where dogs congregate. Puppies begin vaccinations at six weeks and need several doses. Without full protection, this infection can overwhelm even otherwise healthy dogs.
Distemper
Puppies begin the vaccine series around six weeks of age. Even survivors may live with tremors, which proves this pathogen never leaves quietly. Distemper circulates in shelters and among unvaccinated pets. Affecting the lungs and nerves, it often resembles multiple illnesses simultaneously.
Adenovirus
Adenovirus causes infectious hepatitis, spreading through contact with contaminated urine. It primarily attacks the liver and affects puppies the most. The vaccine, given with the DHPP combination at six weeks, prevents severe symptoms such as vomiting and jaundice.
Leptospirosis
Carried by stagnant puddles and raccoon tracks, this bacterial threat strikes the kidneys and liver and then spreads to humans. Vets recommend annual vaccination for dogs in flood-prone or outdoor environments. After heavy rains, the risk of contagion rises rapidly. It could mean that even a familiar pond can become dangerous.
Rabies
Rabies vaccination is mandatory in all 50 states, protecting against a deadly disease in every case. Animals can transmit the virus in a single bite. Puppies typically receive their first shot by 16 weeks. If you somehow fail to comply with mandatory vaccines, it could result in denied boarding access or the pup being quarantined under local law.
Bordetella
Bordetella can spread quickly in places where dogs frequently gather. It is transmitted through the air or by touch, such as through nose-to-nose contact. Just a single infection can trigger an outbreak that is difficult to contain. So, dogs that socialize regularly should get yearly doses. The protection comes in the form of a quick spray or injection.
Lyme Disease
Carried by deer ticks, Lyme disease causes swollen joints and low energy in dogs. It is found in high concentrations in the Northeast and Midwest, posing a notable threat during spring and fall seasons. You may start the two-dose vaccine at 12 weeks because protecting your pooch is foremost.
Canine Influenza
This flu also spreads quickly in social settings. Symptoms often linger, which leaves dogs feeling drained and uncomfortable. Thankfully, two vaccine doses, spaced weeks apart, will help reduce severity. Your proactiveness can prevent a long, exhausting recovery for your pet.
Canine Coronavirus
This dog-specific virus mainly targets the gut and occasionally the lungs, causing diarrhea and vomiting, especially in puppies. Though not very common, some breeders require vaccination against it. Vets may also recommend it for vulnerable dogs. Don’t confuse it with COVID-19—this virus has quietly upset puppy tummies for decades.
Heartworm
Mosquitoes spread heartworms that can grow inside your dog’s heart and lungs. Infected dogs could remain asymptomatic for months, and when signs like coughing or low energy appear, the condition might already be severe. Monthly preventives are your only reliable defense. Miss a dose, and the risk jumps sky-high.
