A: Parvovirus/Coronavirus
Parvovirus (more commonly known as Parvo) is a highly contagious disease that causes diarrhea, vomiting, and decreased white blood cell counts and often leads to death. Although Parvo is most common in puppies, dogs of any age may be susceptible. The most common way to transmit Parvo from one dog to another is via contaminated feces. Parvo can also be carried on the dog’s hair and feet, as well as on contaminated cages, shoes and other objects.
While Coronavirus affects dogs of all ages, it affects puppies most severely. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, excessive thirst, weight loss and loss of appetite. Your dog can have both Coronavirus and Parvo at the same time. In fact, dual infections can lead to severe enteritis and death.
Distemper
Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease. It affects the respiratory and nervous systems, causing fever, lethargy, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and eventually death.
Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
Hepatitis is a contagious disease of the liver. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Hepatitis can also cause severe kidney damage.
For information on treatment and prevention of these three diseases, read more in our Top Story