When having dogs on your farm, you’ll need to be familiar with infectious diseases in dogs and core vaccinations. Therefore, we’ve made a list of some general infectious diseases in dogs and core vaccinations that you should be aware of. We want you to have the understanding of their prevention, signs, and symptoms of these diseases, and prognosis or treatment. In this way, you can protect your dog and keep your farm in an all around healthy state.

Canine Parvovirus (CPV)

Canine Parvovirus infection is most commonly known as “Parvo” and is extremely contagious. It is a viral airborne bacteria and isn’t transferred by blood, urine, vomit or feces. It’s in the area that an infected canine may eat, sleep, urinate, or defecate. This could be in the woods, in its kennel, at a dog park in the city, or your pets favorite fire hydrant.

Keep in mind, a wolf, coyote, or fox would fall into the canine category and can carry the Canine Parvovirus which your dog is susceptible to. The best prevention against canine parvovirus is vaccination and it is part of the core vaccinations your puppy receives.

Your dog won’t start showing symptoms of the parvovirus for 3-10 days after initially breathing in the bacteria. The virus attacks the body and once it reaches the intestinal tract, symptoms occur. Lethargy, retching, and vomiting with bloody stools are the most common symptoms along with rapid severe weight loss.

If you suspect parvo immediately, take your dog to a veterinarian for diagnosis. Parvo kills dogs and the faster your dog gets treatment, the more likely it is to survive.

Rabies In Dogs

Rabies is another infectious disease in dogs that can be prevented with core vaccinations. A farm dog is at a higher risk of rabies due to being outdoors more often and among other wildlife in its environment. Wildlife animals like raccoons, skunks, foxes, and even your livestock are susceptible to rabies. A bite or scratch from an infectious diseased animal with rabies is enough to pass this fatal disease onto your dog.

Initial symptoms include extreme behavior changes, irritability, and aggression. Rabies progresses into disorientation, possible biting or snapping, and seizures can happen. It advances into paralysis, jaw-dropping, foaming at the mouth, and eventually death.

Your dogs should be vaccinated against rabies at 3 months old, and yearly or bi-yearly depending on the dose. Consult with your Veterinarian for proper guidance on your dog’s core vaccinations needs.

Canine Distemper

Distemper is another viral infectious disease in dogs and other rural animals. It is a respiratory disease with symptoms that may be considered “cold like”, mattered mucusy eyes, a runny nose, frequent sneezing, dry cough or retching. It’s similar to Rabies and Parvo in that animals in the wild may carry this infectious disease.

Canine Distemper can be vigorously treated with IV fluids and antibiotics given under the care of a Veterinarian. Your dog’s core vaccinations include prevention of Canine Distemper.

Fleas, Ticks, And Lyme Disease

Flea and tick preventatives don’t ensure that your dog won’t be infected with Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a serious condition and is contracted from ticks infected with the disease biting your dog. In 2014 a vaccine against Lyme disease was introduced but it’s not recommended for all dogs.

You should check with your Vet especially if your dog is frequently outdoors, in the woods, or running through brush. You should check your pet regularly for fleas and ticks to prevent other diseases and irritation besides Lyme disease.

Common Poisons In Dogs Are Snakes, Spiders, And Rodents

A dog bitten by a poisonous snake such as a rattlesnake or an adder snake may lose his life. Poisonous spiders like black widow’s and brown recluse spiders are just as poisonous to dogs as they are to humans. Be aware of what types of snakes and spiders are around your farmstead, and are typically found in your area.

Rat and mouse poisoning shouldn’t be used around your dogs. The rat poison is tempting to dogs as they can’t differentiate the color pellet from their dog food nuggets. Another way dogs are often poisoned by rat or mouse poison is by ingesting the rat or mouse found weak and dying by your dog. If you have a cat this is also a way they meet a fatal end from your use of rat or mouse poisoning.

Petroleum Products, Solvents, and Machinery Fluids

Petroleum products like gasoline, paint solvents and other oil-based products can actually kill your dog. Gasoline is often used to remove paint or other sticky materials from tools, hands or even hair. This isn’t safe to use on your dog’s skin or hair.

It can lead to a quick death. Antifreeze is another fluid you might keep around your barn, shed or garage. It has a sweet smell that attracts dogs and unknowingly they will lap it up and die from it. When using solvents or oil-based products make sure you clean up spills well and that there is no chance for your dog to ingest the fluids.

If you suspect your dog has been poisoned or require more information on potentially poisonous items you can call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435.

Related posts:

• Routine Health Checks For Your Dog
• Why Spaying And Neutering Your Dog Is Important
• Natural Remedies For Dogs With Allergies

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