The rabies virus attacks the brain and is always fatal. Most pets are exposed to rabies by bites from wild animals. This disease may be transmitted through the bite of an infected pet. Vaccination of all dogs and cats is required by law and is the most effective means of control. Canine Parvovirus Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease which can affect dogs of all ages, but is especially deadly in puppies.
Parvo is contracted through contact with the feces of an infected dog.
The first signs are often depression, loss of appetite and energy, and vomiting followed by diarrhea and dehydration. Once this viral disease has attacked an unprotected animal, there is no specific or uniformly effective treatment that can assure a full recovery. Young puppies most often do not recover from the disease while older puppies and adults stand a better chance. Today's methods and vaccines are so effective at prevention that a properly immunized dog stands little chance of contracting distemper. In some cases, distemper may attack the dog's central nervous system causing seizures and convulsions about 30 days after exposure.