One of the key factors when owning a dog, is to ensure that the puppy or dog is vaccinated against the most prolific diseases and probably more essential is to ensure that vaccines are kept up to date.

There are two different types of vaccines, modified live formulas and inactivated formula. Each has its own advantages as to the best and most efficient protection, a vet will advise as to which is the most suitable to use.

Both local and state laws in America include rabies vaccinations as this fatal dog disease can be transmitted to humans, vaccination helps to reduce the number of infected domestic dogs. Within the UK rabies vaccinations are required for any dog entering the country; if the blood tests are returned as positive the dog will be quarantined.

Distemper, one of the most prolific types of canine disease, is thought to be the worst virus which a dog can catch. Vaccination is required with regular booster to ensure the dog’s immunity is upheld.

Another common canine disease is Lyme disease, this is an bacterial infection which is spread by ticks causing a dog to become very unwell, antibiotics from a vet is the best course of action in treating Lyme disease. There are another three varieties of tick diseases in America, all of which can usually be treated with antibiotics. Although humans can get Lyme disease it is not transmitted via a dog, humans can also be successfully treated with a course of antibiotics.

If Heartworms are left untreated it is inevitable that the dog will die, Heartworms are parasites which attacks the dog’s heart, they grow and multiply very rapidly, treatments can be obtained from a vet or brought from pet stores.

Canine disease is as common as human diseases, there are different diseases which affect specific organs and parts of a dog, such as kidney disease, the signs and symptoms of these various diseases can sometimes be detected from the change in a dog’s normal behaviours, eating and exercise regimes, any changes or abnormal discharges or noticeable discomforts should be taken seriously.

Home diagnosis is sometimes possible, however, it is advisable to have any illness and suspected canine disease confirmed and diagnosed by a vet, as misdiagnosis and wrong treatments can sometimes cause more harm than good.