Is CIRDC the same as Parainfluenza?

There are several types of bacteria and viruses that can contribute to CIRDC and dogs can be infected by two or more of these organisms at the same time. Bordetella bronchiseptica is a commonly involved organism in CIRDC.

How can I protect my dog against CIRDC?

The best way to protect your dog against CIRDC is to keep their vaccines current. Vaccines reduce the chance of your dog becoming ill, reduce the liklihood of your dog developing severe disease and reduce the spread of infection to other dogs.

D - Canine Distemper affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurologic systems as well as the skin and teeth. Distemper has nothing to do with the temperament of your dog.

H - Dogs with canine Hepatitis show high fever followed by anorexia, thirst and conjunctivitis. More serious cases cause abdominal pain, vomiting, liver damage and death.

L - Leptospira can affect humans and dogs. Any dog in contact with lakes, creeks, playfields or puddles is at risk of contracting Leptospira. Infection symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common signs are fever, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, lethargy. These symptoms can become life-threatening.

P - Canine Parvovirus is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contaminated feces (stool), environments, or people. The virus can also contaminate water bowls, collars, leashes, and the hands and clothing of people. It is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. The virus travels from place to place on dogs or people's shoes. Signs of parvovirus include lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, bloating, unsafe body temperature, vomiting, and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to 72 hours following the onset of clinical signs.

P - Canine Parainfluenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus and is one of the most common pathogens of kennel cough. Although the respiratory signs may resemble those of canine influenza, they are unrelated viruses and require different vaccines for protection. This virus is similar to the human common cold.

Canine Influenza (different from parainfluenza) causes a persistent cough and sometimes a thick nasal discharge and high fever. Other signs can include lethargy, eye discharge and reduced appetite. Some infected dogs may not show any signs of illness, but can still be contagious and able to infect other dogs. As the virus attacks the nervous system, infected dogs develop muscle twitches, convulsions, seizures, and paralysis.

Washington State is one of 24 states that require your dog to have a rabies shot, by law.

WACs > Title 246 > Chapter 246-100 > Section 246-100-197
(3) An owner of a dog, cat, or ferret shall have it vaccinated and revaccinated against rabies following veterinary and USDA-licensed rabies vaccine manufacturer instructions.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC

Follow your veterinarians recommendations for flea, tick and heartworm preventatives. Use your discretion as some recently recommended preventatives have been found to cause adverse reactions in some pets. Discuss your concerns with your veterinary professional. Ticks can be found anywhere outdoors, including grass and bushes and sometimes even indoors. Dogs will develop heartworm approximately six months after being bitten by an infected mosquito. It is recommended that you protect your dog from these highly preventable ailments.