Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a viral disease that is often fatal. Distemper is most commonly seen in puppies 3-6 months old. Early signs resemble a severe cold. The vaccine for canine distemper is considered very effective.

All dogs entering SCARS are checked for signs of Canine Distemper and are vaccinated against it.

Signs & Symptoms: Eye congestion and discharge, loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, nasal discharge, and diarrhea.
Treatment: Veterinary care including fluid therapy and antibiotics. Survival depends heavily on early recognition of symptoms and veterinary intervention.
Transmission: Very contagious to other dogs. Dogs suspected of having Canine Distemper should be quarantined from other dogs.Due to its contagious nature, when bringing an animal suspected of having Distemper to your vet, ask the staff if the animal should remain outside until he or she can be brought in safely.

Canine Parvovirus

Parvo is a disease that is most common in puppies and young dogs. It causes the sloughing of the lining of the intestinal tract. Although concrete information is not available, it is know that Parvovirus can survive in the environment for at least six months and may contaminate soil for up to five years. This means that other unvaccinated dogs can become infected with Parvo simply by coming into contact with places where an infected dog has been. A bleach solution is the best way to disinfect areas that may have been contaminated. The vaccine for Parvovirus is considered very effective.

All dogs entering SCARS are checked for signs of Parvovirus and are vaccinated against it.

Signs & Symptoms: Lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea (usually bloody)
Treatment: Veterinary care, including fluid therapy and antibiotics. Survival depends   heavily on early recognition of symptoms and veterinary intervention.
Transmission: Very contagious to other dogs, especially through contact with infected feces or vomit. Parvo can transmit through the environment for at least 6-months.Dogs suspected of having Parvo should be quarantined from other dogs. Due to its contagious nature, when bringing an animal suspected of having Parvovirus to your vet, ask the staff if the animal should remain outside until he or she can be brought in safely.

Round, Tape, and Hook Worms

Worms affect a dog’s digestive system. They are most commonly seen in puppies and young dogs.

All dogs entering SCARS are treated for worms.

Signs & Symptoms: Large belly, diarrhea, and an inability to gain weight.
Treatment: Veterinary care, including de-worming medication.
Transmission: Contagious to other dogs and cats, but only through contact with (and   subsequent ingestion of) feces.

Kennel Cough or Bordetella

Kennel cough is a respiratory tract infection that has been linked to several different viral and bacterial causes. Coughing is usually stimulated by physical exertion or by touching the throat area. Kennel cough is self-limiting, usually lasting 1-3 weeks. Antibiotics are often given to prevent secondary infections. Kennel cough is very common in shelters and other boarding facilities. There is a vaccine for bordetella, one of the main agents responsible for causing kennel cough.

All dogs entering SCARS are checked for signs of Kennel Cough and are treated as needed.

Signs & Symptoms: Cough, runny nose and eyes
Treatment: Veterinary care, including antibiotics and cough suppressants. Although Kennel Cough is usually not fatal, veterinary care is highly recommended as the presence of cough may indicate other complications. Distemper is often   mistaken for Kennel Cough.
Transmission: Very contagious to other dogs. Dogs suspected of having Kennel Cough should be quarantined from other animals. Due to its contagious nature, when bringing an animal suspected of having Kennel Cough to your vet, ask the staff if the animal should remain outside until he or she can be brought in safely.

Demodectic Mange

Demodectic Mange is caused by a type of mite that is often present on the skin of healthy dogs. If an animal’s immune system is weak, these mites may proliferate at an uncontrolled rate causing mange.

All dogs entering SCARS are checked for signs of mange and are treated as needed.

Signs & Symptoms: Multiple areas of hair loss, scaling, and redness on the skin.
Treatment: Veterinary care, including antibiotic and/or topical treatment.
Transmission: Usually not contagious, but infected animals should be isolated from animals with suppressed immune systems.

Sarcoptic Mange or Scabies

Sarcoptic Mange is caused by a parasitic mite that burrows under the skin to lay eggs.

All dogs entering SCARS are checked for signs of mange and are treated as needed.

Signs & Symptoms: Crusty ear tips and hair loss with red and inflamed skin. Animal will usually exhibit fierce itching tendencies and may have open sores or scabs.
Treatment: Veterinary care, including frequent medicated baths
Transmission: Contagious to other dogs and humans. In humans Sarcoptic Mange is self-limiting; the mite can burrow under the skin and cause itching, but cannot complete its life cycle and dies within a few weeks.Dogs suspected of having Sarcoptic Mange should be quarantined from other dogs.