Dogs

Kennel cough is the common name given to acute infectious tracheobronchitis which affects the upper respiratory system and often causes a dry hacking cough. Kennel cough is a mixed viral and bacterial disease which is why vaccinations provide protection, but they do not cover all strains with new variants emerging.

Dog herpes virus is a common virus and it is thought that as many as 80% of dogs in Hertfordshire have been exposed to it in their lives. Like all herpesviruses dogs are infected for life once exposed. It hides in nerve cells and reactivates at times of stress.

Canine infectious hepatitis is an adenovirus that attacks the liver, blood vessels, immune system, kidneys, eyes, lungs and heart. Symptoms can vary depending on which body systems are affected. Infectious hepatitis spreads in bodily fluids (urine, faeces and saliva).

Distemper is a virus that attacks several body systems including the respiratory and nervous system. It is spread in the air and via contact with infected dogs and things they have touched.