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Serious dog health problems include many dangerous diseases and ailments. But one of the most feared ailments that most dogs are at risk of attracting is referred to as infectious hepatitis.

Dogs of all ages are vunerable to infectious hepatitis - a dog health issue each pet owner ought to shield his pet against. Because approximately eighty percent of all dogs over one year of age are prone to hepatitis, vaccination against the disease typically is considered a must.

Hepatitis is caused by a virus which infects the kidneys and is taken off in the urine even after the pet has recovered. Symptoms of this ailment can vary in severity from dog to dog, however they usually include a fever of at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

As the disease progresses with this severe dog health issue, the animal becomes listless, indicates insufficient appetite, evolves an extreme thirst, and has watery discharge from his pupils. In addition, his throat, specifically the tonsils, become inflamed.

Statistics indicate that the fatality rate for dogs with this illness is very high. Those dogs that recover usually eat properly, but are slow to regain lost weight. Therefore you need to consult your family veterinarian immediately upon recognizing the symptoms and obtain the right medication given to the puppy as soon as possible.

How Does The Virus Spread?

Major dog health issues such as infectious hepatitis is a disease that often strikes young puppies although it could strike dogs of any age. The infection is not viral and it is not likely that your dog will contract hepatitis in this manner.

The hepatitis virus attacks a puppy dog when he comes in direct contact with the saliva or urine of infected animals. When provided with proper medicine, the disease settles in the kidneys and is removed through your pup's urine.

The virus may also be passed on to a puppy in an indirect way. Objects made out of wood or pieces of clothing may harbor canine hepatitis virus which may be transferred to others and result in serious dog health problems within the recipient.

Urine from recovered animals also contains hepatitis virus and is a major factor in the spread of the illness. The urine of an infected dog is harmful for some time following healing. Dog owners ought to bear these dog health issues in mind when taking their dogs out for their daily walks.

A Good Vaccination Program

A good vaccination program against dog health issues like infectious hepatitis usually consists of two doses for puppy's under three months of age. The very first dose is to be given after weaning and the second dosage two to three weeks later. Puppies over the age of three months must respond to a single dose inoculation.

Life-long preventions of major dog health problems for your dog or puppy could be maintained with an annual vaccination program. Please fix an appointment with your vet for an examination to make sure your dog is up-to-date with his vaccinations to maintain good dog health.