Several canine diseases are highly contagious, especially in environments like kennels, dog parks, or shelters. The most notable include parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, canine influenza, and rabies—all of which spread quickly between dogs and, in some cases, to humans.
🐶 Major Contagious Canine Diseases
| Disease | Type | How It Spreads | Key Symptoms | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canine Parvovirus | Viral | Direct contact with infected feces, contaminated surfaces | Severe vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), dehydration, lethargy | Often fatal in puppies; vaccination is critical |
| Canine Distemper | Viral | Airborne droplets, shared food/water bowls | Fever, nasal discharge, coughing, neurological signs (seizures, paralysis) | Highly contagious; vaccination prevents |
| Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis) | Bacterial/Viral (Bordetella, parainfluenza, adenovirus) | Airborne cough droplets, close contact | Harsh, hacking cough, retching, nasal discharge | Common in kennels/daycare |
| Canine Influenza (Dog Flu) | Viral | Respiratory secretions, contaminated objects | Cough, fever, nasal discharge, lethargy | Outbreaks occur in boarding facilities |
| Rabies | Viral | Bite wounds, saliva | Neurological signs, aggression, paralysis, death | Zoonotic (transmissible to humans); universally fatal once symptomatic |
| Canine Coronavirus | Viral | Fecal-oral route | Mild diarrhea, lethargy | Less severe than parvovirus |
| Leptospirosis | Bacterial | Contaminated water, urine from infected animals | Fever, vomiting, jaundice, kidney/liver damage | Zoonotic risk |
| Giardia & Other Intestinal Parasites | Protozoal/Parasitic | Contaminated water, feces | Diarrhea, weight loss | Can infect humans (zoonotic) |
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