# Infectious Diseases in Dogs UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-infectious-diseases-uk): Infectious Diseases in Dogs UK — Quick answer. UK dogs face several preventable infectious diseases — parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis, kennel cough and lungworm are the most important. Vaccination and year-round parasite prevention protect your dog. Unvaccinated puppies and senior dogs are most vulnerable.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-infectious-diseases-uk): Infectious Diseases in Dogs UK — Core infectious diseases in UK dogs. | Disease | Key signs | Prevention | |---------|-----------|------------| | Parvovirus | Severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, collapse | Vaccination; isolate puppies until fully vaccinated | | Distemper | Fever, coughing, neurological signs | Core vaccination | | Leptospirosis | Fever, vomiting, kidney/liver failure | Annual vaccination | | Kennel cough | Harsh honking cough | Bordetella vaccine for at-risk dogs | | Lungworm | Coughing, bleeding disorders | Monthly worming in affected areas | | Lyme disease | Lameness, fever (from ticks) | Tick prevention; check after walks |

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-infectious-diseases-uk): Infectious Diseases in Dogs UK — Parvovirus — still a UK threat. Canine parvovirus is highly contagious and survives in the environment for months. It attacks the gut lining and immune system. Puppies under six months are most at risk. Signs include sudden vomiting, foul diarrhoea (often bloody), lethargy and dehydration. This is an emergency — survival depends on rapid intensive care with fluids and hospitalisation. Keep unvaccinated puppies away from public parks and areas where unknown dogs have been until vaccination courses are complete.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-infectious-diseases-uk): Infectious Diseases in Dogs UK — Leptospirosis. Spread through urine of infected rats, cattle and wildlife — common in UK waterways and farmland. Dogs drink from puddles, rivers and canals. Leptospirosis damages the liver and kidneys and can be fatal. It is also zoonotic — humans can become infected through contact with infected urine. Annual leptospirosis vaccination is recommended for most UK dogs.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-infectious-diseases-uk): Infectious Diseases in Dogs UK — Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis). A syndrome caused by multiple viruses and bacteria. Highly contagious in group settings. Most dogs recover within one to three weeks with rest. Puppies, seniors and brachycephalic breeds can develop pneumonia — contact your vet if breathing becomes laboured.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-infectious-diseases-uk): Infectious Diseases in Dogs UK — Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum). A parasite spread by slugs and snails — increasingly recognised across the UK. Dogs ingest larvae from grass, water bowls or toys left outside. Signs include coughing, bleeding (nose, gums), neurological problems and sudden collapse. Monthly preventive worming is essential in endemic areas — ask your vet if your region is affected.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-infectious-diseases-uk