The following chapter focuses on the recommended treatment of dogs addressing the most common diseases and infections. Street animals usually did not receive have any previous vaccination unless they used to be a normal pet before. Therefore it is advisable to consult with the vet of your choice to consider a general vaccination of the animal prior to any adoption of the animal or before you release the animal back to the streets.

Physical examination
By far and away the number one thing you can do to maintain your pets health is to be certain that it receives a physical exam at least once yearly. Pets age much more quickly than we do, so it is important to recognize and treat the signs of disease as early as possible. Because we cannot directly communicate with our pets, it is very important to have a physical exam performed each year by a veterinarian. Very often abnormalities can be present which go unnoticed for many reasons. These can include weight gain, dental disease, heart murmurs, ear problems, eye disease, internal growths, arthritis, early kidney or liver failure etc. Too many times owners do not notice subtle changes occurring in their pets because they see them every day, do not routinely look in the ears or mouth, incorrectly attribute changes to being "normal" aging changes, or because the changes are occurring inside the body and cannot be detected without special training, equipment, or tests.

Vaccines

Rabies
One of the few dangerous diseases we can catch from our pets. It is caused by a virus, which must enter the body through open skin. It is virtually 100% fatal by the time symptoms begin.

Distemper
This term actually refers to vaccination given for multiple viruses which are combined in a single injection. As with the rabies vaccination all hospitalized pets must have a current distemper vaccination. The following six diseases should be included in the "Distemper" vaccination:

Adenovirus Type 1 - causes liver disease (canine infectious hepatitis), which is severe and can also affect the kidneys. It is often fatal.

Adenovirus Type 2 - Affects the respiratory tract and is one of the agents which causes kennel cough.

Parainfluenza - Another respiratory infection contributing to kennel cough, and which can be severe in the young and debilitated animals.

Parvovirus - A disease which causes vomiting and diarrhea which results in dehydration, weakness, listlessness etc. This is a very widespread disease and is severe in puppies and often fatal if untreated.

Coronavirus - Similar to parvovirus this disease causes vomiting and diarrhea, and is very contagious. Fatalities occur if dehydration is not treated aggressively.

Leptospirosis - An infection by a bacteria which infects the kidneys and sometimes other organs. It is spread through contact with infected urine, and can affect humans.

Bordatella
This bacteria is another cause of kennel cough. Most kennels require protection against it before an animal is admitted as do many groomers. It is recommend to be given routinely with the yearly distemper vaccination.

Lyme Disease
This infection spread by the bite of an infected tick can cause high fevers, loss of appetite, and permanent damage to joints resulting in arthritis. Owners are advised that all pets who are frequently exposed to ticks be protected.

Heartworm
Heartworms are a disease of dogs, (and less commonly cats), which is spread by mosquitoes. Immature worms circulate in the blood stream, and can cause damage to many organs. They mature into adults in the heart and lungs, and can cause heart failure and respiratory problems. Preventative medications are easily given monthly. Many owners choose to keep their pets on the preventative year round for ease, and because the medication also prevents intestinal parasites (worms). Some heartworm pills include a flea prevention component that sterilizes fleas if they bite a dog taking the medication. While this may not completely eradicate fleas it works well in conjunction with other medications to prevent infestations

Fecal Test
It is a good practice to test a dogs stool for parasites yearly. For those animals who are not routinely receiving heartworm preventative this should be done every six months.

Other Tests
As a dog ages it often make good sense to do some tests or examinations more frequently. In pets considered geriatric (usually over 8 years of age) annual blood tests to check the status of internal organs is often warranted. These tests may include checking kidney and liver function, screening for diabetes or anemia, electrocardiograms or x-rays to check the heart, tests for glaucoma, among others.