Like any wildlife filled outdoor space, diseases can be present. It is important to be aware of your dogs behavior and understand the risks involved.

The Following is a list of diseases your dog(s) may encounter while enjoying the leash free wildlife area. Keep in mind that some of these diseases can be contracted by people as well.

Canine Distemper: Canine Distemper is not common in the general pet population because of effective vaccination strategies. However, if your pet is not vaccinated it is possible that it could encounter this disease. Canine Distemper is very contagious. Puppies and/or senior dogs are the most susceptible and they become infected from virus particles in the air. Typically, infected dogs have a fever, runny eyes and nose, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures. It is often times fatal.

Canine Parvovirus: Parvo is a very contagious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing fever, severe vomiting and diarrhea. It is spread through the environment and can survive in the soil for years making it difficult to kill. The vaccine for parvo is very effective and is considered a core vaccine.

Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria that is shed in the urine of infected animals. Animals and people become infected by drinking contaminated water or coming into contact with contaminated soil or food. Dogs infected with Leptospira may develop fever, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, kidney or liver failure. There is a vaccine available that is very effective at preventing Leptospirosis infection.

Rabies: All mammals can be infected with rabies. The rabies virus is 100% fatal once an animal starts showing signs of disease. The virus is spread through saliva from a bite or contaminated skin wound. The rabies vaccine is required by state law.

Ticks: Ticks are very common and can transmit a variety of diseases that can affect both humans and pets. The two most severe infections in our area that are caused by ticks are Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis. They are both contracted by an infected tick bite. If you find a tick attached to yourself or your pet please contact your doctor or veterinarian.

Heatstroke: Heatstroke is a big risk during warm and hot weather. Temperatures that only seems warm to us might be much too hot for a dog. Short-nosed breeds are especially prone to heat stroke and breathing problems because they don’t breath as effectively as longer nosed breeds. Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, and collapse. Any pet showing signs of heatstroke needs to be taken to a shaded area and cooled down with water on its feet or wet towels draped over it. If you suspect a heatstroke contact your veterinarian immediately.

Intestinal Parasites: Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms lay eggs that are passed in a dog’s stool. They infect other animals when they eat that stool or contaminated soil, or drink contaminated water. Tapeworms are spread when dogs eat a flea that is infected with tapeworms. Coccidia and Giardia are single-celled parasites that damage the lining of the intestine. Dogs may be infected with coccidia and giardia by eating contaminated soil or water. These parasites cause malnutrition and diarrhea.