This hard-to-treat disease is highly contagious and the main source of infection is by inhalation during close dog to dog contact. The first signs are: fever, coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting followed by unusual tiredness and lack of appetite. Usually dogs under one year of age suffer from this disease. Survivors often develop nervous system breakdown later in life.

CANINE TRACHEOBRONCHITIS (Canine/Kennel Cough). Caused by various airborne bacteria and viruses, this infectious bronchitis is a contagious upper respiratory disease which occurs when dogs are in close contact. Signs are a distressing dry cough, tiredness and loss of appetite and moderately raised temperature. This disease may lead to pneumonia.

RABIES. An incurable, viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of almost all mammals including humans. This disease can be transmitted through bites, while the saliva is in contact with the skin. Once you have this disease, there is no cure and would already lead to death. Vaccine during the twelfth week is a great ounce of prevention.

INFECTIOUS CANINE HEPATITIS. This is caused by Canine Adenovirus Type I. Liver is the attacked organ and can be rapidly fatal. Transmission is through secretions like saliva, infected urine or feces. Early symptoms are general discomfort and lack of appetite, high temperature, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. This can cause also liver failure, clouding of cornea known as "blue eye" and breathing problems.

Other vaccinations that need booster recommendations from your veterinarian are as follows: LEPTOSPIROSIS, a bacterial disease which attacks the kidneys and the liver; vaccines are due on the twelfth to fifteenth week of your dog; CANINE CORONAVIRUS, which attacks the intestinal system; and, Lyme Disease, transmitted by ticks to both dogs and humans which results in chronic arthritis and, sometimes, death.

It is important to consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination and schedule for your dog. Recommendations on what vaccines to give may vary on the age, breed and health condition of the dog, susceptibility and risk, type of vaccine and the geographical setting.

Issues on vaccines having side effects are lurking but the benefits outweigh tremendously the danger of having it. Effectivity may not be guaranteed 100% but with the combination of proper nutrition and eating habits, a good and sanitized environment, vaccination is a great way to protect your dog and other of your pets as well. Dogs is a major status symbol in American pet-keeping. Every year, over 12 billion dollars have been spent on dog food and veterinary care alone. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association's 2003-2004 Pet Owners' Survey, more than half of dog owners purchase toys for their dogs.

Playing with toys is not the monopoly of little kids but also pets of different kind. Dogs have their own sets of toys to enjoy during their playing time.

Dogs benefit from these toys, health and training wise. There are dog toys that can strengthen their teeth or build their intelligence especially if they also attend a series of training classes with the experts. Like man, dogs are very sociable. Interaction with their companion or a sibling dog is very important in avoiding behavioral problems in the future.

When buying toys, you may want to match them with your dog's needs, demands and even personality. Is your dog the type that enjoys chasing and retrieving games, or chewing, sitting and sprawling? You may want to try experimenting first to find out which toys make your dogs the happiest.

Before going on a toy hunt, take a look at this list of toys that may help you identify the right kind of toy for your dog. CHEW TOYS. These are perfect for the dog that likes to chew a lot. Instead of your dog chewing your furniture, why not buy these TOUGH little babies for them. These types of dog toy are usually made of nylon or latex rubber. The "King Kong Toys" are among the popular brands of chew toys. You can experiment by stuffing these toys with peanut butter or cheese spread, freeze them and give them to your dog for hours of licking and chewing fun.