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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a tick-borne infection which can affect both dogs and humans. It is a zoonotic disease which is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a parasite that dwells within the cells of the host. Humans cannot acquire the infection from dogs rather, the dogs can carry ticks that can transmit the parasite to man.

Canine Ehrlichiosis, also called "tracker dog disease", "canine hemorrhagic fever", "tropical canine pancytopenia", and "canine typhus". It is a tick-borne infection which is caused by a rickettsial organism Ehrlichia canis.

The genus Clostridium is a group of anaerobic bacteria (they can thrive in conditions where oxygen is not present) which have been linked to several important diseases in dogs. Two of the most common clostridial infections in dogs are caused by Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile.

Blastomycosis is a systemic disease which is caused by the fungus, Blastomyces dermatitidis. This fungal infection primarily affects dogs and humans. In humans, the disease is called "Chicago Disease", "Gilchrist Disease" or "Mycosis".

Histoplasmosis in dogs is a non-contagious infection which is caused by the fungi, Histoplasma capsulatum. The organism thrives in the soil particularly in moist and humid conditions. It abounds in organic matter such as bat and bird droppings which are rich in nitrogen.

Coccidioidomycosis, also called "Canine Valley Fever" is an infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis. The fungus thrives well in sandy alkaline soils in regions with low rainfall, very high temperatures, and low elevation. It is transmitted via inhalation of airborne spores when dogs play in areas where the fungus is present in large numbers. Infection results in a respiratory disease or a disseminated form which can range from mild to severe. Aside from dogs, the disease can also occ

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection which is caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. Dogs which have acquired the infection usually suffer from severe problems that affect the central nervous system. The causative agent thrives well in soil and droppings of wild and domesticated pigeons. The feces of pigeons possess high levels of creatinine which creates a favorable environment for the fungus to flourish and survive.

Ringworm is a skin infection which is caused by fungi. The name of the disease is derived from the classic ring-shaped skin lesion composed of a scaly area which is devoid of hair in the center and surrounded by a red ring on its border.

On a very basic level, dog owners want their companions to be fun to be with but under their control at all times. After all, dogs share our homes, ride in our cars and often sleep on our furniture or beds. They serve as playmates for our children, companions for our long walks, and guardians for our families.

Responsible dog owners never let their dogs off the leash when they're out of the house unless they're safely confined within a fenced-in yard. Keeping your dog on a leash is important for many reasons.