Many canine diseases can now be prevented through vaccinations. A vaccination
schedule prepared by your veterinarian can thus greatly contribute to good health and a longer life span for your dog. I require
an agreement with all my new owners to continue with their puppies vaccination schedule. Below are the most important diseases
for which vaccines are currently available:
Canine Distemper is a widespread, often fatal
disease. The virus itself is related to the human measles virus and can produce a number of different disease patterns in
canines. Transmission usually occurs via airborne. It is highly contagious and can travel some distance. Distemper can affect
a number of body systems, including respiratory and nervous system. All dogs should be vaccinated against distemper, starting
with distemper-measles vaccination at 6-9 weeks of age.
Canine Adenovirus type1 and type2-
cause infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection, respectively. Hepatitis caused by adenovirus type 1 may cause severe
kidney damage to death. Adenovirus type 2 is an important factor in kennel cough.
Canine Parainfluenza-
is another cause of kennel cough. Although parainfluenza is often a mild form of respiratory infection in otherwise healty
dogs, it can be severe in puppies or debilitated dogs.
Canine Parvovirus- is a disease of widespread
distribution which may cause severe dehydrating diarrhea in dogs of various ages. Parvovirus infection is especially dangerous
for puppies.
Canine Bordetella- may contribute to kennel cough. This bacterial infection
can occur alone or in combination with distemper, adenovirus type 2 infection, parainfluenza, and other respiratory problems.
Canine Coronavirus infection is a highly contagious intestinal disease causing vomiting
and diarrhea in dogs of all ages. Especially in young puppies, dehydration from coronavirus infection can be life-threatening.
Canine Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection which may lead to permanent kidney damage.
The disease is easily spread to other pets and to humans.
Rabies, one of the world's most
publicized and feared diseases, is almost always fatal. Rabies virus attacks the brain and central nervous system, and is
transmitted to humans cheifly through the bite of an infected animal. Your puppy should get this vaccination at 4 mo. of age.
Kennel Cough
Infectious tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough) is generally a mild
self-limiting disease involving the trachea and bronchi of any age dog. It spreads rapidly in high stress, closely confined
conditions such as hospitals or kennels. It is usually caused by a virus, primarily Canine adenovirus 2, canine parainfluenza
virus or canine distemper virus. Canine hepatitis virus, canine reoviruses types 1,2 and 3 and canine herpesvirus also have
been implied to be causative agents.
The virus damages the respiratory lining and paves the way for secondary bacterial
invaders. Bordetella bronchiseptica is the principal bacterial invader. Hence there has been a vaccine developed with live
avirulent culture of B. bronchiseptica to give intranasally. Injectable forms of inactivated whole bacterial cultures or extracts
have been made but are not always available due to problems with local or systemic reactions. I recommended to clients the
intranasal product whenever possible. However you must remember you are only protecting against one relatively harmless bacteria.
Once the virus does its damage, a whole slew of different bacteria can come in and cause significant illness. Considering
what is in the dog's environment or what it is exposed to will determine what types of bacteria could become secondary invaders.
You could see both gram positive and gram negative types of bacteria. The cases under discussion have been caused by Streptococcal
bacteria, which is a common inhabitant on dogs and people but under the right conditions can cause harmful disease. Also Streptococcal
infections are often food related.
The best recommendation is to discuss with your veterinarian what types of Distemper
combo vaccine is best for your dogs depending on what area of the country you are in and to keep them well vaccinated. Some
people also recommend the Bordetella vaccine - it won't protect your dog for all bacteria he/she might be exposed to, but
it will protect against one of the most commonly isolated pathogens. Secondly, keep stress to a minimum and good health to
a maximum!! Consistent exercise and a clean environment are the only way to beat disease.
Vaccination Schedule
Because each puppy or adult is an individual case and proper handling
and administration of the vaccine is so important, vaccination should be given only by those familiar with the techniques.
Young puppies are highly susceptible to certain infectious diseases and should be vaccinated against them as soon as they
are old enough to build an immunity. These diseases are distemper, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis, parainfluenza
and coronavirus. To be effective, vaccinations must be keep current. This suggested vaccination schedule should provide adequate
protection at minimum cost.
Annual Booster DHLPP with or without Corona* Rabies (1 or 3 years depending on manufacturer's recommendations)
* Corona vaccination is optional. Give first shot at 12 weeks of age.
NuVet® We also provide our adults & puppies NuVet Plus® daily
insuring they have the best start in life! I highly recommend NuVet Plus® to keep your pet on the path to continued health!
Hey Everyone!I’ve got some great news for you and your pets!
Over and over I am asked the
very same question from my new puppy buyers – what is the best way to house train my new puppy?This has always been a tricky answer because until recently there was no best way or worst way –
just the long way.Well thankfully that has all changed!
I was recently introduced
to a product called Potty Park.It literally is a toilet for dogs that can be used indoors or outdoors at your home, apartment or anywhere
else your dog may need somewhere to relieve itself.Essentially it’s your
own private little piece of the dog park anywhere you need it.
I have seen other dog
potties for sale and have been very skeptical because of the inherent dangers of all of the bacteria building up on these
units, but Potty Park is made from anti-bacterial and anti-microbial medical grade materials.In fact it’s the only true anti-microbial dog potty in the world!
Once I found out that the
White House uses Potty Parkfor Bo Obama I was sold!I mean, if there was a better dog potty
out there don’t you think they’d be using it?
Not only does it save your
floors from accidents and stains, but it also allows you to spend more quality time with your dog(s) and less time cleaning
up after them.
