SolveYourProblem.com Article Series: Dog Care
Dog Care Tips
Dog
Vaccinations:
What Should Your Dog Be Getting?
Vaccinations are a very important part of dog ownership. Your
dog should be properly vaccinated against certain diseases
at certain times to help protect him and other animals
he may come in to contact with. The following is an explanation
of vaccinations and why they should be given.
When you get a puppy, most likely your veterinarian will recommend
a series of three sets of vaccinations. These will generally
be given at four week intervals starting at eight weeks of
age. The first vaccine will most likely be referred to as “distemper.”
This is usually a combination shot that will protect your dog
against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, leptospirosis,
and coronavirus.
1)
Distemper - a highly contagious disease caused by a virus
that is similar to measles in humans. It can affect dogs of
all ages but is most often seen in unvaccinated puppies. It
attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems.
Symptoms include cough, nasal and eye discharge, lethargy,
vomiting, and diarrhea. In advanced stages, dogs may show neurological
problems such as lack of coordination, weakness, and seizures.
Treatment includes fluids and antibiotics but prognosis is
guarded and in about half of the cases, Distemper is fatal.
2)
Hepatitis - which affects the liver, pancreas, kidneys, and
the lining of blood vessels. It causes fever, abdominal
pain, diarrhea, and lethargy. Treatment includes administration
of fluids and antibiotics but in serious cases a blood transfusion
may be necessary. The severity of the disease varies but young
puppies often die from Hepatitis.
3)
Parainfluenza - caused by a virus and is quite mild in
comparison with other infectious diseases. Symptoms include
sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose, and coughing. Treatment
varies but in many cases, no treatment is required.
4)
Leptospirosis - which is transmitted by contact
with water contaminated with infected urine. It affects
the urinary tract,
kidneys, and liver. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and
abdominal pain. In further stages of the disease, dogs may
become very thirsty and have a low temperature. Treatment includes
antibiotics and fluid therapy. Please note however that some
dogs are allergic to the leptospirosis vaccine. Please check
with your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns. Oftentimes
the leptospirosis component is not a part of your puppy shots
and will be administered annually starting the next year your
dog is due for vaccination.
5)
Coronavirus - which causes inflammation of the
intestines and diarrhea. This disease most often affects
puppies. Symptoms
include decreased appetite, orange or yellow diarrhea, lethargy,
and fever. Treatment includes fluid administration and antibiotics.
Prognosis is usually good. The distemper combination vaccine
is given annually after the first three series.
At your second visit (or at age 12 weeks), if you plan to
take your dog to puppy class or he will be around other dogs,
it is a good idea to get him vaccinated for Bordetella
Bronchiseptica.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica is most often referred to as Kennel
Cough. This disease is incredibly infectious and is usually
transmitted in areas where many dogs are together such as boarding
facilities, doggy day care, and dog parks. If your dog becomes
infected, you will notice a dry cough. Infected dogs are usually
treated with antibiotics. Keep in mind that even though most
places that take in multiple dogs require immunization to Bordetella,
no vaccine is 100% effective so your dog may still become ill
with this disease. This vaccine comes in both intranasal and
injectible form. The intranasal form is dribbled into your
dog’s nostrils. Your dog may need a booster of the Bordetella
vaccine at his 16 week visit and annually after that.
At age 16 weeks, your dog can be vaccinated for Rabies. Rabies
is usually transmitted to dogs through saliva - most often
in the form of a bite from an infected animal. Rabies affects
all warm blooded animals but is most often found in bats, skunks,
and raccoons. Rabies is always fatal. In many states, rabies
vaccination is required by law. Check with your veterinarian
on how often this immunization is recommended as protocols
may vary. If your dog becomes infected with Rabies, you may
notice subtle behavioral changes at first. This may be accompanied
by fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. The best defense against
Rabies is to make certain your dog is properly immunized.
By properly vaccinating your dog, you are helping to ensure
both his safety and the safety of other pets and humans.
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