PUPPY VACCINATION SCHEDULE

Getting your adult dog vaccinated may be more controversial than you think. Some people, including many vets, believe adult pets are over vaccinated and think that too many vaccinations pose health risks. Others believe vaccinations should be performed yearly to keep dangerous diseases like distemper from getting a hold on the pet population like they did in decades past.    It will be up to you, as a responsible pet parent, to weigh “benefits” vs. “risks” with your vet’s input.    In determining which optional vaccinations you deem necessary for your pet, consider your surroundings.   Do you live or hike in wooded areas?    Since you know that Lyme disease can result from the bite of a tick, and your dog would therefore be more susceptible to infection.    Thus, the Lyme vaccine would be something to seriously consider.

If you are apprehensive about over-vaccinating your adult dog, you may want to ask your vet about having titer tests (test that measure your dog’s immunity)  to determine exactly which vaccinations are needed. One exception is the rabies vaccine, which is regulated by law and may be required every one to three years, depending on where you live and the type of rabies vaccine the vet uses.   

PARVO -   Danger to Puppies

What is parvovirus?

Canine parvovirus, or "parvo" as it is commonly known, is a virus that usually attacks the canine intestinal tract (canine parvovirus enteritis) and, in rare cases, the heart (myocarditis). First identified in the late 1970s, the virus is one of the most resistant known; it is able to withstand heat, cold, and most common disinfectants.

How is it transmitted?

Parvo is transmitted through the feces and vomit of infected dogs and puppies.  The virus can live in feces for about two weeks and can exist in the environment (such as on floors or cages) for many

months. Because it is so difficult to kill, the virus is easily transmitted by "fomites" such as the hands, clothing, or shoes of anyone who comes in contact with it.

What are the signs?

Signs appear after the disease’s incubation period. The incubation period can last from 3 to 12 days after exposure but usually occurs within 5 to 7 days of exposure. The initial signs of parvo include loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, fever, and depression. These are often accompanied by malodorous gray- or yellow-colored feces or diarrhea streaked with blood. Some dogs infected with the virus exhibit no symptoms and never become ill, while others show a few of these signs and recover quickly. Some, however, become severely ill, and succumb within 48-72 hours after first exhibiting symptoms.

Which dogs get it?

Although the virus can attack dogs and puppies of any age, it is most commonly found in dogs under one year old. The highest incidence is seen in puppies 6 to 24 weeks old. Generally, puppies are protected through maternal immunity up to about 6 weeks. Many adult dogs are immune because they were either vaccinated or exposed to the illness when they were young. Several studies suggest that certain breeds, including Dobermans and Rottweilers, may be more susceptible to the disease than other breeds. Studies also indicate that unsterilized animals may be at greater risk than those who have been spayed or neutered. (Animals who have been spayed or neutered are more likely to have been vaccinated and are less likely to roam, thereby reducing their chances of coming in contact with the virus.)

How is parvo treated?

Treatment usually includes hospitalization, intravenous fluid replenishment, and medication (to control vomiting, diarrhea, and secondary infections).    In some cases, Parvo infection is unmanageable and can be fatal.

How is parvo prevented?

The best way to help prevent dogs from getting parvo is to vaccinate them against the virus and keep them under control;  dogs allowed to roam are more likely to come into contact with the virus. Shelters can prevent an outbreak by instituting a  vaccination program; ensuring that their kennels are disinfected with a product proven to kill viruses; carefully evaluating and monitoring all animals; minimizing "fomite" transmission; and educating medical professionals and the public about the disease.  

In addition to being hyper-aware of your puppy’s surrounding,  one of the most important things you can do during this stage of your pup’s life is to provide proper nutrition for immune system support.   This should be in the form of quality food, with  the optional addition of a supplement program that is specifically designed for your puppy’s  health status, and taking into consideration all special risk factors.  

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