Why
do dogs need vaccinations?
Like humans, dogs catch infectious diseases. They may pick
these up directly from other dogs, or from contact with the ground or other objects. Going
to kennels or visiting shows or training classes, where there are lots of dogs, increases
the risks. Some of these diseases are very serious and may be fatal. One may even be
passed on to you, with serious consequences. The only protection for your dog is regular
vaccination. Remember, that even if your dog rarely meets other dogs, viruses can be
carried on your shoes and clothing, and an isolated dog will have less natural protection
from meeting infections regularly. Older
dogs need boosters as much as younger dogs. All dogs need annual vaccination.
When should my puppy be vaccinated?
Vaccination should start as soon as possible after a pup
reaches 8 weeks of age, with the last vaccine of the primary course given at 12 weeks or
older. At Mill House, we recommend at least two full vaccinations as the primary course,
particularly if your puppy contacts other dogs. After this, a single booster injection
every year will keep your pet protected. Primary and booster vaccination protects against
all the diseases listed below.
Canine Distemper?
Distemper (Hardpad) produces a wide variety of signs,
including discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea and nervous
signs (eg: fits). Distemper is often fatal, and once nervous signs are seen the chances of
recovery are poor.
Parvovirus and why is it so
important?
Parvovirus causes gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhoea) in
older pups and adult dogs. In severe cases the dog vomits and passes blood and death may
occur in six to eight hours. Dogs with some immunity may be ill for six to seven days and
often need intensive therapy to survive.
Infections of puppies in the first two to three weeks of
life leads to severe heart muscle damage and sudden death. Puppies that survive infection
may die months later from heart failure.
Leptospirosis and Viral Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis mainly causes damage to the liver, but also
affects lungs, kidneys and eyes (Blue Eye). Illness may be severe or, often, no obvious
signs are seen and some dogs are sick and appear off colour for twenty four hours only.
There is strong evidence to suggest that dogs that have been infected with the virus are
more likely to develop kidney failure in later life.
Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterial infection, and in
dogs we see two main types of this disease. The first is very serious, as it may be passed
to man. It can be picked up from contact with rats or their urine, and jaundice is a major
sign.
The second type affects the kidneys and infection may be
inapparent, although the dog may suffer kidney failure later in life.
Kennel cough?
Kennel Cough is a complex of diseases caused by several
viruses and bacteria. One of the viruses, Parainfluenza virus is included in the routine
vaccination.
Vaccination against Bordetella, a bacterial cause, similar
to Whooping Cough in people, can be given as a separate injection (Intrac) which is
dripped into the nose. Some kennels may request this is done if an outbreak has occurred
locally. Kennel cough may be distressing, but with proper treatment is not usually
life-threatening, unlike the other diseases listed above.
All these diseases are seen locally, sometimes
with fatal results. We cannot stress too highly the importance of keeping your pet's
vaccinations up to date to prevent the suffering we see in unvaccinated animals.
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