7TH April - 7TH May To tie in with National Pet Month, here is some information regarding diseases and vaccinations for dogs. A routine vaccination regiment will significantly increase your dog's chances of living a normal, healthy life. Some, once life threatening canine diseases have all but been eliminated, due to scientific advances and medical research. Keeping your dog's vaccinations up to date should help eliminating the risk of contracting most canine diseases. Annual booster shots and applications of flea and tick repellants will also help to reduce the chances of your dog contracting more serious disease.
Once your new dog or puppy is brought home, it is imperative to visit the vet within 24 hours if it has not had its first vaccination. If you take in a stray dog off the street and not from a rescue centre, this is even more important, as it may have been in contact with various diseases.
Parvovirus
This disease is, unfortunately, the most common viral illness in dogs and is more likely to affect a puppy. Vaccinating a puppy against Parvo is complicated because the maternal antibody can interfere with the vaccine. This is why puppies receive the Parvo vaccine every three to four weeks, starting at six weeks of age, until they are between 16 and 20 weeks. Parvo can be especially fatal to puppies, fatality rates usually being 75% within two days of exposure. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea within five days of exposure to the virus, together with loss of appetite and fever. Death may occur within 48-72 hours of the appearance of the symptoms. It is believed that the disease is contracted through the faeces of infected dogs. It can be transmitted on the hair and feet of dogs, as sell as the clothes and shoes of people. Once an area, or kennel is infected, it can be very difficult to eradicate as the disease is capable of existing for many months. A strong bleach/disinfectant must be used to clean all areas in and around an infected kennel.
Distemper
Primary vaccinations should begin at 6 weeks of age to prevent Distemper. This is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory and nervous systems and it is often fatal. Dogs that do recover, often develop paralysis, convulsions, spasms and other neurological disorders. Symptoms of this disease include a yellow or greenish discharge from the dog's eyes or nose, vomiting and diarrhea, all of which are highly contagious.
Kennel Cough
Although this is not usually fatal when contracted, it is still advisable to have your dog vaccinated against Kennel Cough, especially if you are intending to put your dog into kennel. The bacterial illness occurs mostly in dogs that congregate together in kennels or parks. It can be more severe in young puppies and will spread quickly through other dogs confined in the same area. However, the disease is self-limiting and usually lasts no more than 4 weeks. Symptoms include high fever and an intense, harsh cough. Prompt treatment should result in a compete recovery.
Canine Hepatitis
This is usually found in young 9-12 week old unvaccinated puppies, so it is vital that you vaccinate your dogs against this. The disease is spread by contact with urine from infected dogs and the symptoms include discharge from the nose or eyes, coughing and in severe cases, liver and/or kidney disease. It can be a complication of Kennel Cough and can possibly lead to death.
All the above diseases and illnesses can be prevented. Your local vet will advise you on a vaccination programme and it is essential that you complete the full course. If you want to obtain a pet-passport for your dog, you will need all the relevant vaccinations, including one for Rabies.
Rabies
This is the most common and legally required vaccine and because the vaccination programme is so successful, this terrible disease is almost unheard of. The first vaccine is good for a year, with subsequent vaccines lasting up to 3 years. There are still places in the world where Rabies still occurs and it can, in extreme cases, affect humans. It was known as 'Hydrophobia' because one of the symptoms is a fear of water. The first symptoms can appear in as little as a few hours after contracting the disease. The dog will be agitated and will lose his appetite. He will begin to lick and bite and it is not uncommon for a dog to swallow foreign objects and will bite anything in sight. He will develop a strange howl and in the final stages, the animal's lower jaw becomes paralyzed, preventing the dog from biting. Local health officials must be notified of all suspected Rabies cases as it poses a serious threat to all who come into contact with the infected animal.
Once Rabies is confirmed, it will result in certain death.