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Puppies
Congratulations! You now have the pitter patter of four little paws in the house. Your
friendship with your new pet will last a lifetime -- your puppy's! To keep him/her healthy,
regular trips to the veterinarian are absolutely necessary.
We recommend that puppies receive Rabies, Bordetella, Lyme Disease, and three DHPP with
Corona vaccinations. Each letter in the DHPP with corona represents a certain disease for
which your puppy will be vaccinated.
D -- Distemper. This disease affects every tissue in the dog's body. The symptoms can be
anything from a "fever/cold" to pneumonia to diarrhea to death. If the dog survives, it may
suffer nervous disorders, such as seizures, for the rest of its life.
H -- Hepatitis. This disease affects the liver mostly, but may also affect the kidneys.
Symptoms include high fever, depression, and lack of appetite. Younger animals are at a
higher risk. Animals that do recover may become victims of chronic, recurring illnesses.
P -- Parainfluenza. Unlike the rest of the diseases in this series, parainfluenza is not
life-threatening. This disease spreads very rapidly in a large group of dogs or a kennel. The
disease causes respiratory problems such as sneezing.
P -- Parvovirus and Coronavirus. The two diseases are very similar. The two viral
infections come on very suddenly and the possibility of death is very high. These diseases
cause vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and lack of appetite. The two diseases are extremely
contagious. The only and best means of preventing the two deadly diseases is to follow the
vaccination guidelines set by your veterinarian.
Rabies can be spread by raccoons, skunks, foxes, dogs, and cats. The virus is shed in the
saliva. Therefore, a bite from an infected animal may suffer from hydrophobia -- an inability
to swallow. The State of Illinois requires by law that all dogs are vaccinated against rabies.
Rabies is always fatal.
Bordetella or kennel cough is a highly contagious disease in dogs. Dogs that visit
boarding or grooming parlors should be vaccinated against this disease. The major symptom is
a deep cough. Treatment involves antibiotics and cough suppressants.
Lyme disease has received quite a bit of publicity lately. Lyme disease is a bacterial
infection transmitted by ticks. Symptoms include: lameness, arthritis, and fever. Fortunately,
a vaccine has become available to protect dogs against Lyme disease. If you hunt and/or camp
with your dog, or if you live near a wooded area, it may be necessary to vaccinate your dog
against Lyme disease.
All vaccinations are given annually.
A stool sample is recommended to check for intestinal parasites, such as hookworms,
whipworms, the very common roundworms, and intestinal protozoa. A stool check should also be
performed yearly.
Finally, your dog should be checked for heartworms. Heartworms are carried by
mosquitoes. The spaghetti-like worm lives in the heart. The disease is fatal if untreated.
Fortunately, a preventive is available to protect your dog from this deadly parasite. Your
dog should be checked -- a simple blood test -- and protected against heartworms yearly.
Spaying or neutering may be done as early as two months of age. Having your pet "altered" not
only eliminates the possibility of unwanted puppies, but also helps eliminate reproductive
tumors and infections.
Regular grooming is necessary to help maintain the health of your pet. Brush or comb
longer-haired dogs at least daily, although twice daily may be ideal. Your dog's nails may be
trimmed every four to six weeks. The "quick" -- the structure that supplies blood to the
nail -- is readily seen in light-colored nails. Trim the nail just slightly in front of
where the "quick" cannot be seen. Be patient. Cut only small pieces at a time until the nail
is completely cut. Should you cut a nail too short, don't panic. Just simply apply a little
cornstarch to the bleeding nail. The bleeding will stop with or without the use of
cornstarch.
Brushing your dog's teeth is essential in maintaining good dental health. Be sure to use a
toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for pets. Human toothpaste contains
detergents that may upset your pet's stomach.
Nutrition is very important in keeping your pet healthy. Feed a good quality dog food such as
IAMS or Science Diet by Hills. Feeding table scraps is not recommended. This habit can only
lead to problems, such as obesity, unbalanced diets, vomiting, and diarrhea. Feeding table
scraps is a major cause of vomiting and diarrhea in veterinary medicine today. Feeding a
good diet is not only healthy but good preventive health.
Taking your dog to obedience classes is one or the biggest favors you can do for your pet.
Your dog will learn to "mind his manners." This will make him a better socialized pet and a
more enjoyable member of your family. Behavior problems are the number one reason why pets
are removed from a household. Remember an obedient pet is a happy pet, and you are a happy
owner!
ALWAYS use a leash and collar with name tags on your pet. This simple habit helps protect
your pet from becoming lost or worse, hit by a car.
Fleas are pesty pests. Spraying or powdering your pet daily with a good flea product
will help control the problem. Fleas are not only annoying but may cause serious health
problems in your pet such as tapeworms and flea allergies -- when your pet becomes allergic
to the bite of a flea. Daily spraying also helps to control ticks. Ticks are the primary
insect to transmit Lyme Disease.
Listed below is a vaccination and checkup schedule for your dog:
|
| 6 - 8 Weeks |
Physical DHPP with Corona vaccination Bordetella vaccination -- if warranted Fecal (bring stool sample) Start heartworm preventative |
| 10 - 12 Weeks |
Physical DHPP with Corona vaccination Lyme Disease vaccination -- if warranted Fecal (bring stool sample) |
| 16 - 18 Weeks |
Physical DHPP with Corona vaccination Rabies vaccination |
| 6 Months |
Physical Spay/Neuter |
| Yearly |
Physical DHPP with Corona vaccination Rabies vaccination Bordetella vaccination Lyme Disease vaccination -- if warranted Heartworm check Heartworm Preventative Fecal (bring stool sample) |
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Copyright © 2008 Humane Society of Central Illinois. All rights reserved.