Veterinary Care For Your Puppy

So, you finally gave in a got a puppy. Now you need to know what to do next. Puppies are at risk for many different diseases, but they can be prevented. One of the first things you need to do after bringing your puppy home, is make an appointment with a veterinarian for a check-up and vaccinations.

Your puppy will need a fecal exam to screen for parasites. Worms can make your pup very sick but they can easily be treated with medication. There is a series of vaccines to be given between 8 weeks and 16-20 weeks of age. The first shot your puppy will get protects against several different diseases. It is known as DHLPPCv. The vaccine covers the following:

D- Canine Distemper - A viral infection which can be fatal. Affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems.

H- Hepatitis - Affects the liver

L- Leptospirosis - Bacterial infection of the kidneys

P- Parainfluenza- upper respiratory infection

P- Parvovirus - Potentially fatal, affects the lining of the intestines. Many veterinarians recommend that certain breeds, such as Dobermans and Rottweilers, should have 2 parvo vaccines. The final vaccine should be given at 20 weeks of age.

Cv- Coronavirus - similar to parvovirus but not usually fatal.

After the puppy is a year old, this vaccine should be given yearly. There are several other vaccines your pup will need to stay healthy. The rabies vaccine is given to pups at 4 months of age and repeated the following year. After the second year, the rabies vaccine is given every 2 years. 

If you are going to board your puppy (or dog), the vet will give a Bordetella vaccine. This is given as a spray in the nose and protects the dog from kennel cough, which is exactly what it says...a cough, and is highly contagious. The Lyme vaccine is given to protect from a tick-borne illness. Lyme disease causes joint pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. It is given in a series of 2 doses, one at 8 weeks and one at 12 weeks.

Besides the vaccinations, your puppy, at 6 months of age will have a blood test for heartworm. If the test comes back clear, he will start on a monthly dose of heartworm prevention medication. Finally, between 6 and 12 months of age, veterinarians recommend your puppy be spayed or neutered.

Together, you and your vet can ensure a long and healthy life for your new puppy.

Source:https://ezinearticles.com/?Veterinary-Care-For-Your-Puppy&id=2162150

Everything Your Dog Needs You To Know About Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is very similar to a cold. It may be caused by both viral and bacterial infections and affects the upper respiratory system including the trachea and bronchial tubes. Tracheobronchitis and Bordetella are other names for this condition. It is highly contagious and most dogs will experience it at least once in their lives.

What Are The Symptoms Of Kennel Cough?

A common sign that a dog has kennel cough is the presence of a dry hack often accompanied by a honking noise. A light mucus nasal discharge is often present. In mild cases, affected animals will continue to have an appetite and remain active. However, pups that are not vaccinated and dogs that are immuno-compromised are at higher risk for complications.

It is not uncommon for sick dogs to hack up large white balls of phlegm. A mild fever may be present. It may progress to pneumonia with the risk of death.

How To Treat Kennel Cough?

The best treatment is prevention. Dog owners should see the vet as soon as possible to arrange for vaccinations. Unfortunately, once a dog has contracted Bordetella, the vaccines are not an effective way to treat the condition.

In most cases, a vet will recommend that the disease be allowed to run its course. Dogs should be encouraged to eat and drink to maintain their strength. Moist environments are good for these sick dogs, so consider having your dog come into the bathroom while you shower. The steam will help relieve clogged up passages.

Your vet may prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug to alleviate the worst symptoms. Antimicrobials are often prescribed when your pet is running a fever or having a difficult time breathing. Be sure to remove collars or other items from around your dog's neck during this time.

How Is Kennel Cough Spread?

This disease has earned its name because it is rapidly spread when dogs come into contact with each other. In kennels, where dogs are in close quarters, the spread is very rapid. In fact, most kennel owners require their clients to bring paperwork proving that their dogs have received vaccinations before they will agree to board them.

Kennel cough can be caught at a busy dog park or by simply sharing a bowl of water with another infected dog. And, since dogs have such a tendency to drool, it is easy to understand why it is so contagious since the virus or bacteria is also a waterborne infection.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Everything-Your-Dog-Needs-You-To-Know-About-Kennel-Cough&id=9098914