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

The Most Common Dog Diseases

As a dog owner, it is very important that you are responsible for taking good health care for your pet. One of the most important things you have to do is to know the most common dog diseases, including their symptoms, and prevention measures. This will help you to treat them when they fall sick as well as prevent future ailments.

It can be quite difficult to tell whether a dog has an ailment. Considering the fact that not every dog owner will take their dog to the vet regularly, it is important for all dog owners to learn more about dog health, identify symptoms and detect ailments at an early stage, which will help prevent future complications and maintain the dog at its optimal health. The most common ailments that affect dogs include:

1. Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is the inflammation of gum tissue and teeth, which may cause loss of teeth. It is a type of mouth disease quite common among dogs. The accumulation of bacteria and food particles in the crevices between teeth and gums, which forms plaque, causes periodontal disease. Its symptoms include drooling, bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth, loss of teeth, difficulty in eating, and gum recession. To prevent periodontal disease, remember to maintain a high oral hygiene for your dog.

2. Kennel cough

This is a type of respiratory disease common among dogs. Kennel cough is caused by several complex infection that your dog may be exposed to when it is kept in places where there is poor air circulation, and warm air. It is a very contagious disease with symptoms such as a dry, high-pitched cough. To prevent infection, avoid contact with strange dogs, although vaccination is the best remedy. However, if you suspect that your dog is already infected, it is advisable you take it to the vet where proper antibiotics will be administered. Cough suppressants may also be given to relief your pet from constant coughing while recovering.

3. Coronavirus

Coronavirus is an intestinal disease that mainly affects puppies rather than adult dogs. It causes diarrhea in puppies and is highly contagious. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. The best preventive measures for coronavirus is maintaining proper sanitation practices and the corna vaccine.

4. Parvovirus

Parvovirus, or simply parvo, is a very deadly disease that affects dogs. This one goes after the intestines, leading to infection. Symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection include foul smelling diarrhea and vomiting, especially when there is blood stains in them. The disease also affects the cardiac system, which may lead to difficulty in breathing. If you suspect your dog may have parvovirus, take it to the vet so that treatment is started at the earliest time possible. Since this is a fast evolving virus, its symptoms may appear in a very short time after exposure, and if it becomes fatal if it is not caught within the first 48 hours of exposure.

Knowing what type of symptoms to look out for and what to do when your dog becomes sick is crucial. It gives you the peace of mind while keeping your pet healthy, especially if you don't take your dog to the vet regularly.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Most-Common-Dog-Diseases&id=8875946