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

Why It's Important To Vaccinate Your New Puppy ASAP

We all know how important is to get our children vaccinated, not only does it keep them from coming down with many childhood diseases, but in some cases, it could save their life as well. The same thing goes for getting your dog vaccinated before they start socializing with other dogs, because then they become at high risk for contracting several different, dangerous, dog diseases. And, since some dog owners don't get their dogs vaccinated, the risk is then higher for all other dogs that socialize with them. For now let's take a look at some of the different vaccinations you should get for your puppy and some of their symptoms.

Canine Distemper Vaccination.

Distemper among dogs is very contagious and can be transferred from one dog to another in several different ways, including physical contact, but also sometimes including the feces as well. Just one chance encounter with an infected dog, could cause several hundred dollars worth of veterinarians bills and still cause death. When a dog is infected, they will have heavy plus discharges from their nose and eyes, a dry cough, diarrhea and vomiting, plus be running a fever. If not taken to a veterinarian, your dog could end up having convulsions, respiratory arrest, a heart attack and die. Some estimates say that up to 50% of all dogs infected will eventually die. Needless to say this is an important vaccination for your puppy that should be given as soon as possible and before socializing with other dogs.

Canine Parvovirus Vaccination.

Another very serious and highly contagious disease, that is even more dangerous for your puppy, is canine parvo. This is caused by parvovirus, and can have up to a 91% mortality rate when untreated. This disease is passed easily between dogs by contact directly with other dogs or even their feces, making it especially contagious. In order to save a new puppy from dying, it is necessary to take it to a veterinarian hospital immediately to combat the dehydration, damage to the bone marrow, and intestinal damage that can result. Puppies should be restrained from socializing with other dogs until they've had their first vaccination at 5 to 6 weeks of age with another booster given once a month at least two more times. It is also possible to vaccinate pregnant female dogs in order to pass on some maternal antibodies to their puppies. Because this virus can survive in the feces of infected dogs for up to a year, this is a highly recommended, and necessary vaccination for your puppy.

Hepatitis.

Hepatitis in dogs can also be very deadly and is transmitted through the feces, saliva and urine of an infected dog. Just as in humans the hepatitis mainly targets the liver and other organs in the abdomen. There are usually discharges from the nose, eyes, and mouth, and extremely red eyes, to indicate infection with hepatitis. This is an extremely deadly disease, once again making the vaccination highly important.

Kennel Cough Or Parainfluenza.

This is similar to influenza in humans where it's transmitted airborne by sneezes, coughs, and also through the sharing of dishes, and direct contact as well. Is not usually fatal, but will leave your dog exhausted and coughing for up to 3 to 4 weeks.

Leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria and spread through the urine, it's symptoms can include frequent urination, vomiting, diarrhea, sores on the gums in the mouth, and also severe abdominal distress. If caught and diagnosed early this can sometimes be treated with antibiotics. The problem is catching it before there is permanent damage to the kidneys, liver, and digestive track.

Getting your dog vaccinated is an easy, inexpensive, and safe way to guarantee that he has a good chance of being healthy and happy in his new home. Avoiding vaccinations can be incredibly dangerous and deadly for any new puppy, as they are very social animals and can tend to transmit diseases readily. It's a good idea to call your vet and make arrangements for your vaccinations as soon as you arrive home with your new puppy.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Its-Important-To-Vaccinate-Your-New-Puppy-ASAP&id=8875901