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Vaccines work by stimulating the body to produce its own defence against infection.
The earliest age for vaccination of puppies is between 6 and 8 weeks of age, at which point the vaccine simply takes over the mother's role in providing protection.
The primary course always consists of two or more vaccinations. This is because:
- timing for effective vaccination varies from puppy to puppy
- some vaccines such as leptospirosis need to be administered twice in order to achieve a high enough level of immunity
PUPPY VACCINATION GUIDELINE
- The first vaccination is at 6 weeks of age (usually with breeder)
Parvovirus
- 8 or 9 weeks of age the first or second (if had 6 week) vacc is given
Parvovirus
Leptospirosis
+/- Kennel cough
- 12 weeks vaccinate against:
Parvovirus
Distemper
Hepatitis
Leptospirosis
+/- Kennel Cough
ANNUAL Examination + Vaccination
Annual boosters for Lepto, Kennel cough are given.
Every 2nd year boosters for Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvo are given.
Vaccination News
The big news on the vaccination front is that we now have a brand of dog vaccine licensed for revaccination every two years against the three major infectious diseases* that kill dogs: distemper, hepatitis and parvo.
It’s guaranteed!
Intervet is so convinced that their product will protect for the full two years that they stand behind their product with a guarantee. The guarantee applies to dogs vaccinated with Intervet vaccine and revaccinated, according to Intervet’s recommendations. I any of these develop any of the above diseases, Intervet will pay a significant amount towards veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
This is great news for your dog. It means protection with fewer injections…. and great news for you – peace of mind.
Health Assessments
Vaccination is not the only thing we do during your pet’s annual visits. We do a physical examination to check for any problems or signs of disease. Remember every human year is equivalent to approximately 7 pet years. That’s a long time to go without seeing your doctor!
During health assessments we not only discuss any problems or concerns you may have about your pet, but we also do a thorough physical examination.
Sometimes it may be the things that you tell us that give us clues. Does your pet drink a lot of water? Is it more lethargic than usual, or reluctant to move around? Maybe is’t just grumpy! There may be a reason for this – think of how much harder it is to deal with the day to day stuff if you are feeling ill, or have an ache somewhere.
Life is so much more fun for anyone, human or animal, when we’re feeling well. We’d like to help you keep your pets in optimum condition so they can enjoy life too.
* N.B: For protection against Leptospirosis or Kennel Cough, annual (or more frequent) revaccination is still recommended.
If there has been a period of more than eighteen months since the last booster, then it may be necessary to give a normal booster plus a second vaccination 2-4 weeks later. Today's modern vaccines have brought about levels of disease control against, for example, parvovirus and distemper, that would have been undreamt of a little more than a decade ago
ADDITIONAL POINTS
- The basic vaccination is DHPPi (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza)
This may be given every two years.
- We strongly recommend Lepto vaccine be included
Lepto Vaccination
- If Lepto has been given previously then no booster is required
- If Lepto has not been given previously then a booster is needed 2 weeks later
- Lepto is required to be given every year
Kennel Cough Vaccination
- This is recommended as an annual vaccine if the dog regularly goes to boarding kennels or shows.
- The standard KC vaccine is the injectable which requires a booster 2 weeks later if previously not received a KC vacc in past 12 months.
- An intranasal vaccine is available if more immediate protection ( in 4 days time ) is required and only requires the one administration.
- KC vaccination requires an annual booster.
The Components of the Vaccines
CANINE DISTEMPER
Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect dogs of any age with young puppies being at highest risk.
Symptoms can vary but include fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite and depression. Muscle tremors, fits and paralysis usually occur later in the disease. Treatment is usually ineffective. Dogs that do recover may have permanent brain damage.
CANINE HEPATITIS
A viral disease which, like distemper, is extremely contagious and often fatal. Severe cases are rare in dogs over 2 years of age.
Symptoms include fever, depression, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and acute abdominal pain. Death may occur within 24-48 hours. Dogs that do recover may develop long term liver and kidney problems and can act as carriers spreading the disease.
CANINE PARVOVIRUS
Canine parvovirus is a disease that affects dogs of all ages but is more serious in young pups and older dogs. Death can occur within 24 hours.
The virus attacks the intestines causing blood stained diarrhoea, uncontrollable vomitting and severe abdominal pain. The virus may also attack the heart resulting in death without warning. The virus is very persistent and therefore the affected dog's environment needs to be thoroughly disinfected with appropriate agents to prevent spread of the disease. Outbreaks are more common in the warmer months.
CANINE TRACHEOBRONCHITIS
Canine Kennel Cough Syndrome is a condition that is produced by several highly infectious diseases. Among the agents associated with this condition are Bordetella bronchiseptica and Parainfluenza virus.
Affected dogs have a hacking persistent cough that may continue for several weeks. At present Parainfluenza is included in the standard injectable vaccination, however Bordetella is only available as a separate injection.
CANINE LEPTOSPIROSIS
Leptospirosis is a serious disease in some areas and can cause high death rates. It is spread by the urine of rats and is usually transmitted to dogs by contaminated food and water, or by rat bites. There is an increased risk where high rat populations exist such as rubbish dumps or rivers. Leptospirosis is also a disease that humans may suffer from.
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Fleas are more than a minor irritation for both dogs and cats.
They are:
- the primary cause of skin disease
- responsible for transmission of the flea tapeworm
- in severe cases (especially in young animals) the cause of anaemia
- an irritation for humans as well
THE FLEA'S LIFE CYCLE
- Only adult fleas are found on dogs and cats.
- Within 48 hours of it's first bite, the female flea starts to produce eggs. These simply fall from the animal's coat into the environment.
- Flea larvae hatch and begin to feed on organic debris.
- The larvae pupate and spin a cocoon, within which the adult flea develops. Stimulated by warmth and vibration, the flea emerges and jumps on to a host.
- The whole cycle can take as little as 12 days!
STEPS FOR EFFECTIVE FLEA ERADICATION AND CONTROL
- Early, effective elimination of adult fleas before they have time to lay eggs, is the key to effective flea control.
There are many products available to control fleas but most have certain drawbacks. (E.g. some collars, powders, topical treatments can be toxic i.e. organophosphates and/or have a very short period of efficacy)
"Advantage" and "Frontline" are new modern products which get rid of fleas effectively and without toxicity for both the pet and the owner.
"Advantage" is applied once a month and will kill 98-100% of adult fleas within 24 hours of application and after 28 days can still kill 95% of fleas on contact.
- Fleas spend 95% of their life cycle off the pet!
Therefore in severe infestations treatment of the environment is also a very important part of the control programme.
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WHY WORM?
Regular worming is essential to make sure your pet enjoys the best of health - and it's easy to do!
Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms are intestinal parasites. They can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in young animals. Adult dogs may or may not show clinical signs of ill health.
Human infections may occur if Toxicara (roundworm) eggs are swallowed. Children are more susceptible to infection because they often play on grass areas which have been contaminated by dog faeces. If every owner treated their dog and cleared up their dogs faeces, then this disease would be virtually eradicated.
WHAT TO DO!
Many worm treatments do not kill all types of worms, so it is important to get professional advice on what is the most effective product for your pet. Worming is easy, effective and costs little.
PUPPIES
It is very important to worm puppies as it is reasonable to assume that all puppies are infected. Puppies should be wormed every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks of age. After that time they should be treated every 3 months (if they are in contact with other dogs) or at least every 6 months.
ADULT DOGS
Adult dogs should be treated at least every 6 months and preferably every 3 months if they are in contact with other dogs.
PREGNANT BITCHES
Pregnant bitches should be wormed before mating, after the first 45 days of pregnancy, after giving birth and whilst weaning pups. Get professional advice when treating a pregnant bitch.
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SPEYING YOUR BITCH
This is the removal of both the ovaries and uterus via a very small incision in the abdomen.
Pre and post-operative pain relief is given along with long acting antibiotics and she is home the same day.
Dogs may be speyed at any age although preferably between 3 and 6 months and certainly before their first heat.
Advantages:
- no unwanted litters of puppies
- no male dogs sitting on your doorstep
- elimination of mammary tumours in later life
- no bloody discharge when in season
Old Wives Tales:
- Bitches need to have 1 litter
- Early speying will alter their personality
- Bitches need to have one season
- Obesity after speying
CASTRATING YOUR DOG
This is the removal of both testes of the dog via one small incisions at the base of the scrotum. Castration is best performed before 5 months of age before he develops a number of undesirable male behaviour patterns.
Advantages:
- decreased territory marking i.e. urine marking in and around the home
- reduced unwanted litters of puppies
- reduced wandering which results in less chance of being hit by a car
- reduced fighting with other dogs
- reduced incidence of prostate enlargement in old age
TO DESEX OR NOT TO DESEX?
Generally, unless you intend to breed from your pet, then early desexing is the answer!
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Puppies
The weaning of puppies should begin when they are 3-4 weeks of age by offering moistened quality dry food. The puppies will still rely partially on the bitch’s milk until 6-7 weeks of age by which time they should be fully weaned. After weaning, changing to or adding a wet food may cause vomiting +/or diarrhoea.
It is important NOT to overfeed - a fat puppy may have a greater chance of developing into a fat adult and recent studies have supported the claim that overweight patients have a shorter life span than their leaner friends. Remember, the adult size of a pup is determined genetically, not by how fast it grows. The image of a cuddly plump puppy is a common misconception – hence the term “puppy fat”
VARIETY?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies do not need a variety in their diets. Repeated changing of diets create finicky eaters and a cupboard full of open bags of food.
Many home prepared diets are deficient in certain vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
FEEDING
Before feeding a dog, a number of decisions have to be made, including the method of feeding, the type of food to use, and the cost and value of the diet.
METHODS OF FEEDING
- Ad Lib - free choice
- Set Portion Feeding
- Time Restricted Feeding
Portion feeding (precise amount given per day) is the best.
TYPES OF FOOD
There are many brands of food available and more are being released every month. It is important to choose a diet of high quality. For example, some dry dog biscuits are designed only as a snack and not as a complete food. Also, moist foods often give no accurate feeding guidelines and can have a very high fat content.
COST AND VALUE OF THE DIET
This can only be calculated once a daily feeding portion is known. This may be most easily done with premium dry foods that because of their higher nutrient density require smaller portions to be fed per day. (which often equates to very competitive pricing)
Calcium Supplementation
Calcium supplementation is only required when a known deficiency exists and supplementation of a balanced diet (eg premium dry puppy food) can cause adverse effects. The calcium: phosphorous ratio in the diet is the important factor.
Meat
Meat is not the entire natural diet of a dog or cat. As a hunter, the whole carcass including organs was eaten.
Bones
It is not advisable to feed bones to dogs for a variety of reasons which include:
- Initiating vomiting & diarrhoea
- Intestinal obstruction
- Constipation
- Bones lodged on the teeth or across the roof of the mouth
- Competitive fighting
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Old Wive’s Tale - "puppies need milk"
Not all animals are able to tolerate milk and milk products. Cow's milk contains lactose in considerable quantities and many kittens and puppies lose the ability to digest it, resulting in diarrhoea. Also, some dairy products are thought to be responsible for some food allergies in dogs and cats. Some dairy products also have a high fat content which can cause diarrhoea and obesity.
Food from Your Plate
Feeding your dog scraps from your plate, or worse, from the table, is a very bad habit. This is not to be encouraged from a nutrition point of view and nor, more importantly for behavioural reasons.
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It is estimated that 85% of pets over three years old need some dental treatment.
IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL CARE
Whether the teeth belong to humans or animals, if left uncleaned and unchecked bacteria and plaque deposits build up on them. As gum disease progresses, teeth eventually become loose and may fall out.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PET HAS DENTAL PROBLEMS?
Bad breath and reddening of the gums may be the first outward signs of a problem. You may also notice that your pet is off its food, disinclined to eat, dribbling, pawing at the mouth, or just generally unhappy.
HOW CAN I FIGHT PLAQUE BUILD UP?
One of the easiest ways to help reduce the build up of plaque and bacteria on your dog’s teeth is by cleaning them regularly, daily or even once weekly.
Puppies will quickly get used to having their teeth brushed. Even older pets will learn to accept teeth cleaning as part of their daily routine with a little patience.
WHAT SHOULD I USE?
Whereas you can use a human toothbrush for cleaning your pets teeth, you should not use human toothpaste. The frothing agents in our own toothpaste which are intended to be rinsed not swallowed, makes them unsuitable for pets.
ROLE OF DIET
Feeding sweet foods will also increase the build up of bacteria on your pet’s teeth. The abrasive texture of dry dog foods helps to remove plaque and bacteria.
There are also specially designed chews on the market. Bones are not a suitable alternative because they can crack teeth, cause intestinal problems and can damage your pet's gastro-intestinal tract.
WHY DOES MY PET NEED A GENERAL ANAESTHETIC?
Plaque build up is the underlying cause of dental disease. Plaque is composed of food particles, saliva and bacteria.
This bacterial plaque sticks to the surface of the tooth and can only be removed by mechanical means. If it is not removed, it will calcify into tartar(calculus).
The tartar and plaque that you can see on the teeth are also found under the gum margin and on the inner (tongue side) side of the teeth.
When the teeth are scaled with an ultrasonic descaler, ALL of the plaque and tartar will be removed, not just what can be seen on the outer surface.
It is impossible to clean under the gum line or the inner teeth surface without the animal being under a general anaesthetic as there is some mild discomfort involved and the inner surface is not accessible when conscious.
Patients are admitted at 8am having had no food since 10pm the previous evening.
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