Canine Vaccination Definitions & Other Veterinary Health Related Issues

Vaccinating your dog against major diseases is one of the most important steps you can take to see that he/she enjoys a healthy life. As your pet's health care provider, we will recommend when your dog or puppy should be vaccinated and which diseases to vaccinate against. To help you learn more, we have compiled a list of vaccinations and when we recommend your pet receive them.

Rabies:  Of all animal diseases, rabies is probably the most feared. The rabies virus attacks the brain and is almost always fatal. Most pets are exposed to rabies by bites from wild animals, such as skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes. Bats and skunks are the natural carriers of the disease, meaning they are not harmed by the disease but can infect other animals. The disease can be transmitted to humans through saliva of an infected animal by a bite or scratch. Vaccinations of all dogs and cats are the most effective means of control of this deadly disease.

Canine Distemper:  This highly contagious viral disease is found wherever dogs are found. It affects the respiratory and nervous system and is often fatal. Primary vaccination should begin at 6 weeks of age since dogs often contract the disease at an early age.

Canine Parvovirus (CPV):  This highly contagious viral disease usually causes severe fever, depression, diarrhea and vomiting in dogs of all ages, but is particularly life threatening to puppies. The resulting factor of constant vomiting and diarrhea often causes sever dehydration, and without proper care by a physician, will most likely result in the death of the puppy. Additionally, this is a disease that can be carried on your clothes from an infected pet to a non-infected pet.

Canine Corona Virus (CCV):  orona virus is highly contagious and can weaken dogs by causing severe diarrhea and vomiting. The disease is sometimes confused with parvovirus. The two diseases may occur simultaneously in which case symptoms are more severe.

Canine Parainfluenza: This viral respiratory disease is often partly responsible for "kennel cough" in dogs. Infection can be severe in young puppies. Parainfluenza protection is often included in combination vaccines. Pets are usually vaccinated intra-nasally for parainfluenza.

Canine Adenovirus Type 1 & Type 2:   Type 1 Adenovirus infection causes infectious hepatitis, which may lead to severe kidney and/or liver damage. Type 2 can be a complicating factor in “kennel cough”. Vaccines are available that protect against both types of adenovirus.

Canine Leptospirosis:  Leptospirosis is a disease carried by many wild animals. A dog can contract the disease from infected animals or more commonly by drinking contaminated water. Yearly vaccinations limit your dog's chances of acquiring this disease.

Canine Bordetella:  Frequently involved in kennel cough complex, this bacterial infection may occur simultaneously with distemper, adenovirus Type 2 infection, parainfluenza and other respiratory infections.

Lyme Disease:  Lyme Disease is a complex illness that affects wild and domestic animals, as well as humans. The bacterium responsible for the disease is spread by ticks. Yearly vaccinations have proven to be effective and safe.

Recommended Vaccination Time-Line:.

3 Days Deworming Medication
6 Weeks DHLPPC, Deworming and Heartworm Preventative
9 Weeks DHLPPC, Bordetella and Heartworm Preventative
12 Weeks DHLPPC, Rabies and Heartworm Preventative

 
 
About Canine Influenza

What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is a newly emerging canine respiratory disease that has been identified in shelters, boarding facilities, and clinics in Florida. It has also been identified at greyhound tracks in Massachusetts, Arizona, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Texas and Iowa.

Who is susceptible to canine influenza?
Because this is a newly emerging pathogen, all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no naturally acquired or vaccine-induced immunity. Virtually 100% of exposed dogs become infected. Nearly 80% have clinical signs; the other 20% do not display clinical signs and become the silent spreaders of the infection.

How is canine influenza spread?
The virus is spread by aerosolized respiratory secretions, contaminated inanimate objects, and even by people moving back and forth between infected and uninfected dogs. The virus is most likely killed by routine disinfectants, such as quaternary ammoniums and 10% bleach.

What are the symptoms?
Canine influenza causes a clinical syndrome that mimics “kennel cough.” There are two general clinical syndromes—a milder syndrome and a more severe pneumonia syndrome. The milder disease syndrome occurs in most dogs.

In the milder disease, the most common clinical sign is a cough that persists for 10 to 21 days despite therapy with antibiotics and cough suppressants. Most dogs have a soft, moist cough, while others have a dry cough similar to that induced by Bordetella bronchiseptica/parainfluenza virus infection. Many dogs have a purulent nasal discharge and a low-grade fever. The nasal discharge likely represents a secondary bacterial infection that quickly resolves with treatment with a broad-spectrum, bactericidal antibiotic.

Some dogs develop a more severe disease with clinical signs of pneumonia, such as a high fever (104 degrees to 106 degrees) and increased respiratory rate and effort.

Is there a vaccine for canine influenza?
There is no vaccine for canine influenza at this time.

Can humans contract canine influenza?
The risk for canine influenza infecting humans is low, according to the Centers for Disease Control. However, the agency is monitoring the illness.

What should I do if I suspect my dog has canine influenza?
Contact your veterinarian.