Puppy Vaccinations
It is very important to realise that by simply vaccinating your dog or your cat, you can lessen and, more importantly, to a great extent prevent incredible hardships your pet will endure when they acquire any one of these diseases.
The majority of these diseases are fatal in one way or another.
In South African, we vaccinate against the following diseases.
Canine Parvovirus:
Canine Parvovirus is a virus infection that most commonly targets dogs less than one year of age. We are seeing this deadly virus more and more often.
The infection is characterized by loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea and, in many cases, bloody diarrhoea.
Puppies with parvovirus usually present with lethargy, fever, increased pulse, but on occasion weak, increased/laboured breathing – which are all signs of shock.
IF LEFT UNTREATED FOR TOO LONG, THE MAJORITY OF DOGS WILL DIE.
Canine Distemper Virus:
Canine distemper is a HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS, systemic, viral disease of unvaccinated dogs seen worldwide.
The initial infection begins in the respiratory tract, so the lungs and trachea, it is then followed by infection of respiratory, gastrointestinal and renal system, as well as the central nervous system and optic nerves, then neurological symptoms ensue.
Other symptoms include nasal discharge, mucoid discharge from eyes, lethargy, and anorexia.
Neurological symptoms include localized involuntary muscle twitching, convulsions, including salivation and chewing movements of the jaw (chewing-gum fits). Head tilting, paralysis and seizures can also be seen.
Canine Parainfluenza Virus:
Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPIV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus and is one of the most common pathogens of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as “Kennel Cough”.
Although the respiratory signs may resemble those of canine influenza, they are unrelated viruses and require different vaccines for protection.
The Parainfluenza virus is excreted from the respiratory tract of infected animals for up to 2 weeks after infection and is usually transmitted through the air.
The virus spreads rapidly in kennels or shelters where large numbers of dogs are kept together.
The major Clinical Signs are as follows: Coughing (dry or moist), low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lethargy and loss of appetite.
Dogs are at risk of catching canine parainfluenza when placed in close proximity to an infected dog. Potential situations would be at boarding kennels, breeding kennels, re-homing shelters, pet daycare centres, dog parks and groomers.
Canine Adenovirus Type 2:
Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) is one of the causes of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as “Kennel Cough”.
Adenoviruses are spread directly from dog to dog through infected respiratory secretions or by contact with contaminated faeces or urine.
Clinical Signs include a dry, hacking cough, retching, coughing up white foamy discharge, fever, nasal discharge and in some cases, conjunctivitis.
After CAV-2 has been transmitted to a dog, in some cases it can lead to pneumonia.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis:
Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is a condition that affects the liver and kidneys, causing inflammation of the organ tissue that in turn can lead to the development of liver disease, jaundice, disorientation and changes in personality and bleeding disorders.
ICH is highly unpleasant for your dog, is painful, and can make them quite sick and even, in some cases, prove FATAL.
Clinical signs vary from a slight fever to death. The mortality rate ranges from 10%–30% and is typically highest in very young dogs.
Rabies:
Rabies is an acute, progressive viral encephalomyelitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) that principally affects carnivores and bats, although any mammal can be affected. The disease is FATAL once clinical signs appear.
Rabies is found throughout the world. Globally, the DOG IS THE MOST IMPORTANT RESERVOIR, PARTICULARLY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
Wildlife plays an important role in the transmission of rabies in certain areas.
This virus is highly neurotropic, so it infects nerve cells.
Transmission almost always occurs via introduction of virus-laden saliva into tissues, usually by the bite of a rabid animal. Usually, saliva is infectious at the time clinical signs occur, but domestic dogs, cats and ferrets may shed virus for several days before onset of clinical signs.
This is an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS virus that can also infect HUMANS!
Puppies need to be vaccinated from 6 weeks of age. We follow a standard vaccination protocol.
6 Weeks – 5-in-1 Vaccine
9 Weeks – 5-in-1 Vaccine
12 Weeks – 5-in-1 Vaccine as well as first Rabies Vaccine
16 Weeks – Final puppy Rabies booster
There after they need yearly boosters for the rest of their lives.
We acknowledge that every pet is unique, therefore we do personalise vaccination protocols should it be deemed necessary for a certain pet.
Be sure to ask our staff more about vaccination protocols.
Did you know, cats also need vaccinations! Find out more about that from our blog – https://kimvet.co.za/feline-vaccinations/
For more information regarding important vaccinations for pets, please check out this website – https://www.petmd.com/blogs/purelypuppy/lradosta/2012/feb/puppy_vaccinations-12491
