COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT VACCINES, PARASITES, AND VIRUSES

Roundworms and hookworms

These are common parasites that can inhabit the G.I. tract of dogs and cats. The parasites normally infect the GI tract causing clinical signs such as vomiting and diarrhea. In some instances, these parasites can move to other organs, (ex. lungs). The best way to prevent against these PARASITES is to de-worm the pet on a quarterly basis and have health screens by your veterinarian. These are contagious to humans and cause devastating consequences if contracted.

Whipworms

Whipworms affect the gastrointestinal tract of animals and can result in diarrhea. De-wormers can be used to alleviate the problem.

Booty scooting

Booty scooting can be a sign of intestinal parasites or can be due to anal gland problems.

Vaccinations

Puppies should receive vaccines at 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age. The reason for the set of vaccines is simple. The exact time a puppy will loose the protective coverage from his mother varies. In one puppy in a litter that may be at 7 weeks of age, while in another puppy it may be at 9 weeks of age. In puppy one the 6 week vaccine would be of limited value while the 8, 10, and 12 week would be stimulating a strong response. The key is to have the immune system stimulated through vaccines when the maternal antibodies decrease to help protect the pet from disease.

My puppy is sick should I vaccinate him?

Never vaccinate a sick puppy because the vaccine can add fuel to the fire.

How often should my pet be vaccinated?

Vaccines are recommended once yearly with check ups every 6 months. The reason for this is because one human year is on average equal to 7 dog/cat years. Pets should be vaccinated on a at risk basis. This means they should be vaccinated for diseases they can possibly come into contact with, not diseases they cannot. Check with local and state laws about rabies vaccines.

What should I do if my puppy has diarrhea/vomiting?

A visit to the clinic is a must, due to their small size, dehydration occurs rapidly. Have your veterinarian determine the cause and start treatment.

What are the common causes of vomiting and diarrhea in a puppy/kitten?

Parasites

Giardia-(similar to going to Mexico and drinking contaminated water)

Coccidia

Viruses

Diet change

 

What do vaccines protect against?

DALPC – dogs

Distemper - a virus that causes neurological conditions (ex. seizures) as well as diarrhea

Adenovirus - causes hepatitis

Leptosporosis - spirochete that causes kidney, liver, and neurological conditions, IS Transferable to humans

Parvo virus - causes severe gastrointestinal upset and destruction, lowers body's immune system, and causes heart problems

Corona - causes G.I. upset

 

Giardia vaccine - Protects against Giardia which causes a small intestinal diarrhea

 

Lyme - Protects against Lymes disease which is transferred by ticks causing a variety of clinical signs ranging from kidney failure to arthritis

 

Cat vaccines

Panleukopenia - causes G.I. disturbances and lowers body's immune system

Calcivirus - causes upper respiratory infections, oral ulcers, and arthritis

Chlamydia - causes respiratory and eye infections

Rhinotracheitis - respiratory infection

 

Feline leukemia/Aids - Causes a variety of clinical signs due to these viruses depleting the body's ability to fight off bacteria and other viruses. Feline leukemia can induce cancer formation.

 

Rabies - Helps to prevent rabies virus

 

REMEMBER NO VACCINE IS 100% EFFECTIVE

 

Hypoglycemia - Low blood sugar is very common in small breed dogs. They should eat very frequently as a newborn baby. When they do not eat frequently, their blood sugar will drop suddenly resulting in the puppy becoming hypoglycemic. To prevent this, feed very frequently.

 

The common clinical sign is weakness or lateral recumbence. Karo syrup can be given to try to reverse this condition by mouth if the case is mild. Often veterinarian care must be found to administer dextrose into the body directly.

 

Flea and tick prevention - Flea and tick prevention should be given to prevent these parasites from inhabiting your pet. These parasites are not only a nuisance, but can cause disease conditions such as flea anemia, Lyme disease, tick paralysis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

 

Heartworm prevention - Pets should be given a monthly heartworm prevention to prevent heartworm disease. This condition is transferred by mosquitoes, so inside dogs are often affected. We currently recommend yearly testing with all pets. Do not place your pet on heartworm prevention unless directed by your veterinarian due to possible reactions occurring.

 

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