VACCINES
Roundworms, hookworms Roundworms and hookworms are common parasites that inhabit the G.I. tract of dogs and cats. The parasites normally reside in the GI tract and can cause 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 deworm 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 GI tract of animals and can result in diarrhea. Dewormers can be used to alleviate the problem. Booty scooting This 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 that a puppy will loose the protective coverage from his mother varies. In one puppy in a litter this 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. 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. 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? 1. Parasites 2. Giardia - (similar to going to Mexico and drinking contaminated water) 3. Coccidia 4. Viruses 5. Diet change What do vaccines protect against? 1. DALPC - dogs 2. Distemper - virus that causes neurological conditions (ex. seizures) as well as diarrhea 3. Adeno - causes hepatitis 4. Lepto - spirochete that causes kidney, liver, and neurological conditions, IS Transferable to humans 5. Parvo virus - causes severe G.I. upset and destruction, lowers body's immune system and causes heart problems 6. Corona - causes G.I. upset Giardia vaccine This vaccine protects against Giardia. Lyme This protects against Lyme’s disease which is transferred by ticks causing a variety of clinical signs ranging from kidney failure to arthritis. Cats 1. Panleukopenia - causes G.I. disturbances and lowers body's immune system 2. Calcivirus - causes upper respiratory infections, oral ulcers and arthritis 3. Chlamydia - causes respiratory infection 4. Rhinotracheitis - respiratory infection Feline Leukemia/Aids This causes a variety of clinical signs due to these viruses depleting the body's ability to fight off viruses and infections and can induce tumors. Rabies This helps to prevent rabies virus. REMEMBER NO VACCINE IS 100% EFFECTIVE Hypoglycemia This is low blood sugar and is very common in small breed dogs. These pets should eat very frequently as a newborn baby. When they do not eat, 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 recumbency. Some pets may show seizure like signs when they become hypoglycemic. Karo syrup can be given to try to reverse this condition by mouth. Contact the vet immediately if your pet possibly has this condition. For more information on other topics, see www.freeonlinevet.com.
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