Vaccinations For Adult Dogs: Boosters And Titers
There is a difference of opinion about having your adult dog vaccinated every year. Some vets believe too many vaccinations in adult dogs pose health risks. But others disagree, saying that yearly vaccinations will prevent dangerous diseases such as distemper. Talk with your vet to determine what kind of vaccination protocol works for you and your dog.
Many dog owners opt for titer tests before they administer annual vaccinations. Titer tests measure a dogs immunity levels, and this can determine which, if any, vaccinations are necessary. One key exception to this is rabies: a titer test is not an option when it comes to the rabies vaccine. This vaccination is required by law across the United States. Your vet can tell you the schedule for your particular state.
And its all worth it. For your effort and care your puppy will lavish you with lifelong love in return. This critical first year of her life is a fun and exciting time for both of you. As she grows physically, the wonderful bond between you will grow, too.
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How Often Does My Dog Need The Dhlpp Vaccine
Years ago, the DHLPP vaccine was given annually to all dogs. Today, after a series of puppy vaccinations, the DHLPP is generally given every 3 years or less.
It was and still is commonly called the distemper vaccine, since the D in DHLPP stands for distemper, a common name for the canine virus properly called paramyxovirus.
What Is The Treatment For Canine Influenza
As with nearly all viral infections, treatment is largely supportive. It is important that your pet be kept in a warm, dry area away from other dogs fed a high-quality diet and kept well-hydrated during illness. Good nutrition and husbandry is crucial in ensuring that dogs mount an adequate immune response and can help promote faster recovery. Dogs affected with a mild form of canine influenza will often develop a secondary bacterial upper respiratory infection. These dogs typically have a thick green mucous discharge from their nose and benefit from broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Dogs that develop pneumonia may require hospitalization, intravenous fluids and medications, and potent broad-spectrum antibiotics. Most dogs fully recover from canine influenza within 2 to 3 weeks. It is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment. Dogs exposed to the virus should be isolated for 4 weeks to prevent further spread.
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How To Prevent Parvo
There are two approaches you can take when it comes to preventing parvovirus in your dog. The first of which is a more natural and holistic approach. The second being the parvovirus vaccine.
If you do decide to vaccinate, we will discuss ways for you to increase your puppys success.
But before we get to that, lets discuss some alternatives
Planning Ahead When Choosing The Right Vaccines
While there is a monovalent parvovirus vaccine, there is no longer a monovalent distemper vaccine.Schering-Plough still produces a Parvo-Distemper vaccine and this would be the best choice for puppies.If you run a titer after the initial vaccination and your puppy has responded to the distemper but not the parvo, then there are plenty of monovalent parvo vaccines on the market including Neopar, Schering-Plough Intervet or Pfizer.
At the end of the day parvovirus is a complicated topic with a complicated solution.
Whether you decide to protect your puppy naturally or opt for the parvovirus vaccine, both options come with their own potential set of consequences.
The decision you choose to make is ultimately up to you.
Dont allow anyone to make this important decision for you!
Whats crucial is that you decide based on science and not on a false belief or fear.
Arm yourself with knowledge. Prepare yourself for parvos presence. That way youll be ready for it and in a good position to help your puppy defeat this enemy.
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Distemper Symptoms In Dogs
Distemper symptoms in dogs vary a lot, and it can affect so many different parts of their body.
Here are some common distemper symptoms that range from mild issues to super serious, or even fatal, conditions:
- Nasal discharge
- Seizures
- Pneumonia
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, he needs to go to the veterinarian ASAP.
Its possible for your pup to recover from distemper and be fine only after being treated in a hospital for his symptoms but its also possible that the issues he developed wont fully go away.
If lingering neurological effects are particularly bad, your dog might have to be euthanized, even though the disease itself wasnt fatal.
What Does The Lyme Vaccine Do
The Lyme vaccine helps to prevent Lyme disease in dogs, a bacterial infection thats transmitted by blacklegged ticks that tend to live in woods and tall grasses in many parts of the country.
I tell owners the Lyme vaccine is belt-plus-suspenders for dogs with heavy exposure to deer ticks. The belt is a spot-on product that kills deer ticks, and the Lyme vaccine is the suspenders, says Dr. Betsy Brevitz, DVM, a vet in Fanwood, New Jersey and author of The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook.
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Mad At Natasha Why Would I Be
Further messages were exchanged, and I learned that Kane had contracted canine parvovirus. But how was that even possible? Natasha knew the importance of getting Kane his parvo vaccines. So I got her number from Michelle and phoned her, and she assured me that Kane had been vaccinated, but her vet said that the shots might have been spaced too far apart shed been short of money and hadnt adhered strictly to the timetable.
Something in her tone raised alarm bells, so I , asked her if shed mind if I talked to Stephen. I claimed to be worried about others out of the litter could something have been wrong with Janice that led to immunization problems in the puppies?
Of course, that was a bold-faced lie on my part really, I just wanted to get at the truth. Natasha must not have known that authorizing Stephen to talk with me about Kane meant that she was allowing me to have all the relevant information, because she agreed, and Stephen wasted no time in telling me that Kane had had no parvo vaccines other than the initial shots I arranged for the puppies before handing them off to their forever homes.
The shots hadnt been spaced too far apart they hadnt been administered at all.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Canine Influenza
Symptoms of the flu differ between dogs, so not all of them will display the same signs, but these are the most common ones:
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A soft, dry cough that persists for 10 to 21 days despite treatment
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Nasal congestion and/or thick nasal discharge
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Fever
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Lethargy
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Poor appetite
If your dog shows signs of the flu, take them to your veterinarian. To reduce its spread, ask the reception staff if you should stay in the car until they’re ready for the exam, and enter and exit by a side door if possible.
Influenza can be mistaken for kennel cough . Bacteria like Bordetella and Mycoplasma and viruses such as parainfluenza, canine distemper, and canine adenovirus-2 present similarly.
Dogs with influenza, however, often spike fevers. You can monitor your pupâs temperature using a rectal thermometer, ideally every four to six hours to make sure it stays below 103°F. A high-grade fever and increased respiratory rate and effort could mean that your dog is developing pneumonia your vet will most likely recommend chest x-rays to screen for this.
Treatment for the flu is supportive care. Based on your dogâs exam and signs, it may include antibiotics for secondary infections, fluid therapy, nutritional support, appetite stimulants, and dog-specific fever-reducing anti-inflammatory drugs. Most importantly, keep your sick dog home and away from other dogs for at least four weeks. If you have multiple, even those who seem healthy should also be quarantined.
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Should You Vaccinate Against Canine Flu
If your dog needs to be taken to boarding, grooming, or daycare facility, be an advocate for him. Make sure these facilities follow a strict cleaning regiment and schedule using proper disinfecting products and that the personnel are appropriately trained to understand cross contamination and how to prevent it. Lastly, finding a facility that requires all dogs to be vaccinated before entering their facility will also help protect your dog.
Dogs that are at higher risk of exposure should be vaccinated. The first canine influenza vaccine was introduced in June of 2009 to aid in controlling infection with canine influenza virus H3N8, since that was the only strain found in the United States at that time. In 2015, following the Chicago epidemic, Merck Animal Health announced the availability of an H3N2 vaccine. Now that both strains have been identified in the U.S. and the occurrence of one strain or the other is unpredictable, it was recommended that high-risk dogs should be protected against both strains of the virus.
In October, a vaccine was introduced to aid in the control of infection with both strains of the virus. Healthy dogs seven weeks of age or older can be given the vaccine, which requires two vaccinations given two-to-four weeks apart. Initial studies have shown that dogs do not maintain long duration of immunity so it is important to revaccinate them annually.
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What Can I Do To Care For My Dog With Canine Influenza And How Severe Is The Infection In Most Cases
Virtually 100% of dogs exposed to CIV will become infected. For this reason, it is important that owners of dogs diagnosed with the virus keep them away from other dogs. This includes trips to the groomers or dog parks and contact with other dogs during walks and in kennels. Clothing, equipment, floors, and hands should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water after contact with any dog with signs of respiratory illness.
“Virtually 100% of dogs exposed to the canine influenza virus will contract the disease, so it is important that owners of infected dogs keep them away from any unvaccinated dogs.”
About 80% of infected dogs will develop respiratory signs, while the other 20% will remain healthy but continue to spread the infection. Most infected dogs will develop clinical signs within 2 days of exposure to the virus. Current research indicates that an infected dog stops shedding the virus up to 20 days after the start of clinical signs. Just like the human flu virus, CIV is most infectious before a dog shows signs of illness. Because many dog owners wont know when their dog contracted CIV, infected dogs should be quarantined at home for 4 weeks after diagnosis.
A small percentage of dogs, especially those that are older or have pre-existing conditions or short, flat faces, will develop potentially life-threatening pneumonia. These dogs are at risk for serious complications, including death, and must be treated promptly and aggressively.
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Make Sure Your Dog Gets The Correct Vaccine
If youre vaccinating a puppy, make sure your vet administers a one-year vaccine initially and a three-year vaccine thereafter.
The one-year and three-year vaccines are virtually identical medically but not under the law. A one-year shot must be followed by re-vaccination a year later.
Note: the one-year shot is not safer than the three-year .
What Dogs Should Avoid The 8
A puppy younger than 5 weeks should not get the 8-in-1 vaccination.
Any dog that has already been infected with one of the diseases that the 8-in-1 vaccinates against might be more adversely affected than helped by the injection. Similarly, any puppy that is considered weak or ill should not use the combination vaccination injection.
Dogs or puppies that are not exposed to others may not need all of the vaccinations provided in the 8-in-1.
Always consult your veterinarian regarding whether a combination vaccination is right for your dog.
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When Should My Puppy Have His Or Her First Vaccinations
Puppies are normally safe from most infections for the first few weeks of their lives thanks to the immunity passed onto them through their mothers milk. But they will normally need to start vaccinations between the ages of six to nine weeks. Several initial injections are required, followed by regular boosters which will need to be kept up to date for the rest of your dogs life.
Until your puppys vaccination course is complete and active , they should not go to outside public areas, or any garden where an unvaccinated dog may have been. But during this time it is still important that your puppy starts learning how to socialise . Many vets now run special classes where puppies can learn to socialise with minimal risk of disease.
Pathology And Clinical Signs
Canine influenza virus infects and replicates inside cells in the respiratory tract from the nasal lining to the terminal airways. The inflammatory response to the infection results in rhinitis, tracheitis, bronchitis and bronchiolitis. The pathologic process results in death of the epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract, exposing the underlying basement membrane. This predisposes the respiratory tract to secondary bacterial infections that contribute to nasal discharge and coughing.
Virtually all dogs exposed to canine influenza virus become infected, with approximately 80% developing clinical signs of disease. The approximately 20% of infected dogs that do not exhibit clinical signs of disease can still shed the virus and spread the infection.
Like other mammalian influenza viruses, canine influenza virus causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs. There is no season for canine influenza, and infections can occur any time of the year. Canine influenza virus infection often resembles canine infectious tracheobronchitis , which is caused by one or more bacterial or viral infections, includingBordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza virus.
Some dogs are more severely affected and exhibit clinical signs of pneumonia, such as a high-grade fever and increased respiratory rate and effort. Thoracic radiography may reveal consolidation of lung lobes. Although most dogs recover without incident, deaths due to H3N2 have been reported.
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What Is Distemper In Dogs
Distemper in dogs is a potentially fatal illness that can impact all sorts of things in your dogs body, including his respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems.
It is a virus that affects multiple organs and it can be very, very dangerous and even fatal, Dr. Bustamante told The Dodo.
Distemper can affect your dog neurologically or physically, and the infections severity and symptoms look different from case to case.
The Lyme Vaccination For Dogs Isnt Foolproof
The shot isnt 100 percent effective, says Dr. Mengel.
But, Dr. Mengel adds, anecdotally, many practices report seeing lower numbers of dogs testing positive for exposure to the bacteria that causes Lyme since using the vaccine in practice over several years.
The Lyme vaccine cannot replace good tick control, because it is not completely effective at preventing Lyme disease, and it does nothing to protect against the many other tick-borne diseases, such as ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, says Dr. Brevitz.
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How Many Distemper Shots Does A Puppy Need
Then they start getting it from 6 weeks old, every two to four weeks, up until they’re 16 weeks old, Dr. Bustamante said.
Making sure your dog is fully vaccinated against the virus is so important. And the only way that can happen is if hes getting absolutely every dose of the distemper vaccine he needs.
I feel that most of the puppies I’ve seen infected with viruses, even if they’ve received one dose, it’s because owners thought that they were protected and they didn’t know that they were still missing , Dr. Bustamante said.
Dogs of any age can get the distemper vaccine, but its best to start the process in 6-week-old puppies.
Prior to 6 weeks old, vaccines in puppies are not as effective because they interfere with the immunity that their mom gives them , Dr. Bustamante said.
According to Dr. Bustamante, your dog is supposed to get another injection when hes a year old. From there, hell get boosters every so often.
Depending on where you are, sometimes it’s every three years after, Dr. Bustamante said.
If you arent sure whether or not your pup has been fully vaccinated, your vet should be able to help you figure it out.
Whenever you go to your vet … bring all the vaccine records because your vet will see when your puppy was vaccinated, and then will tell you when else your puppy needs future vaccines, Dr. Bustamantee said.
Benefits Vs Risks Of Parvovirus Vaccination For Puppies
Youve looked at many important facts when it comes to the parvo virus and vaccination:
- Parvo is a serious illness and, according to vets, can be costly to treat
- The mortality rate of puppies who catch parvo is 15%
- There are treatment options that are more effective in unvaccinated puppies
- If you decide to vaccinate your puppy, you must consider timing, exposure risk, levels of stress, their immune system and whether they are receiving the right nutrients to limit vaccine failure
- Vaccination can lead to autoimmune disease, cancer, heart disease and your puppy contracting the disease you are fighting against parvovirus
At the end of the day, theres a lot to consider.
But do the benefits outweigh the risks? Should you vaccinate your puppy for parvo?
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