What do our dog
vaccinations protect
against?
We
created this page to give you some general information about what
dog vaccinations protect against and to also remind you how important
it is for your dog to get their proper shots. There are 4 major
diseases that our vaccinations will protect your dog from. They are
Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvo. The latter
visits, we give your dog shots to protect against rabies and worms.
Canine
Distemper
Canine
Distemper is a viral
disease
found in dogs and is very common throughout the world. It is highly
contagious and is fatal in half the dogs that contract it. Dogs can
catch Canine Distemper if they come in contact with feces and/or urine
of other infected dogs, or other material that has been contaminated.
If your dog becomes infected, they will show signs rather quickly,
usually within a few days. They will develop a fever and become
depressed and if the disease doesn't kill them, they can develop brain
damage, tremors and other serious disorders.
Canine
Hepatitis
Similar
to human hepatitis,
hepatitis
in dogs attacks the eyes, liver and kidney. If your dog contracts
hepatitis there is no cure (only treatment) and this is why the
hepatitis shots are extremely important. Symptoms of hepatitis in dogs
include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, weakness and depression. Most
cases of death occur in puppies as adults can fight the virus with some
antibiatoics (although they will stay immune to the disease for the
rest of their life).
Canine
Parainfluenza
Canine Parainfluenza
is a contagious respiratory disease that may be contracted from drafts,
high humidity and other environmental conditions. Symptoms include a
dry
cough lasting for more than 10 days, nasal discharge, difficulty
breathing and heavy panting (even after slight physical activity), lack
of energy. In s small percentage of dogs, Parainfluenza can lead
to pneumonia.
Parvovirus
(Parvo)
Parvo is another viral disease rather common in unvaccinated dogs.
There are various forms of this disease. One form known as Cardiac
attacks the heart muscle making it difficult for a dog to breath and
results in death in young puppies. Puppies that survive usually have
permanent scarring in the heart muscle. The second form known as
Intestinal causes serious damage to the intestinal tract leaving dogs
more susceptible to bacterial infections. A high percentage of dogs
affected by Parvo are less than one year old.
Parasites
and Worms
Not only can worms make your little puppy ill, some forms can be
transmitted to humans (especially children). Various species of worms
exist including hookworms, roundworms tapeworms etc. All can lead to
different and serious issues including diarrhea, vomiting, bowel
obstruction, dull coat, swollen abdomen, itching and more. Regular
deworming of all dogs is highly recommended to minimize risk.
Rabies
Dogs and other mammals (including humans) can contract rabies through
the saliva of an infected host. Once infected, dogs usually won't
show symptoms right away. Eventually, you may notice behavior and
personality changes, fear, anxiety, and withdrawal. As the virus
progresses, the previous symptoms can become more extreme and will
eventually lead to serious aggression, disorientation, seizures,
paralysis of the head and neck, excess salivation and eventually death.
Once a dog has rabies, there is no cure or treatment so a rabies
vaccine should be on the top of your list.
Mobile
Vet Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton,
Scarborough, Georgetown, Oakville
(416) 317-9966 |
