Puppy Wellness

Distemper is a very serious viral disease that causes symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nasal discharge, skin disease, and even seizures. The virus can become airborne and enter the body through the nose or mouth or it can spread by direct dog-to-dog contact. Dogs who survive a distemper infection can have lifelong complications. Fortunately, a vaccine is available and part of routine vaccination protocols.

Depending on which adenovirus a dog is infected with, the complications can vary from mild flu-like symptoms from which they will recover with supportive therapy, to serious liver disease. A vaccine has been developed to protect against both Type-1 and Type-2 adenovirus.

Another common vaccine your dog may receive is for parainfluenza, a highly contagious disease which results in upper respiratory infections. This virus does not generally cause severe disease. However, it can make your dog more susceptible to secondary bacterial and viral infections which can ultimately lead to more severe implications.

Typically, parvovirus attacks the lining of the small intestine and leads to anorexia, severe vomiting and diarrhea, which can sometimes be bloody. Another form of parvo-viral infection in very young puppies can lead to damage to the heart and sudden death. Primarily, the virus is spread through contact with or ingestion of an infected animals feces. But it can also be spread by contact with contaminated animals, insects, or objects. Puppies 6 weeks to 6 months old are most commonly affected, though any age of unprotected dog can infected. Vaccination is important because even with aggressive treatment parvovirus is often fatal.

Rabies is an infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Following a bite from an infected animal, the disease develops slowly over days to moths. In Canada, wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats pose an ongoing risk of rabies. Because of the potential risk to humans, rabies vaccination is required by law in most jurisdictions. In unvaccinated dogs, rabies is fatal.

Leptospirosis is currently a growing concern in Canada. it is a serious infectious disease of both animals and people caused by Leptospira bacteria. The early stages of leptospirosis appear as flu-like symptoms which can be easily confused with other diseases. If not detected early in the course of disease, the bacteria can damage the liver and kidneys and potentially be fatal. Puddles, ditches, ad slow moving streams are all environments that can harbour Leptospira and can indirectly infect your dog. Ask your veterinarian about the risks to your dog and if a vaccination is appropriate.

Canine Cough (a highly contagious disease that is commonly caused by Bordetella Bronciseptica bacteria) is transmitted through close contact with infected dogs. For this reason, the dogs at greatest risk of contracting canine cough include those who visit dog parks, daycares, kennels, training classes, shows, et. Two forms of the vaccine are available – intra-nasal or injectable. Ask your veterinarian for more information.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by the Ixodes tick (Deer tick). In the last 5 years we have seen a rise in the number of patients testing positive for Lyme disease averaging 6-7 per season. Patients with Lyme disease can show signs such as shifting lameness, fever, anorexia and lethargy to showing no signs at all. Through routine testing using the 4dx test we can catch the disease early and treat before long lasting effects can occur. There is currently a vaccination for Lyme disease for canines. Being vaccinated would require two doses 3 weeks apart then a yearly booster. We currently do not make this a core vaccination but make it available to all patients and highly recommend to patients who are at greater risk of exposure to ticks. Ask us when your in and we can help you decide what’s best for your pet.