Talking Tails - 8/16/16

We have described below some of the diseases that you can be vaccinated against…and we sure hope you are. None of these sound like fun and are actually quite scary, since they can lead to death.

• Distemper is a contagious disease spread from dog to dog via nasal discharge, feces, and urine. It is hard to treat and often fatal. Those dogs that do survive generally suffer from permanent nervous system damage. The distemper vaccine is given to puppies several times prior to 16 weeks of age, followed by a booster 1 year later, and then a booster every 3 years.

• Parvovirus is extremely contagious and is transmitted via an infected dog’s feces. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and if left untreated can be fatal. The parvovirus vaccine is given to puppies several times prior to 16 weeks of age, followed by a booster 1 year later, and then a booster every 3 years.

• Hepatitis, caused by the Adenovirus, is contracted upon exposure to an infected dog’s saliva, urine, or feces. In severe cases, dogs can experience eye damage, liver failure, breathing difficulties, and even death. The hepatitis vaccine is given to puppies several times prior to 16 weeks of age, followed by a booster 1 year later, and then a booster every 3 years.

• Rabies is usually a fatal disease that attacks the central nervous system. You can contract rabies from the bite of an infected animal – raccoon, bat, skunk dog, cat. The rabies vaccine is typically administered to a puppy around 5-6 months of age with a booster given every 3 years.

• Kennel cough is caused by the Bordetella bacteria, an airborne organism carried in microscopic water vapor or dust particles. When inhaled, it attaches to the lining of the airway passages. The affected dog develops a dry, hacking cough. Kennel cough spreads among dogs very similarly to how colds spread among humans. If dogs are around other dogs – kennels, dog shows, doggie day care, dog parks, grooming salons – it is a good idea to vaccinate a few weeks prior to full exposure. Annual boosters are recommended.

Remember, a healthy pet is a happy pet!

Talk to you soon!

Buster and Joey