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Immunization advice
Canine distemper, canine parvo-virus and canine hepatitis can all be fatal to dogs and are preventable only by vaccination. Distemper and infectious hepatitis have been around for many years. Parvo-virus first appeared in 1978, and within 12 months it had spread worldwide. Treatment for a dog infected by any of these diseases is difficult, expensive, and not always successful, which is why immunization is so vital.
The earliest sign of distemper is a fever lasting two to three days and recurs about a week later. Dogs of any age may be infected, but young dogs are the most susceptible. Clinical signs vary from dog to dog but include fever, respiratory problems such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, pneumonia, eye discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, listlessness and dehydration.
Nervous signs such as muscle tremors, convulsions, loss of balance and progressive paralysis usually occur later in the course of the disease. The recovery rate from distemper, even with careful treatment, is fairly low. Dogs that have apparently recovered may later develop permanent nervous problems.
Preventing distemper is simple. Vaccinate your dog when he is a pup. (Note that a dog can be incubating the disease two to three weeks before developing clinical signs of distemper. Dogs that are already incubating the disease cannot be protected through vaccination.) Pups should be given a temporary vaccination at about six weeks of age. This should be repeated at two- to four-week intervals from six to twelve weeks of age.
Pups should be fully vaccinated by your veterinarian at 12-16 weeks. They will be protected within approximately 14 days of full vaccination, which is why it is recommended that puppies are not exercised outside of the home yard for two weeks after vaccination.
Hepatitis and parvo-virus are also preventable through immunization. Vaccines for these and distemper shots can be administered by your veterinarian. The recommended vaccinations are as follows:
* At 6-8 weeks of age, pups need parvo-virus, distemper and hepatitis.
* At 12-14 weeks of age: parvo-virus, distemper, hepatitis and para influenza (also
known as "kennel cough").
* At 16-18 weeks of age: parvo-virus, distemper, hepatitis and para influenza.
* Then every 12 months after that.
Stress plays a big part in your dog's ability to withstand infection from disease. It is therefore advisable that if you must board your dog and his vaccinations or boosters are due soon, they should be brought up to date before kenneling.
All boarding kennels require a completed immunization certificate before they will board your dog. For more information on immunization, please consult your local vet.
PLEASE NOTE: The basic medical information presented here in no way replaces advice from a certified veterinarian. You should ALWAYS seek professional medical help for your dog if you are concerned for his health.
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