Puppy Info : Vaccinations
Vaccinations

The only way to protect your pet from disease is to have them vaccinated. Think of it as safe, affordable insurance. Our pets today are offered protection against diseases which for centuries were deadly killers. Vaccines have been developed to provide almost complete protection against the major viral and bacterial diseases. These vaccines are administered by your veterinarian as a series of injections beginning at eight weeks of age.To ensure optimum results, the pet should be healthy, free of parasites and on a good diet. Good nutrition is essential to enable the body to produce the antibodies that provide the resistance to disease.

 
A nursing puppy may receive some protective antibodies in its mother’s milk, but by twelve weeks that maternal protection has been depleted. During the first day or so, the mother’s milk (colostrum) contains antibodies which the young animal absorbs from its stomach directly into its bloodstream. These antibodies from the mother can interfere with the effects of vaccination and can remain in the young animal for as long as eighteen weeks. It is for this reason that your veterinarian’s expertise is required to know just when each different vaccine should be administered for optimal results.
 
Most vaccines require boosters and it is vital that you adhere to the schedule set out by your veterinarian. Without boosters, the immunity conferred by vaccination will disappear and leave your pet susceptible. Getting the valuable protection by a safe and affordable booster vaccination is much better than losing a beloved pet to a deadly virus like rabies or parvovirus.
 
There are certain diseases which can be controlled by vaccination. ***Please visit our Pet Medical Information Section for more information on any of these disease***
 
Distemper
 
  • Caused by a virus which attacks every tissue in the body, can be carried by raccoons, foxes, wolves and mink as well as dogs.
 
Hepatitis
 
  • Caused by a virus and spread by contact with an infected animal and excrement.
 
Parvovirus
 
  • This virus was first identified in the early 1980’s and was found in every area of the globe. Attacks the intestinal tract causing vomiting and diarrhea. Prompt intensive care is essential but even so, death is common.
 
Coronavirus
 
  • This virus is sometimes confused with parvovirus as it as well attacks the intestinal system resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and depression. Prompt intensive care is also essential in treating this problem.
 
Rabies
 
  • Is caused by a virus and contagious to all warm-blooded animals, human beings included. It is invariably fatal once symptoms occur. The greatest incidence is in foxes, skunks and a new strain is affecting raccoons. 
 
Kennel Cough
 
  • Is caused by a virus which attacks the upper respiratory system. Can be identified by a severe, harsh, dry cough. Kennel cough is not a life-threatening condition, but can be debilitating, leaving the affected dog more susceptible to other more serious problems. It is transmitted both by direct contact with affected dogs and through the air.
 
Leptospirosis
 
  • This potentially fatal disease is caused by a bacteria that attacks various organs including the kidneys and liver. It is transmitted through contacting or drinking urine from raccoons, skunks and rats that harbor the disease. It can be passed on to humans.