A newborn puppy usually gains protection from infections and viruses from its canine mother’s milk, and the mother should be fully up to date with her vaccinations. This type of protection may not be gained if the mother has trouble feeding her litter for various reasons, or if her milk does not come in. This level of protection will only last for the first few weeks of a puppy’s life so therefore protecting a young puppy from dangerous and potentially life threatening infectious diseases is highly important.
In the UK your puppy will require 2 sets of puppy vaccinations at around 7-8 weeks and then again at around 10 weeks old, but of course this is a guide, however at around these ages the vaccinations will be given by most veterinary professionals. Your puppy is not fully covered until the two sets of vaccinations are given and had time to work, so much care must still be taken after your puppy has had only the first vaccination and your puppy should not be walked outside until your vet advises.
Your Puppy’s Vaccinations covers and helps prevent the following infectious diseases spreading:
Canine Parvovirus
How Canine Parvovirus may be caught?
Canine Parvovirus may be caught by contact with an infected puppys or dogs faeces. The virus is difficult to contain at times as it lasts in the environment for months.
What symptoms may your puppy have?
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea (possibly containing much blood)
- Dehydration
- Lethargic
How it can be treated?
A weak dehydrated puppy or dog may be put on a drip, given medication to help with the sickness and vomiting plus possibly given antibiotics to help or prevent any further infections as the virus also leaves puppies and dogs susceptible to other virus and infections. If spotted early and with these forms of treatment a puppy or dog may survive, but in some cases a young puppy may suffer from heart problems or die, also a dog may die if undetected or treated.
How can it be prevented?
Adult dogs and breeding dogs to all be fully vaccinated with yearly boosters being a priority, plus much care with cleanliness when breeding and raising newly whelped puppies, plus all puppies to be given both sets of puppy vaccinations.
Canine Distemper
How Canine Distemper may be caught?
Canine Distemper can be passed between dogs via saliva, fresh urine and blood. It doesn’t last long in the environment to therefore it can only be caught from direct contact with an infected dog. Young puppies and dogs can be affected by canine distemper and the outcome can differ from dog to dog.
What symptoms may your puppy or dog have?
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Coughing
- Discharge from eyes, ears & mouth
Puppies and dogs may have differing symptoms therefore these symptoms are just a guide and if you feel your dog is unwell then your vet is the best person to diagnose any conditions.
A mildly affected dog or a dog that is treated quickly may recover well, however some dogs do suffer neurological problems later in life after having canine distemper which may include seizures, muscle problems including possible problems when walking or may have thickening of the skin on their nose and paw pads, which is why canine distemper is sometimes referred to as ‘hard pad’ as the dog’s paw pads will harden as an effect of distemper.
How it can be treated?
A puppy or dog may be given intravenous fluids to help with any dehydration and also be given medication to help control any possible seizures, but there is no specific treatment for distemper.
How can it be prevented?
A puppy or dog that is vaccinated and given yearly boosters will help protect dogs against canine distempers, which is why vaccinating your dog is a vital part of puppy and dog ownership.
Canine Hepatitis
How Canine Hepatitis may be caught?
This virus can be caught via saliva, urine, faeces, blood and nasal discharge. The virus can survive in the environment for months and the urine of an affected dog can be infectious for approximately up to a year which makes this virus hard to control and contain from spreading.
What symptoms may your puppy or dog have?
The symptoms may differ between dogs depending on the severity of the infection but these are things an owner may like to look out for, however always consult your vet if you puppy or dog is acting differently of seems unwell.
- Lethargic
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Jaundice
- Abdominal Pain
How it can be treated?
The symptoms can be treated however there is no specific treatment for this virus. A dog can be given intravenous fluids, antibiotics, pain killers and in severe cases possibly a blood transfusion.
How can it be prevented?
Vaccinating your puppy and dog will help eradicate this virus from the canine population as infected dog not only suffer but will pass it on to other unvaccinated dogs.
Canine Leptospirosis
How Leptospirosis may be caught?
Leptospirosis can be caught via infected dog’s urine and also from contaminated water such as canals, ponds and lake, therefore dogs drinking or swimming in stagnant water may catch this infection. Rats are also affected by Leptospirosis which is why certain canals and ponds may be more susceptible if the area is known to have rats. Humans are also at risk from Leptospirosis and it can be fatal.
What symptoms may your puppy or dog have?
- Fever
- Increased thirst
- Diarrhoea (possible containing blood)
- Lethargic
How it can be treated?
Antibiotics may be given and possibly a dog may require intravenous fluids to keep them hydrated and to prevent further infections if the dog is weak. In severe cases a dog may experience kidney and liver problems which can potentially be fatal. A dog can recover from this if spotted early and given the right treatment, however the bacteria will remain for possibly months so much care must be taken as an infected dog’s urine can still pass the harmful bacteria to other dogs.
How can it be prevented?
Puppies and dog to be fully vaccinated throughout their life’s and also much care when letting your dog swim in or drink from stagnant water, as this water maybe contaminated with Leptospirosis.
Vaccination Tips
- A puppy should be fully vaccinated with two sets of puppy vaccinations in the UK, and an adult dog should be given a yearly booster.
- Ask your vet for a reminder letter or a phone call in advance of your dogs next vaccination date. Set a reminder in your calendar to ensure you dont forget.
- If your dog maybe visiting kennels, doggy day care or a place where he/she mixes with many other dogs then a kennel cough vaccine would be recommend. This is given to your dog via their nasal and protects them against parainfluenza virus and bordetella bronchiseptica.
- If you’re planning on travelling aboard with your dog then some countries require you to have a rabies vaccination. A pet passport will also be required when travelling with your dog, so please speak to your vet about this well in advance of your trip.
