Getting your dog vaccinated is crucial, especially if it is a puppy, in order for it to develop a good immunity. During his health exam, we will determine the type of vaccination your dog needs according to its lifestyle. Adequate prevention against serious or fatal diseases can avoid irreversible situations or suffering for both you and your dog. Below you will find information regarding the different diseases against which your veterinarian will vaccinate your dog.
For the “core” vaccine, known as DHPP:
Distemper (D): Distemper is a multisystemic disease, which means that it affects several systems in the animal's body. The "core" vaccine (DHPP) will provide protection against this virus.
Symptoms
The symptoms related to this disease are very diverse, since it affects several systems. Here are the symptoms that can be observed:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory issues
- Convulsions
- Neurological issues
Transmission
This disease is transmitted by air, or by contact with contaminated secretions. The mortality rate of affected animals is 50%.
Treatment
Once the disease has been confirmed, the veterinarian will be able to offer your dog supportive treatment to prevent dehydration, persistent diarrhea and deterioration of his condition.
Infectious canine hepatitis (H or A2):
This disease is caused by an adenovirus, which can cause several different diseases.
Symptoms
The adenovirus may cause some gastrointestinal symptoms. In certain cases, the adenovirus is involved in the kennel cough complex (canine infectious tracheobronchitis).
Symptoms
- Digestive issues (vomiting or diarrhea)
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Abdominal pain
- Ocular dysfunction
- Liver dysfunction
Transmission
Transmission occurs through infected saliva, urine or stool. In some severe cases, the disease can lead to death.
Traitement
En fonction des symptômes présents, le vétérinaire met en place le traitement adéquat.
Parvovirus (P) :
Parvovirus is a very contagious and virulent virus that aggressively attacks puppies and non-vaccinated dogs. In addition to being severe, the virus is very resistant in the environment where it can be present for up to six months after contamination.
Symptoms
The first symptoms appear about five days after exposure to the virus. Parvovirus is very damaging to the intestinal lining and can lead to septicemia (absorption of bacteria into the bloodstream).
Symptoms
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Bleeding and foul-smelling diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Dehydration
Transmission
The main source of infection is through contact with contaminated feces. Parvovirus can be transmitted through clothing, shoes or hair.
This virus can quickly cause death.
Traitement
There is no treatment for this virus. However, the veterinarian will provide intravenous support treatment such as fluid therapy, antibiotics and sometimes an antiemetic.
Parainfluenza (P):
Parainfluenza is a virus transmitted through nasal secretions or saliva. It is one of the main causes of kennel cough.
Symptoms
Symptoms are similar to kennel cough.
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Fever
- Lethargy
Transmission
This virus is transmitted through the air.
Traitement
The veterinarian will observe the symptoms and may prescribe an antibiotic as support treatment.
Leptospirosis (L):
Leptospirosis is a bacterium released from the urine of rodents such as rats, squirrels and raccoons, and is often found in damp soil or stagnant water. These bacteria can live for a long time under favourable conditions in the environment, which increases the risk of infection in dogs. This disease can affect the kidneys and liver. This bacterium is a zoonosis, which means that it is transmissible to humans.
Symptoms
- Anuria (stops urinating)
- Limping
- Weakness
- Fever
- Polyuria/polydipsia (drinking more and urinating more)
- Vomiting
Transmission
Transmission occurs through direct contact with contaminated wet soil, or through drinking infected stagnant water. The dog can also become infected through contact with bacteria in the urine. Leptospires can penetrate the healthy skin of dogs.
Treatment
Hospitalization may be required to administer fluids and intravenous antibiotics. The animal may recover if treatment is started early.
Bordetella (B):
Bordetella, also known as kennel cough, is a disease that attacks dogs' respiratory systems. Dogs at risk are those who are in contact with a lot of different dogs in boarding facilities, training facilities, agility trials or dog parks.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Eye and nasal discharge
- Loss of appetite
- Cough
Transmission
The organisms causing this disease can be transmitted by direct contact (licking), by air (coughing or sneezing) or by contact with contaminated surfaces (clothing).
Treatment
The veterinarian will observe the dog's symptoms and may prescribe either an antibiotic, cough suppressant or anti-inflammatory as support treatment.
Rage (R):
This fatal disease attacks the central nervous system. Rabies is a reportable disease in Canada.
Symptoms
In dogs, rabies develops in the "furious" form. The incubation period in dogs ranges from 2 to 12 weeks. It is usually difficult to diagnose the infection in its early stages. The main signs are
- Changes in behaviour
- Unusual gait
- Odd or unusual look in the eyes
An increased vocalization may also be observed. It should be noted that the rabies virus can be transmitted through saliva for up to seven days before the first clinical signs appear.
Transmission
Rabies is transmitted either by the bite of an infected animal, or by indirect contact through saliva on contaminated objects. Wild animals that carry rabies include skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes. These animals can be found anywhere, which is why it's important to vaccinate your dog. It should be noted that rabies is a zoonosis, which means that it can be transmitted to humans.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia Burgdorferi, which comes from a tick. Ticks are most common during the summer months, but they can also be found in the fall. It can be difficult to diagnose Lyme disease early. If your dog is at risk of coming into contact with ticks, there is an available vaccine to be given as a preventative measure.
Symptoms
- Anorexia
- Limping
- Fever
- Lack of coordination
- Lethargy
Symptoms can appear a few months after the dog has been exposed to the bacteria.
Transmission
Lyme disease is transmitted to dogs through a tick bite. This is why an antiparasitic treatment is recommended for dogs at risk. When a dog is found with a tick, it is possible to test the tick to determine if the bacteria are present.
Treatment
A serological test (blood test) can be done to determine if the animal has been in contact with the disease. An antibiotic treatment will be prescribed by the veterinarian for dogs showing symptoms.
Vaccination schedule
You can start your dog's vaccination schedule as soon as he reaches six weeks of age. At that time, your dog will receive his basic "DHPP" vaccine.
DHPP: Monthly booster shots may be required until your dog is 16 weeks old. Subsequently, there will be an annual booster and for the following years, it will be important to have your dog vaccinated every three years. We still recommend an annual check-up.
Leptospirosis: This vaccine requires a monthly booster at the time of the first administration at 9 weeks of age. Subsequently, it will be administered every year.
Bordetella : This vaccine is given by intranasal or subcutaneous administration. The intranasal vaccine must be given every year. However, if it is given subcutaneously at the time of the first vaccination, it will require a monthly booster. Subsequently, it will be given on an annual basis.
Rage: This vaccine cannot be administered to your dog before the age of 12 weeks. From then on, it will require an annual booster and can be given every three years thereafter. We still recommend an annual check-up.
Lyme disease: This vaccine requires a monthly booster at the time of the first administration. Subsequently, it will be administered every year.
Whether you're staying at home or travelling within or outside Canada, make sure your pet has all the necessary vaccinations to ensure its health.