MollyDogs - Shichon Puppies - Saskatchewan, Canada

To live a long, healthy and happy life all puppies and dogs require routine medical attention. The same as human babies getting their vaccinations as scheduled through your veterinarian and keeping them up annually is extremely important to the health and well being of your dog and will contribute to your dogs longevity.

Our vet vaccinates our puppies at 8 weeks of age. Your puppy will then need the follow up shots at 12 weeks and at 16 weeks. At 16 weeks of age they will also then receive their rabies vaccination. When you bring your puppy home call your vet office right away and book his/her shots. Make sure you do not go past the actual 4 week mark or you will have to start all over again at the beginning!

Here is a description of some of the diseases for which your dog will receive a vaccination:

Parvovirus

This is a highly contagious viral disease that is a serious threat to unvaccinated dogs. The virus is shed in infected feces and survives a long time in the environment and on the ground. This means that people can carry it home on their shoes, and dogs on their paws. The virus causes high fever, listlessness, severe vomiting and diarrhea and is more severe in young puppies and older adult animals. Early recognition of the symptoms and prompt treatment can be life saving, however treatment is very expensive and not always effective. Your puppy can die. Vaccination and limited outdoor exposure until the puppy has finished their shots (16 weeks) is the best way to prevent potentially fatal canine parvovirus disease.

Canine Distemper

A contagious viral disease seen most frequently in puppies three to six months old, but unvaccinated dogs of all ages are at risk. Distemper is a difficult disease to treat successfully and is primarily a killer of puppies. Distemper virus attacks many body organs including the nervous system. Symptoms include listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting and discharge from the eyes and nose. In its final stages there may be convulsions and paralysis. Death may occur one to three weeks after infection. Prevention through consultation with your veterinarian and following the recommended vaccination program are essential to protecting your puppy and controlling canine distemper.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis

A contagious viral disease that primarily affects the dog’s liver. Hepatitis is spread among dogs by contact with urine, feces and other secretions. The canine hepatitis virus does not cause hepatitis in humans. Vaccination is very effective in preventing the disease.

Canine Coronavirus

Mostly common in young puppies, this attacks the intestinal system and results in vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, loss of appetite and depression. Vaccinations are available for this or may be included in the vaccine your veterinarian uses.

Rabies

Not only a threat to your dog but to you as well. A fatal viral disease that affects the brain and the nerves. Rabies is a major health hazard. The main source of potential rabies infection is infected wildlife. Although usually transmitted through bites from rabid animals, rabies could also be spread through infected saliva coming into contact with broken skin. Rabies vaccines should be administered to your dog on a regular basis. Follow your veterinarians advice.

Canine Cough

Also known as “kennel cough” this is a highly infectious upper respiratory infection of dogs which results in coughing and can cause dogs to be quite ill. It can be caused by several viruses and a bacteria. The disease is characterized by a dry cough. This vaccination should be given if dogs are going to boarded or go to shows, obedience trials, parks or any other situation where dogs meet.

Lyme Disease

An illness transmitted by ticks and affects humans as well as animals. The tick is the most common vector of this disease. The severity of canine Lyme disease may vary from acute limb/joint disease to a severe and generally fatal protein losing nephropathy. Dogs that travel to the United States or live in Western Canada, and that roam in wooded areas or grassy fields (ie: hunting dogs) are at greater risk and should vaccinated against infection.

Parasite Control

A variety of parasites affect a dog throughout its lifetime. Treatment is usually simple and effective but should be administered upon the advice of your veterinarian. Proper sanitation will reduce the likelihood and severity of many parasite infections but regular examinations and treatment are necessary for the best control. Among the most important parasites that affect dogs and require routine treatment are worms and other parasites of the gastrointestinal tract, fleas and ticks. Please consult your veterinarian about this.

Allergic Reactions

Most animals will display no symptoms at all, while others may appear fatigued, temporarily stop eating, have a slight fever that doesn’t last long, maybe for a day or so, or they may show mild pain at the vaccination site. All of these symptoms may be normal and can be managed with a little TLC.

Occasionally, serious allergic reactions can occur and will usually develop within the first 30 minutes to a few hours following vaccination. If your dog displays any symptoms that persist or appear serious such as, vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, hives, excessive scratching or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.