The vaccination is the most important thing you can do for your new dog to keep him healthy.
When a dog comes home, they always have their nose on the ground. They smell everywhere, and lick anything. Which makes it very easy to contract bacteria, parasites, and disease. The vaccinations protect well against the contagious disease which could be fatal.
Talk with your veterinarian about vaccination programs that are recommended for your dog. According to the life style of your dog, frequently they will come in contact with other animals. Your veterinarian will recommend the proper way to protect your dog against the following diseases…
Parvovirus: Seen as an extremely contagious. Very virulent and could be fatal to the dog, because of the gastro-enteritis hemerage with fast deterioration. (Infection of the blood) The virus is transmitted through the feces of infected dogs and can survive many months after a good cleaning.
Distemper: Causes a gastro-enteritis, lung infection, and problems with the brain (aka neurological symptoms).
Adenovirus: Hepatitis. This virus could affect the eyes and the respiratory system. The respiratory system failure depends on what chain of virus it is.
ParaInfluenza: Causes an infection of the respiratory system. This infection could rapidly cause complication especially to the brachycephalic pedigree dogs (to flat nose such as bulldogs).
Leptospirosis: Disease that is transmitted by urine (can be transmitted by other dogs, skunks, raccoons… etc). Causes severe damage to the liver and kidney. This disease is mostly fatal. The dog contracts this disease when they lick a place that is contaminated by the urine of an infected animal. (Grass, woods, water… etc).
Bordetelella: More commonly know as “Kennel cough”. This disease could cause an infection of the respiratory system, both superior and inferior. Carries a severe cough. The coughing fits can become very frequent with increased severity. The bad complications to the lung become frequent. If the animal doesn’t receive treatment fast, it can become fatal. (More commonly known for the bulldog breed).
Rabies: All dogs must be vaccinated for rabies. This disease is fatal, there is no treatment. This disease is contagious for humans as well. You should know… people don’t need to be bitten by an infected animal to contract this disease. It can be spread by licking an open cut. Plus, the clinical signs of this disease can be shown 6 months after the disease is contracted.
Lyme disease: Affects the joints and is transmitted by ticks. As an owner you should protect your dog when you walk regularly in the field or woods. Especially when walking in Vallee du Richelieu or you visit Connecticut. Warmer climates control the tick population.
WHY WOULD YOU STERILIZE YOUR ANIMAL?
FEMALE
Females are generally in heat twice a year. They could bleed up to fourteen days each time.
During that period they could go away to find a male (they could have an accident when they walk in the driveway, get lost… etc) Also, there is a significant temperament change when a dog is in heat. (Aggressiveness, anxious… etc)
Some females mark their territory when they pee in the house or in the bed. The principle reason for the sterilization of the female is to avoid infection of uterus which could be very bad and cause a blood infection and an infection of the abdomen if the uterus is ripped.
Plus, It shows that a female that is sterilized at a younger age (like before one year) are less at risk to develop cists or cancer of the breast.
MALE
If the males are not neutered they tend to mark their territory all the time. They urinate in each place when they are walking. They may also urinate inside or outside of the house.
They run away frequently if they are not sterilized. They could smell a female in heat from really far away. So they are more at risk to get into an accident or get lost.
The temperament could change when he smells a female in heat (Aggressiveness, anxiousness, and intolerable…etc) the principle reason to sterilize your dog is to cut the risk of problems with the prostate. (Infection may cause problems with urination for the dog or may cause problems with bowels) It also cuts the risk of testicular cancer.
WHEN SHOULD YOU STERILIZE YOUR ANIMAL?
There is no good age or age limit to sterilize. Most of the veterinarians recommend between four and six months after the puppy receives all of the vaccination and be completely protect against viruses to become sterilized.
The sterilization could be done when the dog is at the age for safe administration of anesthesia after the weaning period.
My advice…
It should be done before a year because it is best for the dog so they don’t have a bad attitude that could develop before the sterilization. (Run away, territorial mark… etc) It is proven that some cancers are easy to eliminate with the sterilization at a young age.
Maintenance
Beauty of Aging Yes, your dog will get old too. Depending on the breed and lifestyle of your dog, you may be looking at a life span from 10-15 years. You can contribute to help your dog age by listening to the following advice.
Give him a good quality diet. Forget about the dog food sold in a chain store. Give your dog food that is appropriate for his age and weight. (Puppy fat breed, adult, light). Your veterinarian is a good professional of animal health, the best qualified to recommend a good diet for your dog. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the best diet for your dog.
Make sure your dog keeps a healthy weight throughout his life. It doesn’t matter what breed, bone size, or muscle mass we evaluate the good weight by:
* Touch the sides with the palm of your hands. You should be able to touch the rib while you are petting him but you don’t see the ribs.
* You should be able to touch the spine in the middle of the back but not seeing it.
* The pelvis, behind the ribs, should be a little dip in-between the ribs and the pelvis.
* Under the abdomen should be more high then the thorax.
Healthy mouth: Make sure to remove the plaque. Before your dog has the operation, teeth cleaning, or Parodontie. (Teeth that are covered in yellow and brown crust, swollen gums, and really bad breath are important warning signs.) The Parodontie could occasionally cause cardiac problems, kidney problems, and hepatitis. (May cause multiple extractions).
Deworming and Prevention of Parasite.
Annual examination and vaccination protocol:
Annual examination will help to find an unhealthy problem to start. The vaccination protects against serious disease and often fatal ones.
The analysis of the blood tests from ages 7-10 years will help you to find diseases before the symptoms. (For example, insufficient kidneys).
And for sure, GOOD EXCERCISE! …
Vacation
You live home for a few days with your dog, you go to your country cottage, camping, outside the country......... Here are some tips to avoid that.
BEFORE YOUR START, MAKE SURE :
that vaccination of your dog is up to date: Check with your veterinarian which vaccines are recommended in the place he will be attending. For example, protection must be more important for a dog to accompany you on camping than a dog that will stay in the motorhome while visiting museums. Verify that at least one month before you going some vaccines require a booster a few weeks after a first administration.
that de protection used against parasites is appropriate for your pet as a place frequented. Will he risk of getting fleas, ticks or exposed to mosquito bites? Remember that your veterinarian is best placed to be well informed and has the product very effective and very safe for the health of your dog.
you meet the requirements of countries visited: for example if you go to the United States, your dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least one month before your trip. Other countries require all medial certificates.
TO BRING WITH YOU:
Medical record updated: vaccines, disease or previous surgeries, medications currently administered (drug name, dosage and frequency of administration), or better yet, a copy of medical records available from your veterinarian.
Veterinary references: before you go find the phone number of a veterinarian in the area visited and the information to a veterinary clinic that performes emergency 24/24.
First aid kit
The anti-parasitic drugs prescribed by your veterinarian, if necessary in prevention of fleas, ticks, heartworm, intestinal worms etc. Attention to products purchased at pet stores or in department stores: they are mostly concentrated insecticide that can cause skin burns, or even poisoning (vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, loss of balance...) if the wrong dosage is administered or if the application technique is not followed.
ATTENTION TO HEAT STROKE:
Dogs, and especially those nosed (bulldog, pug, boston terrier...) are susceptible to heat stroke.
Symptoms: excessive panting, weakness, confusion....
If you think your dog suffers heatstroke, immediately consult a veterinarian, it could be very serious. Waiting to go to the veterinarian, use towels to cool water over the dog's body mainly on areas where there is less hair as the armpits and belly.
RECIPE AGAINST SKUNK ODOR:
4 cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 tsp soap dish
Mix together and apply on the dog.
First Aid Kit
When arrive in an accident, incident, injury to your pet, it is important to know that the veterinarian is the best person to take care of your pet. Sometimes no veterinarian is available to assess and treat your dog. So here's some information to help you prodigal first aid in emergencies.
AT NO TIME SHOULD YOU APPLY THESE TIPS ON CATS.
The products mentionned are available in drug store.
FOR WOUNDS:
Antiseptic/disinfectant like Hibitane
Gauze dressing applied to a bleeding wound
Roll of adhesive bandage
Antibiotic ointment like Polysporin
Pliers to remove small foreign bodies in a wound
FOR MOTION SICKNESS:
Tip:
* Feed the dog very slightly a few hours before departure;
* Stop the run 4-5 minutes every 30 to 40 minutes;
* Offer him sips of water during your stops;
* Stabilize it in the car (cage, seat belts, sitting on the floor...)
If this is insufficient, frome 30 to 45 minutes before departure, you can give Gravol (50mg tablet for a dog 25 pounds).
AGAINST MOSQUITOES:
Unfortunately you can not apply repellent directly on your pet. So you can spray a piece of cloth (waistcoat, scarf...) with repellent or citronella and then do bring your dog.
AGAINST GASTRO-ENTERITIS:
The first thing to do is put the dog on an empty stomach water and food for 12 hours (except for a very young puppy), often that is enough to recover.
When the dog starts to feed after fasting, we must offer very small amounts of water every 30 minutes.
If the dog does not vomit, one can begin to feed, boil ground beef, drain it and give very small portion every hour. If the dog also has diarrhea, mix boiled rice with the ground beef.
If the diarrhea is very common (+once an hour), it is important to consult a veterinarian. If you are unable to find a veterinarian available you can give Immodium 2mg (one tablet for a dog 50 pounds approx.) This medication may be repeated every 12 jours if the frequency of diarrhea is important.
If vomiting is very common (more than once an hour), you can five Gravol 50mg (one tablet for a dog 25 pounds). This medication may be repeated every 8 jours if vomiting does occur or continue to give Pepto-Bismol at a rate of 5ml for a dog 45 pounds and repeat every 4 hours.
FOR ALLERGIC REACTIONS:
If your dog shows severe swelling of the face, urticaria (several blisters on the body or legs), intense generalized itching, it is probably an allergic reaction (insect bites, contact allergy, pollen etc.) You can give him Benadryl 25 mg (1 or 2 tablets for a dog 50 pounds). You can repeat the dose every 6 hours. If reactions are increasing even after the administration of the product, immediately consult a veterinarian.
ANALGESICS FOR PAIN:
Dogs resent that we use painkillers such as aspirin (Anacin, acetyl salicilic acid), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra). They can quickly make hyperacidity and ulcers in stomach with loss of blood. They should be used only in emergencies to relieve the pain time to consult a veterinarian. Be aware that these products should be administered 2 times a day every 12 hours and a maximum of 2 consecutive days.
Aspirin 325 mg: 10mg/kg or 3 to 4 tablets for a dog of 50 pounds
Ibuprofen 200mg: 10mg/kg or 1 tablet for a dog of 50 pounds
Acetaminophen 325 mg, 15 mg/kg or 1 tablet for a dog of 50 pounds
Dr Annie Lemyre
Clinique Veterinary office
268 Chemin des Patriotes
Sorel- Tracy, Quebec
(450)-742-3252
