Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting moment for the family, but it’s important to be prepared for the responsibility of caring for a new furry family member. One of the most important things you can do for your puppy is to get them vaccinated. Vaccinations help protect your puppy from serious diseases that can be harmful.

Common Diseases That Puppy Vaccinations Guard Against

• Parvovirus: Parvovirus affects a puppy’s gastrointestinal tract, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and possible death.
• Distemper: This viral disease can lead to respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system issues, potentially resulting in permanent damage.
• Canine Hepatitis: A liver infection that can cause fever, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, liver failure.
• Rabies: A fatal disease affecting the central nervous system, which can also be transmitted to humans.
• ​​Bordetella: Bacteria that causes severe upper respiratory disease and pneumonia.

Frequency of Puppy Vaccinations

The vaccination schedule for puppies is carefully designed to provide optimal protection during their early stages of life. Generally, puppies start receiving vaccinations at around 8 weeks of age, with a series of booster shots administered every 3-4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age.

Regular booster shots are necessary to ensure their immunity remains strong as they grow. After the initial vaccinations, adult dogs usually require booster shots every 1 to 3 years, depending on their lifestyle and the prevalence of diseases in their environment.

Additional Tips for Keeping a Puppy Healthy

• Quality Nutrition: Provide your puppy with a well-balanced diet that meets their specific nutritional needs.
• Regular Veterinary Check-Ups: Schedule routine check-ups with your local CityVet to monitor your puppy’s health, address any concerns, and ensure they receive the appropriate vaccinations.
• Socialization: Expose your puppy to various environments, people, and other vaccinated dogs in a safe manner to promote healthy socialization.
• Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Engage your puppy in regular exercise and mental stimulation.
• Safe Environment: Puppy-proof your home to eliminate potential hazards.
• Grooming: Regular grooming not only keeps your puppy looking fresh but also helps detect any skin issues or abnormalities early on.

By prioritizing puppy vaccinations and overall well-being, we create a foundation for a happy and healthy life for our beloved companions.

As a veterinarian, my visits to pet stores are quite rare- usually, I am able to bring home most of what our family’s eight pets need with me from work. But recently I was at my local pet store looking for a light for Captain Kirby Hardshell, our Red-Eared Slider turtle, when I noticed the giant section of pet vitamins and supplements. I knew that this was a growing market but I was still shocked at all of the options. I figured that if I felt overwhelmed by all of the choices then my non-veterinary field friends might appreciate a little guidance in this area.

First, I think it is important to define what we are talking about. In the United States, a “drug” is a substance used to treat medical conditions, tightly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Think anti-inflammatories or antibiotics – these undergo rigorous testing to ensure they’re not only pure but also safe and effective. Some are available over the counter, like ibuprofen, while others, such as cephalexin, require a prescription. On the other hand, a “supplement” can encompass vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, and dietary nutrients. Unlike drugs, they don’t face the same stringent scrutiny. Manufacturers must follow certain FDA guidelines, but they can’t make direct medical claims.

Before you consider introducing a new supplement to your pet’s routine, I strongly recommend seeking advice from your veterinarian. The market is flooded with options, and I’ve witnessed many pet owners spending money on supplements that ultimately offer little benefit to their furry companions. I have seen puppies with bone growth abnormalities and older dogs with bladder stones because a calcium-containing multivitamin was given.

Furthermore, the lack of a regulatory body for supplement manufacturing makes it challenging to gauge product quality. At the very least, purity should be assured – meaning the product is free from contaminants. Take CBD or Hemp Oil, for instance, a popular pet supplement often tainted with substances like turpentine, pesticides, heavy metals, and anticoagulants. If a manufacturer can’t provide proof of purity through independent lab testing, it’s wise to question the safety. Remember, the cheapest option might compromise quality. Look for products with a transparent ingredient list, specified ingredient amounts, lot number, expiration date, and manufacturer contact details in case of issues.

Look for products that are evidence-based or supported by strong medical evidence. There are so many products now offered by small and large companies that it is easy to get caught up in the marketing. Your veterinarian can help you start by diagnosing the issue and then help you sift through the supplement options to determine if one may help your pet. Many of my patients benefit from a drug and supplement combination to provide relief.

Summer travel is in full swing, meaning plenty of pet owners are boarding their furry companions while they are away. Summer is a prime time for respiratory disease outbreaks in our canine companions, and one of the concerns that you have likely heard about is an uptick in the cases of “Kennel Cough”. By understanding this condition and its implications, pet owners can take appropriate measures to minimize the risks to their canine friends.

“Kennel cough”, which is a common name for the condition known as canine infectious respiratory disease complex or canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs of all ages and breeds. It is commonly spread in environments where dogs gather in close proximity, such as boarding kennels, dog parks, and training facilities. Understanding the signs, prevention methods, and necessary steps to take if your dog contracts kennel cough is essential in maintaining their health and well-being.

“Kennel cough” is a highly contagious respiratory condition that affects dogs of all ages and breeds. It is characterized by sneezing, nasal discharge, and/or a dry, hacking cough, which can be alarming for pet owners. Kennel cough is caused by a combination of infectious agents, including bacteria (such as Bordetella bronchiseptica) and viruses (such as canine influenza and canine parainfluenza virus). Dogs primarily contract kennel cough through close contact with other dogs, such as kennels, grooming facilities, and dog parks. While kennel cough is usually a mild illness, it can progress to more severe respiratory complications, especially in puppies, senior dogs, or those with weakened immune systems.

Prevention Methods

• Vaccination and Prevention: Vaccination is the primary method for reducing the signs and symptoms and includes immunization against some of the agents such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, Canine influenza, and canine parainfluenza virus. Your veterinary team will be able to advise you on the appropriate vaccination schedule.
• Minimize Exposure: When possible, avoid exposing your dog to crowded or poorly ventilated areas where the risk of infection is higher. If your dog is already infected, it is important to minimize contact with other dogs until they have fully recovered in order to help prevent further spread of the disease.
• Hygiene Practices: Maintain good hygiene practices by regularly cleaning and disinfecting your dog’s bedding, toys, and food and water bowls.
• Preventive care: A healthy pet can fight off infections more effectively. Ensure your dog receives a balanced diet, regular exercise, proper veterinary care, and vaccinations to enhance their overall health and immune response.

Are Certain Breeds More Prone to Kennel Cough?

While any dog can contract kennel cough, certain breeds can develop more severe clinical signs due to their anatomical characteristics. Dogs with short or flat noses (such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers) have a higher risk of developing symptoms from kennel cough infections due to the anatomical makeup of their nose and airways.

More recent outbreaks- Canine Influenza:

In recent years, canine influenza (CIV), commonly known as the dog flu, has emerged as another viral component of kennel cough. There are two common subtypes of the Canine influenza virus: H3N8 and H3N2. Similar to other viruses that contribute to the infectious respiratory disease complex, CIV spreads easily among dogs through respiratory secretions and contaminated objects. The symptoms of canine influenza are similar to kennel cough, including coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and lethargy.

Vaccines are available for both H3N8 and H3N2 strains of canine influenza. Dogs that have regular contact with other dogs, such as those attending daycare, boarding facilities, dog parks, dog shows, or any situation where contact with other dogs occur, may benefit from the addition of CIV vaccination to their preventive care regimen.

What to Do if Your Dog Gets Kennel Cough

If your dog has symptoms of kennel cough, please consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarians can examine and determine what is causing your dog’s symptoms. Your veterinarian may run additional tests to assist in the diagnosis and determine the best and most appropriate treatment for your dog. Mild cases of kennel cough may resolve on their own, but in most instances, treatment can help with both the discomfort and with helping to shorten the duration and/or spread.

Treatment may include cough suppressants, antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections, and, in severe cases, hospitalization and supportive care.