Healthcare
Fleas
Fleas are well-adapted parasites, obtaining their nutrition from the blood of their host. The two species most
often encountered are Ctenocephalides canis and C. felis, and either may inhabit the dog. The flea is probably the
most common cause of dermatitis in the dog, particularly in the southeast. Resistance to insecticides has increased the problem.
Flea Life Cycle
The adult flea lays 20-28 eggs per day, and eggs hatch in the environment approximately 4-7 days later. The newly hatched fleas are first stage larvae which feed on organic material and molt to form second stage larvae within a week. Within another week the second stage larvae molt to form the final third stage larvae. This larva spins a cocoon and goes into a pupal stage. The adult flea emerges from its cocoon in several days to 2 weeks. The entire life cycle normally takes 18-21 days, but high temperature and humidity accelerate the process. Fleas do not live in cold climates, nor do they thrive in hot and dry climates, or at high altitudes. It is the adult flea that spends its time on the host, feeding on its blood, leaving to lay eggs in the environment. Eggs and pupae are fairly resistant to insecticides, making control of these stages difficult.
Adult fleas prefer to feed on dogs and cats, and will usually only attack humans if they are very hungry. The life span of the average adult flea is usually 3 months, although it may live longer if environmental conditions are very favorable.
Fleas and Tapeworms
With an infestation of fleas comes the occurrence of tapeworms, Dipylidium caninum. Through grooming or chewing, the dog ingests an adult flea containing tapeworm eggs. Once the eggs are released, they grow to maturity in the small intestine. Segments of the tapeworm (proglottids) are passed in the dog's feces, and the segments rupture releasing eggs. Flea larva feed on the ruptured proglottids, eating eggs. The flea larvae finish their own life cycle producing an adult flea containing tapeworm eggs. This entire cycle takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Tapeworms damage the small intestine, causing loss of nutrient absorption, and altered motility. Drugs such as Droncit and Yomesan are very effective in removing tapeworms from the dog, but to prevent immediate reinfestation with tapeworms, the fleas must be removed from the environment.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
During feeding, the flea injects saliva into the skin (intradermal) of the dog. This saliva contains a number of irritating substances causing the dog to itch or bite at the site. There is also the potential to develop hypersensitivity to the injected saliva. It is not known why some dogs develop an allergy, and others do not, although genetics is likely to be involved. Also, the age at which exposure first occurs may play a role in the development of allergy.
The clinical signs depend on the degree of severity of the allergy. In the allergic dog, a small red circle of inflammation (wheal) develops at the flea bite site. This may develop into a pimple, and will crust over. The allergic dog will show intense itching, even to only a few flea bites. Self-trauma can be extensive, with widespread redness, crusting, hair loss, and thickening of the skin. The lower part of the back, the rump and the backs of the thighs are most commonly involved.
Most diagnoses of flea allergy dermatitis are made on the basis of appearance of signs. To be absolutely certain the dog is allergic to fleas and not some other allergen, an intradermal skin test using isolated flea allergens is performed. Treatment consists primarily of getting rid of the fleas. Methods of flea control depend on personal preference and geographic location. What works in the north may be totally ineffective in the south! Hyposensitization (desensitization) by injection has been tried, but has not been shown to be very effective. Short- acting corticosteroids such as prednisolone may also be used in conjunction with flea control for short periods of time to control the intense itching of flea allergy dermatitis.
AN UPDATED LOOK AT INSECTICIDES
or What's in All Those Flea Products
Fleas continue to be a problem, but with new types of products available such as fipronil, imidacloprid, and lufenuron, flea control can be achieved a little easier. There are a vast number of products available, and most of us use a combination of products to keep fleas under control. Combining products can be a problem, and can result in toxicity if the wrong products are combined. The best way to prevent toxicity is to know what you are using. Read every label of every product, and be aware of which chemicals can be used in combination with other chemicals, and which can't. Hopefully the following will help you understand how the different chemicals work.
Botanicals
Pyrethrin is an extract of the chrysanthemum and has a very low toxicity. It is relatively safe for cats and young animals. Pyrethrin has a very fast knockdown effect, killing adult fleas almost immediately, acting on the flea's central nervous system. Pyrethrins are never used without synergists, because synergists are needed for maximum kill. Pyrethrins are very rapidly degraded after application especially by ultraviolet light (4 hours or less). Microencapsulation of the pyrethrin may prolong the anti-flea activity.
Pyrethrin is the most common ingredient in pet sprays, shampoos and powders. It is also found in foggers and house sprays for an immediate kill of adult fleas. Pyrethrin works more rapidly in an organic solvent base such as alcohol, rather than in water, where it is fairly insoluble. There has been no evidence of resistance of fleas to the action of pyrethrin. Pyrethrins have very little residual activity, so daily application is required.
Rotenone is extracted from the root of the derris plant. It is more toxic than pyrethrins, and is limited to use in pour-on insecticides. It is very toxic to fish. The use of rotenone is uncommon, but is sometimes used in combination with pyrethrin, lindane, or carbaryl. Rotenone paralyzes the flea's cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and does not require synergizing for activity.
D-Limonene, an extract of citrus peel, has been used for a long time as an insecticide. Its effectiveness is questionable when compared to the other botanicals, and must be used at a relatively high concentration to have any effect. Limonene may be toxic to cats, and some dogs (and humans) are sensitive to it as well.
Synthetic Pyrethroids
These compounds are synthesized chemicals that resemble the chrysanthemum extract. They produce a quick kill of adult fleas, are more stable than pyrethrins, and have higher potency. Permethrin is the most commonly used pyrethroid, and is a component of flea sprays and pour-on treatments. Permethrin binds to the hair, but is removed if the pet is bathed or goes swimming. Sprays containing permethrin are typically applied weekly, and spot-on formulations (which use higher concentration of permethrin) are effective for approximately one month.
The use of pyrethroids on dogs is safe, but cats are very sensitive, and toxicity can result. Pyrethroid- containing products for use in cats contain very low concentrations of pyrethroid. Signs of toxicity in the cat include salivation, depression, muscle tremors, ear flicking, paw shaking, loss of appetite, seizures and death.
Synergists
Synergists that are added to pyrethrin compounds work by preventing enzyme breakdown of the pyrethrin by the flea. The two major synergists are piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and N-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide (MGK). These compounds are extremely safe on dogs, but side effects such as tremors and incoordination may appear in cats with the use of PBO.
Petroleum Distillates
Petroleum distillates or kerosene is often listed on product labels as an active ingredient. It is usually the solvent for the pyrethrin or synthetic pyrethroids. It has some insecticidal properties, and may also be listed as an inert ingredient.
Carbamates and Organophosphates
This group of insecticides has been used extensively for years. Both types of compounds act by interfering with the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Acetylcholinesterase normally breaks down the acetylcholine that is involved in nerve transmission. When acetylcholinesterase is inhibited, acetylcholine builds up, resulting in continuous nerve stimulation, leading to death of the flea. Organophosphates change the structure of the enzyme, thus reversal of the process is very slow. Carbamates block the enzyme rather than change it, so its action is more rapidly reversible. This is an important concept when considering toxicity. Carbamate toxicity of the dog is more easily reversible than is toxicity of organophosphates. Intoxication results in neurologic signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitching, weakness, or seizures. If a dog develops signs of toxicity after being dipped or sprayed, it should be washed immediately and taken to your veterinarian for treatment. Death can result if the animal is not treated. Carbamates and organophosphates should not be used on cats, nor on pregnant, lactating, or young animals.
This group of insecticides must be used with caution, and should not be used with other drugs that also act by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. Directions for use should be followed explicitly, and two organophosphates or carbamates should not be used simultaneously in the flea control program. One should also be aware that some wormers and anesthetics work via their acetylcholinesterase inhibiting action, thereby potentiating toxicity.
Chlorpyrifos (Dursban) is a popular organophosphate premise spray, and may be present in some dog sprays and dips. Fenthion is an organophosphate that was used as a spot-on treatment for dogs. Some humans are extremely sensitive to fenthion, and may show signs of toxicity after use on their pets. Carbaryl (Sevin) is the most commonly used carbamate, and is used as a premise treatment. Propoxur (Baygon, Sendran) is a carbamate used in shampoos, sprays, and flea collars. Chlorfeniphos is an organophosphate present in some dips, and has also been used as a premise spray. Dichlorvos (Vapona) is not very popular anymore, but is sometimes used in flea collars. Malathion is an organophosphate that is widely used as a premise spray, and in some dips. Phosmet is an organophosphate present in some dips. Ronnel is an organophosphate known as Ectoral. It can be found in some dips and premise sprays. Fleas have become increasingly more resistant to these compounds.
Insect Growth Regulators (IGR)
Insect growth regulators mimic the natural growth hormone of the flea. This growth hormone is necessary for normal development of the larva, but high concentrations of it inhibit the maturation of the larvae. IGR in the environment prevents maturation and causes death of the larvae. IGR is present in many sprays and foggers to prevent emergence of new fleas. One must take into account the life cycle of the flea. Since IGR acts late in the life cycle, it will take 1 to 4 weeks to actually see a beneficial effect from application. This time period depends on the temperature of the environment, and rate of larval development. They are safe to use on both dogs and cats.
Methoprene
Methoprene (Precor) is a common IGR used in premise sprays and topical products. Methoprene is light sensitive and will not last outdoors. Pyriproxyfen (Nylar) is used in premise sprays, shampoos, sprays, spot-ons, and collars. Pyriproxyfen is not sensitive to light. Flea control can last up to 60 days with spot-on application.
Fipronil
Fipronil (Frontline) is effective against both fleas and ticks. It acts by binding to GABA receptors, resulting in excitation of the nervous system and death in insects.
Fipronil is available as a 10% spot-on formulation (Frontline Top Spot), or as a 0.25% alcohol-based spray (Frontline Spray). Both the spray and spot-on formulation show a greater than 95% efficacy after 36 days. Fipronil is not easily removed by shampoos or water. It accumulates in the sebaceous glands of the skin, and is slowly released via the hair shaft ducts. Fipronil is very safe, since the GABA receptors of mammals are different from those of insects. It is safe for very young puppies and kittens, and pregnant/lactating dogs and cats. Incidence of adverse reaction to the application of Frontline is less than 0.0005%.
Imidacloprid
Imidacloprid (Advantage) was originally used for crop pest control, and is approved for use in dogs and cats. It works on contact by preventing transmission of neuro-impulses, resulting in death of the adult flea. Imidacloprid is not effective against ticks.
Imidacloprid is applied monthly as a pour-on. Within 24 hours after application, it is evenly distributed over the body, with no systemic absorption. It has no repellent activity, and is not inactivated by sunlight. It is partially removed by swimming and bathing. Imidacloprid has low toxicity in mammals, and is safe in the environment. It is safe to use in pregnant or lactating dogs and cats, and puppies and kittens.
Lufenuron
Lufenuron (Program) targets the development of immature stages of fleas by disrupting the synthesis of chitin, which is essential for survival for flea eggs and larvae. Lufenuron is given orally once monthly with food, and concentrates in fat, from where it is slowly released into the blood of the dog or cat. When fleas bite the dog or cat, they ingest lufenuron, and subsequently lay eggs that cannot hatch. This effectively breaks the life cycle of the flea. Lufenuron is not ideal in the flea-allergic animal, since the flea must bite the dog or cat to ingest it. Also, in heavily infested areas, it takes time to break the life cycle and eliminate fleas. Also any untreated animals entering the area can reinfest the environment. Best results are achieved with indoor pets, or those in a confined environment. Lufenuron is very safe in mammals, since they do not have chitin. It is safe for pregnant/lactating dogs and cats, and puppies and kittens.
In conclusion, choosing a flea control program can be a difficult decision. Your own veterinarian should be consulted, and you may wish to talk to other dog people in your area to see what works for them. The new flea control products such as fipronil, imidacloprid, and lufenuron are excellent choices, but are quite expensive when managing a kennel situation with multiple dogs. However many kennels do use these products effectively, since their use does decrease the expense and time involved with purchasing and applying topical sprays and premise control. When using other topicals and premise treatments, usually an insecticide from one class can be safely used with an insecticide from another class. For example, one could safely use a pyrethrin spray combined with an indoor insect growth regulator spray and an organophosphate outdoor spray. Extreme caution must be taken when combining two different chemicals from the same group, especially the organophosphates/carbamates because toxicity may result. For example, one should not use a flea collar containing propoxur, a dip containing phosmet, and a chlorpyrifos premise spray. However, pyrethrins may be used in combination with each other due to their low toxicity.
Ticks
Ticks are eight-legged, blood-feeding ectoparasites that are closely related to spiders, scorpions, and mites and live on mammals and birds. There are about 800 different species of ticks. Ticks are relatively large (compared to fleas and mites), with soft rounded bodies. Most ticks attach to their host and feed for as long as 12 to 24 hours before they fall off. Young ticks (nymphs) may feed on one host, drop off, and then feed on a different host as adults. Most ticks spend about 10% of their lifetime attached to their hosts. Individual tick bites can cause local reactions, including skin damage, irritation, inflammation, and hypersensitivity. A large number of tick bites can cause anemia. Some ticks secrete toxic saliva that can cause paralysis. All ticks can carry and transmit disease. Lyme disease (lyme borreliosis) is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is spread by the deer tick. It is one of the most common tick-transmitted veterinary diseases in the world. Lyme disease can affect both cats and dogs. Its most common clinical symptoms are arthritis, lameness, anorexia, and depression. It can also cause cardiac, neurological, and kidney disease. Canine ehrlichiosis (tick-borne fever) is caused by Ehrlichia canis and is spread by the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. It occurs throughout the United States, but is most common in the Southeast. Ehrlichiosis damages and decreases the production of blood cells and leads to anemia, lowered disease resistance, and abnormal bleeding. Diagnosis is usually based on a blood test. Treatment involves antibiotics and supportive care. Though the prognosis is usually good, ehrlichiosis can be fatal. Rocky mountain spotted fever is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii and is spread by the American dog tick (Dermacentor varabilis) and the wood tick (D. anderson). Symptoms include fever, lethargy, depression, anorexia, swelling, a stiff gait, abnormal bleeding, breathing problems, and eye pain. Rocky mountain spotted fever is difficult to differentiate from canine ehrlichiosis. The prognosis is good if the dog receives prompt treatment, including antibiotics and supportive care. Treatment Tips: Disposing of ticks Combating and Preventing Ticks
If pet owners find a tick on their dog or cat, they should remove it by grasping the tick with fine-pointed tweezers and gently pulling it free. The more quickly the tick is removed, the lower the risk of disease transmission to the pet. You should wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling a tick.
To dispose of the tick, drop it into alcohol to kill it, then dispose of it. Flushing them down the toilet WILL NOT KILL THEM. Squishing them with a thumbnail is not recommended, and is not easy anyway. You might save the tick in a jar of alcohol for identification, to help decide whether possible infection has occurred.
If you have heavy infestations of ticks in your area, spraying your backyard against ticks may be a good idea, especially if your pet is indoor/outdoors.
If you have a dog, a new product called Preventic appears to be highly effective. It is a tick collar that kills ticks shortly after they attach to your dog. The active agent is Amitraz, which prevents attachment and kills but does not affect fleas. Amitraz is not an insecticide (flea killer) but an "arachnicide" (8-legged bug killer - ticks and spiders are in the same class.)
The collar works best if it is kept dry. Rain is OK, but swimming is out as exposure to water reduces its effectiveness. Removing the collar is apparently non-trivial. You don't need a prescription, although the only place you might find it is at the vet's or in a mail-order catalogue. Twenty-four hours after putting it on, your dog is protected from ticks.
Many people have written about how effective it was for their dog. It is NOT recommended for cats, however, and some dogs appear to have individual sensitivity to it. If your dog becomes lethargic or irritable, remove the collar.
NOTE THAT THE COLLAR IS TOXIC -- if your pet eats any part of the Preventic collar, take him in to the vet immediately. Symptoms include vomiting, white gums and unsteadiness. There is an antidote for it, called Yobine.
Ticks don't typically infest houses, unless you have a pet that had an overlooked tick that dropped off and hatched its eggs. In the Northeast US and other temperate climates the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is almost exclusively limited to domestic habitats, particularly kennels.
Because the entire life cycle occurs inside, control strategies become similar to that of controlling fleas. You will have to spray your house in this case as ticks hatch an unbelievable number of eggs.
Your local hardware store can give you tips on what is best to spray with. You are not too likely to find "natural" or low-toxic sprays for ticks. On the other hand, one spraying is likely all you need to clear them out of your house. They are not tenacious the way fleas are.
Common recommendations for reducing ticks in your backyard are to keep the weeds or grass well-mowed. There are commercial sprays effective against ticks. If you live in tick-infested areas, always examine your dog (and yourself!) after being outside. Control vermin around your house and discourage deer and other wild or feral animals from your property, as they are often vectors for ticks.
WORMS
Dogs can be affected by a number of different types of worms. The most common types are roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and hookworms.
Roundworms
Long, "spaghetti-like" worms which steal nutrients from the infected animal. Roundworms can cause symptoms of coughing, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, poor growth rate, dull coats and pot belly appearance. Puppies are born with roundworms passed from their mother during pregnancy. To reduce the number of worms passed on during pregnancy, the mother should be wormed prior to mating, prior to having the pups, and also while nursing the pups. Puppies should also be wormed regularly from 2-3 weeks of age. Consult your veterinarian for the most appropriate program for your puppy.
Hookworms
Tiny worms, but voracious blood suckers, which attach themselves to the intestinal wall. Hookworms can cause severe illness in puppies and dogs, because they feed on blood, and can cause anemia, weakness, and even death in severe infestations. The hookworm is passed from the mothers milk to the puppy, and also from contaminated earth or ground. Regular worming is essential to control hookworm problems.
Whipworms
Microscopic, but debilitating worms which attach to the intestinal wall, steal nutrients, and prevent normal intestinal function. Whipworms are generally found in dogs over 12 weeks of age, and they can cause intermittent bloody diarrhea.
Tapeworms
Long worms which steal nutrients from the infected animal. They appear to be small "rice-like" segments in the stool. Usually acquired from fleas. These worms cause little harm to the dog, but they are a serious health risk to humans.
General:
Regular deworming needs to be performed throughout the dogs life to combat the ill effects of worm burdens.
Worming Schedule
Worms can be one of the most common and frustrating ailments of puppies and kittens but sometimes can be the easiest to fix. Hookworms and roundworms are by far the most common. Roundworms compete with your pet for food and can cause malnutrition or intestinal obstruction. Hookworms live on intestinal blood and can cause anemia.
Strategic Deworming Guidelines
Strategic deworming is a practice recommended by the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Puppies
- Every 2 weeks until 3 months of age, starting at 2 weeks old.
- Once a month from 3 to 6 months of age
- After 6 months, follow adult recommendations. Also after six months, use a heartworm preventative medication that is effective against hookworms and roundworms.
Adult Dogs
- Treat regularly, considering potential exposure to parasites (example: four times a year)
- A continued surveillance of parasite prevalence in your area is recommended.
Bitches
- Once prior to mating
- Once at birthing
- Lactating bitches should be treated concurrently with puppies.
Newly Acquired Animals
Note: Obtain the deworming history of the new pet from previous owner.
- Immediately; then repeat after 2 weeks, then follow guidelines above.
Female Nutritional Needs During Reproduction and Lactation Reproduction and lactation place additional nutritional demands on the female dog (bitch). During this time, the diet must supply all the vitamins, minerals and calories needed to meet the requirements of the bitch, and also must support fetal growth during pregnancy, and milk production after the birth of puppies. Because of the high calorie requirements, the diet should be highly palatable, energy dense, with high digestibility. COCCIDIOSIS IN DOGS Intestinal coccidiosis is caused by infection with any one of the coccidia species: Isospora, Besnoitia, Hammondia, Sarcocystis, Toxoplasma, or Cryptosporidium. Infection with Isospora is most common in dogs. Infection occurs when infective eggs are ingested from a contaminated environment, or an infected transport host is ingested. Rodents and other small prey can carry coccidia, making ingestion of their tissues and feces infective. Infection with coccidia can also occur when uncooked meat from infected herbivores such as cows or sheep is ingested. After ingestion of ocysts, the incubation period is usually 6 to 10 days. The presence of coccidia in the feces of dogs is fairly common. Up to 72% of dogs may have some level of infection with coccidia. Multiple dog kennels are most prone to infection. The major sign of coccidiosis is diarrhea which is soft or watery, and may contain mucus, blood, and shreds of intestinal epithelium. Vomiting, dehydration, loss of appetite, weight loss, and decreased activity level are other signs associated with coccidia. Diarrhea is typically most severe in puppies under 4 months of age. Adult dogs may harbor coccidia with few clinical signs, but serve as a source of infection to puppies. Diagnosis is made by microscopically identifying oocysts in feces. Strict sanitation is important for prevention of infection. All cages and kennel runs should be cleaned with steam or a strong sodium hydroxide solution to kill oocysts. Prompt removal of feces helps reduce exposure to infective feces. Elimination of rodents and rodent feces will reduce coccidia in the environment. Any meat that is fed should be thoroughly cooked. Older dogs that may be asymptomatic carriers should be kept separate from young puppies. Puppies showing clinical signs of coccidiosis should be treated orally with sulfadimethoxine (Albon or Bactrovet) at 25 to 30 mg/lb body weight per day for 10 days. Amprolium (Corid) is not approved for use in dogs, but has been used effectively in kennel operations. One-quarter teaspoon of 20% powder per four puppies is mixed with the puppy food for 10 days, or 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of 9.6% amprolium solution can be mixed with one gallon of free-choice water. With severe cases of coccidiosis, secondary intestinal bacterial infections are common, and treatment may need to be prolonged.
During the early stages of pregnancy, fetal growth is slow, and the bitch does not require any additional calories over the maintenance level. It is important to avoid overfeeding during early gestation, since too many calories at this time can cause the bitch to become overweight, and may contribute to whelping problems. Most fetal weight gain occurs during the last third of gestation, and the energy requirement of the bitch will increase during that time. During the fifth week of gestation, 15% more calories should be provided, and an extra 15% calories should be added each week until the end of gestation. Thus by the time the puppies are born, the bitch should be eating 60% more calories than she did during the early stages of pregnancy.
If the bitch is carrying a large litter, it may be physically difficult for her to increase the quantity of food consumed enough to meet her added nutritional requirements. Switching to a diet that is higher in protein and fat will be more calorie dense, and therefore less of this diet will have to be fed to meet her needs. A highly digestible and palatable food designed for puppies is a good choice during late lactation, since it will contain more calories per cup than an adult maintenance-type diet. Several small meals should be fed during the day since her stomach capacity is limited due to the large uterus.
Milk production places the largest nutritional demands on the dam. She must metabolize very large amounts of nutrients in order to produce sufficient milk to support the growth of her puppies. Dams with a large litter may require four times more calories during lactation than they needed for maintenance. Peak milk production occurs when the puppies are 4 to 5 weeks of age, right before they are weaned.
Consider a Labrador Retriever dam weighing 62 lbs nursing a litter of six 4-week-old puppies that weigh 5.5 lbs each. Each puppy requires approximately 500 kcal/day, which must be supplied by the dam's milk. Therefore the dam must supply 3000 kcal/day as milk. Dam's milk contains about 1300 kcal/liter (39 kcal/ounce), and therefore she must produce at least 2.3 liters (76.5 ounces) of milk each day to feed her puppies. To produce this many calories in milk, she will have to consume 4000 kcal/day from her food, since some energy is lost in milk production. To maintain her own body weight, she needs her usual maintenance amount of approximately 1500 kcal/day. Thus her total intake needs to be 5500 kcal/day, which is about 4 times her normal maintenance requirement. If the litter is larger, she will require even more calories per day. To consume this large an amount of calories, the dam needs to be eating a very energy dense, and highly digestible diet. If she does not consume the calories necessary, she will lose body condition, and may not produce adequate milk to feed her puppies.
In addition to increased calorie needs during gestation and lactation, the quantity of protein required is also increased. Both protein quality and quantity will affect milk production, and thus it is very important to feed a diet containing protein from highly digestible ingredients. Egg protein is considered the most digestible protein. Meat source proteins are more digestible than are cereal proteins, such as soybean meal and corn gluten meal. Chicken by-product meal is more digestible than is meat and bone meal, since meat and bone meal contains more non digestible bone. Therefore diets containing highly digestible chicken by-product meal as the major protein source will provide the highest amount of digestible protein. Different studies have shown that the protein requirement during pregnancy and lactation is between 25 and 30%. Thus a high calorie puppy food or athletic-type food if fed in sufficient quantities, will provide the quantity of protein needed. Weaning should be a gradual process so that milk production gradually decreases. At approximately 3 to 3 + weeks of age, puppies can be introduced to ground or softened puppy food that has been moistened with warm water. The age of weaning depends on the size of the litter, and on the quantity of milk the dam is producing. As the puppies are eating more solid food, the quantity fed to the dam can be gradually decreased so that she is back to her maintenance level of food by the time puppies are fully weaned. However, if the dam has lost some body weight or condition during lactation, she will require extra calories to regain the body weight she has lost.
Puppy Vaccination Info
GLOSSARY OF TERMS Corona virus: Takes only 24 to 36 hours to incubate. This virus spreads rapidly through exposed dogs. Corona virus is an intestinal infection resulting in diarrhea, vomiting and depression. Corona virus can affect a high percentage of dogs, and can cause death in young puppies. Corona virus infection can also make an animal more susceptible to other intestinal diseases.
Antibodies: Proteins made by the immune system that attach to disease agents to signal the other parts of the immune system to negate and destroy it.
Vaccination: Altered disease agents that do not cause disease but do allow the body to develop protective antibodies to the disease agent conferring immunity to the disease.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis aka Adenovirus: Is a viral disease spread by contact with infected animals, their feces, urine, or saliva. It affects the liver, kidneys, and cells lining the blood vessels.
Symptoms include high fever, thirst, inflammation of nose or mouth, diarrhea, abdominal pain and tenderness, liver damage, loss of appetite, hemorrhage, and depression.
Vaccination provides excellent immunity. Initial vaccinations are given as a series beginning as early as 6-8 weeks, followed by annual booster shots. The vaccine for canine hepatitis is usually combined with one for distemper.
Bordetella: (Kennel Cough) in dogs is similar to the common cold in humans. Although this disease is rarely fatal, it can lead to other diseases such as pneumonia which can shorten your dog's life. Kennel cough occurs more commonly in puppies and young adult dogs, and in dogs that have recently been in shelters or exposed to many other dogs. Since kennel cough is caused by an airborne virus, normal cleaning and surface disinfecting cannot eliminate the cause. Kennel Cough can occur with Distemper, Adenovirus Type Two, Parainfluenza and other respiratory infections. Antibiotics can prevent or cure a secondary infection. Cough suppressants can be used to control the cough. To help prevent pneumonia or other diseases, dogs with Kennel Cough should be kept in a warn environment. Keep infected dogs away from other dogs to prevent further transmission of any disease. Like the common cold, Kennel Cough cannot be cured but it has to run its course.
Symptoms include harsh dry (honking) cough that is often followed by gagging and coughing up foamy mucous, with nasal discharge of clear turning to milky white, and then to green. Most infected dogs do NOT have a fever and otherwise the dog appears alert and generally healthy.
Vaccination is minimally effective. There are some 40 plus strains of Kennel Cough and the vaccination provides protection against approximately 12. However, if your dog is shown, to be kenneled, or is to be around a number of other dogs it is wise to have your dog vaccinated. The intranasal vaccine is pretty fast acting, providing some protection in as little as 5 days. The injectable version of the vaccine may provide longer immunity. Some vets use both to get maximum protection. Please do not assume that any cough is Kennel Cough. If your dog has a fever, is less active than normal, has a decreased appetite, has a discharge from the eyes and nose, has difficulty breathing or is older than three years, the above-named symptoms are signs of a more serious problem and you need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible
Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and this leads to dehydration. Unlike Parvo, the mortality rate is low and affected dogs generally feel better in a few days, though fluid treatment may be needed.
Vaccination is the only effective control. Initial vaccinations are given as a series beginning as early as 6 weeks, followed by annual boosters. Corona virus vaccinations are usually given in combination with vaccines for other diseases.
Distemper: Is a highly contagious and often fatal virus that affects a dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It can be spread as an airborne infection or through contact with an infected animal, its feces, or its urine. Because a puppy's natural maternal immunity may wear off before he is vaccinated, reduce risk of exposure by limiting contact with unfamiliar dogs until vaccination series is complete. The immune system of the dog is designed to produce antibodies, a type of protein, to disease agents (such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, etc). These antibodies protect the body from infection and disease by binding to the disease agent and marking it for destruction by other parts of the immune system like killer cells, phagocytic cells, and the complement system. Thus, antibodies are the body's protection against disease.
Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nose and eye discharges, fever, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and seizures.
Vaccination is the only effective control. Initial vaccinations are given as a series beginning as early as 6 weeks, followed by annual boosters. Distemper vaccinations are usually given in combination with vaccines for other diseases.
Leptospira: is an extremely contagious bacterial disease that spreads through contact with nasal secretions, urine, or saliva of infected animals. Early signs are not apparent, so infection can go undetected. Recovered animals can continue spreading the disease, which can also affect humans.
Symptoms may include inflamed kidneys, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and listlessness. Liver damage can also occur. Note that early signs of the disease may not be readily apparent.
Vaccination is available for Leptospirosis. Initial vaccinations are given as a series beginning as early as 6 weeks, followed by annual boosters. Leptospirosis vaccinations are usually combined with vaccinations for distemper and hepatitis (DHL).
Lyme Disease: A disease complex caused by a spirochete called Borrelia burgdorferi that has acute effects of flu-like symptoms of fever, malaise, impedance and more chronic effects of arthritis, muscular disease, and neurological disease. It is highly responsive to treatment if caught early. As the disease progresses it becomes less and less responsive. It is transmitted by ticks, and, thus, tick prevention is considered the optimum prevention program. In the US the only area of significant risk at this time is considered to be the Northeastern states. This will probably change as more information is collected.
Parainfluenza: Often acting in conjunction with the Bordetella (technically known as Tracheobronchitis), this virus-bacteria combination causes kennel cough syndrome, which can spread rapidly through a group of dogs. This respiratory disease may last several weeks and is highly contagious but can get better on its own, unless a secondary bacterial infection occurs which may produce fever and a longer recovery. Incubation period is between 5-10 days.
Symptoms include harsh dry (honking) cough that is often followed by gagging and coughing up foamy mucous, otherwise the dog appears alert and generally healthy.
Vaccination is given as a series beginning as early as 6-8 weeks, followed by annual booster shots. The vaccine for Canine Parainfluenza is usually combined with one for Parvovirus.
Parvovirus: Is a highly contagious viral disease which can affect dogs of all ages, but is especially deadly in puppies. Spread through the feces of infected dogs, this hardy virus can survive for months within feces at less than 20 degrees. It is easily carried on shoes, clothing, and by flies. The incubation period is generally 4 to 7 days but may vary from 2 to 4 days. Parvovirus attacks rapidly growing cells, so it especially likes the bone marrow and the cells lining the intestine. Parvovirus infects the cells that line the intestinal tract causing their death and sloughing. As a result, profuse, bloody diarrhea occurs. Death commonly occurs due to fluid, electrolyte, and blood loss and due to secondary systemic bacterial infections via the damaged gut. Puppies are the most susceptible to Parvovirus infections.
Symptoms include depression, lack of appetite, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Suppression of the immune system leaves the dog wide open to secondary bacterial infections. Death usually occurs due to insurmountable dehydration, and a large percentage of infected dogs may die, despite excellent medical care.
Vaccination is the only effective control. Initial vaccinations are given as a series beginning as early as 6 weeks followed by annual boosters. Parvovirus vaccinations are usually given in combination with vaccines for other diseases.
Rabies: A virus that invades via bite wounds into the muscle, up the nerves, to finally reside in the brain. As a result of its residence, neurological damage occurs and dogs exhibit a wide range of neurologic signs -- rage, inability to swallow, stupor, increased salivation, and staggering. Rabies is spread via the saliva and is infective to any mammal. Rabies is 100% fatal once it reaches the brain in any species. Why do I need to vaccinate my puppy?
When do antibodies form? Antibodies form ONLY after an initial exposure to a disease agent. During this initial exposure the dog has no protection from the disease agent, and, therefore, the disease must run its course. In addition, antibodies are very type specific -- antibodies to a type specific virus such as the Parvo virus do not protect the dog from any other disease agent except Parvo. Thus, a dog must experience each disease before it will become protected against that disease. For some diseases this is not significant because the disease is mild and has little effect upon the dog. Other diseases, however, are more significant and can lead to serious sickness and even death. This is how Mother Nature has designed the immune system to work. The drawback to her plan is that the dog has to survive the initial disease exposure in order to develop protective antibodies, ie become immune, to the disease. As mentioned earlier with many diseases this is not a significant problem because they are mild and cause little lasting effects. There are, however, life-threatening diseases that the dog may not survive the initial exposure to. Human ingenuity came along and said what if we could expose dogs to the disease agents of these serious illnesses in such as way as to allow them to develop protective antibodies but not develop disease. And so the vaccine was invented. All a vaccine is is an altered form of a disease agent such as Parvo that can be given to a dog (or other species) in order to stimulate the dog's immune system to produce protective antibodies without the concurrent development of disease. With the introduction of vaccines, many devastating canine diseases like Rabies, Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, and Parvo were rapidly reduced in occurrences and canine mortality rates plummeted. We today do not fully appreciate the impact that these diseases had on canine populations pre-vaccination and can be without the puppy hood vaccine regime. An unvaccinated dog has absolutely NO protection against any of these disease. Do not be fooled into thinking that these diseases have been eradicated and are no longer a significant health threat. These diseases are still maintained at significant levels in wildlife reservoir hosts (raccoons, foxes, coyotes) and in feral dog populations. And as more people choose to never vaccinate their dogs these diseases will begin to increase among the domestic dog population as well. Thus, the risk of disease exposure is present and is present at a very significant level. Vaccination is our way of using Mother Nature's brilliant system of disease protection to maximum benefit -- protection without the need for initial disease.
Puppies like all young mammals receive antibodies from their mother to passively protect them from disease until they are old enough for their immune systems to produce their own antibodies. They receive these antibodies during the first 24-36 hours of life in the first milk, or colostrum. This maternal antibody transfer is why it is so important that puppies nurse as much as possible during the first day of life. When does this window happen? Anywhere from 3 weeks to 24 weeks with average being 6 to 15 weeks and at different times for different diseases. Therefore, we are left with two options: (1) wait until puppy is 6 months old to vaccinate and leave puppy at great risk for developing life-threatening illness like Distemper or Parvo or (2) vaccinate puppies at regular intervals beginning at 6 to 9 weeks so that we "catch" the puppy during its window while at the same time minimizing the time that the puppy is at risk for developing disease. The latter option maximizes protection while minimizing risk and is, consequentially, the safest and most appropriate method of vaccinating puppies. This is the rationale behind the need for series of repeated puppy vaccinations beginning at 6 to 9 weeks and continuing every 2 weeks until the puppy is 4 to 6 months old. It is absolutely critical to vaccinate puppies if we expect to continue to see reduced incidence of fatal canine diseases like Distemper and Infectious Canine Hepatitis. Parvo already claims thousands of puppies a year and will claim thousands more if puppies are not vaccinated properly. These diseases are out there and an unvaccinated puppy has absolutely NO protection from them; failure to vaccinate a puppy puts it in a great deal of unnecessary danger. Once puppy vaccinations have produced antibodies to disease agents, frequency of vaccine boosters is something to be discussed with your veterinarian. Ample scientific data suggests that current canine vaccines give protection in most dogs for 2 years. Whether you opt to vaccinate yearly, every other year, or check antibody levels via titers and only vaccinate as needed is a matter of personal preference in adult dogs. Regardless of your decision regarding vaccination of adult dogs, every puppy needs to be vaccinated and every adult dog needs an annual physical exam to detect any health problem as early as possible. And also be sure to consult local law before deciding upon frequency of Rabies vaccination most places allow 3 year vaccines but some high risk areas have counties that require yearly Rabies vaccine still. Puppy Vaccination Schedule Beginning at 6 weeks of age: One Measles, Distemper , Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Adenovirus vaccine. This is usually all in one injection called a 5 in 1 or a 5 way vaccine. Two weeks later -- 10 weeks of age: One Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus, Leptospira 1 and 2 vaccine +/- a Coronavirus vaccine. This is usually all in one injection called a 7 in 1 or a 7 way vaccine. Why do puppies need so many vaccines? Isn't one enough?
How long these antibodies last is highly individual and varies considerably from puppy to puppy even among littermates. The duration of maternal antibodies is a function of how much colostrum they received, how concentrated the antibodies were in the colostrum (ie, how high the mother's antibody levels were), how fast the puppy's metabolism breaks down the antibodies (like any protein they are degraded over time), and the amount of exposure that the puppy has to disease agents.
Herein lies the difficulty of vaccinating a puppy. If the maternal antibodies are at too high of a level then the vaccine will be negated and stimulate no response on the part of the puppy's immune system. But if the maternal antibodies drop too low then puppy is at risk for developing disease. When the maternal antibodies are high enough to protect from disease but low enough to allow the vaccine to stimulate a response from the puppy's immune system is the window of optimum vaccination.
Two weeks later -- 8 weeks of age: One Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus, Leptospira 1 and 2 vaccine +/- a Coronavirus vaccine. This is usually all in one injection called a 7 in 1 or a 7 way vaccine.
Two weeks later -- 12 weeks of age: One Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus, Leptospira 1 and 2 vaccine +/- a Coronavirus vaccine. This is usually all in one injection called a 7 in 1 or a 7 way vaccine.
At 13 or 14 weeks of age: A Rabies vaccine. If to be boarded a Bordetella vaccine. If in an area of high risk (ie NE USA) the first Lyme vaccine.
It is recommended for puppies of American Pit Bull Terriers, and other Bull breeds to have a Parvovirus booster vaccine at 5 to 6 months of age since, for some reason, these breeds seem more susceptible to parvovirus infection whether from a innate susceptibility or because of such high maternal antibody levels that the vaccine cannot confer protective antibodies at times until this age.
Some things to note:
FINALLY LET ME REITERATE THAT YOUR PUPPY WILL BE EXPOSED TO DISEASE NO MATTER HOW CAREFULLY YOU ISOLATE OR SEGREGATE IT.
THE QUESTION IS WILL THE PUP BE PROTECTED VIA VACCINATIONS OR WILL IT BE VENERABLE AND SUSCEPTIBLE TO DEVELOPING LIFE-THREATENING DISEASES BECAUSE OF YOUR CHOICE NOT TO VACCINATE???