Many serious diseases can be prevented by vaccination. Even pets kept indoors, your pet may be exposed to dangerous diseases via the air, dust or on your clothing. Vaccinations are protection against costly treatment or even premature death.
Diseases we can vaccinate against:
DHL(Distemper, Hepatitis)– Distemper has a high death rate and nearly every dog will be exposed to the disease during their lifetime. Dogs with distemper may suffer coughing, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms, followed by death. Hepatitis spreads through a canine’s urine and affects the dog’s liver. Exposure can mean anything from infection of the liver to death.
Leptospirosis– Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria. These bacteria can be found in soil and water. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from animals to people. Infection in people can cause flu-like symptoms and can cause liver or kidney disease, as well as liver failure.
Canine Cough or Bordetella– An upper respiratory infection, usually a virus, causing a persistent, dry, hacking cough. This disease may last weeks and is highly contagious. Without proper preventative measures, this can often lead to a secondary bacterial infection. Your dog can easily become exposed, as a dog’s sneeze can carry the virus up to a mile away.
Parvovirus & Corona– Intestinal infections resulting in viral diarrhea, fever, vomiting and depression. Transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog’s feces and urine, both are highly contagious and life-threatening, especially in puppies. Most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to 72 hours following the onset of clinical signs.
Canine Influenza Virus– At present, two strains of canine influenza virus have been identified in the United States: H3N8 and H3N2. Virtually all dogs exposed to canine influenza virus become infected, with approximately 80% developing clinical signs of disease.The most common clinical sign is a cough that persists for 10 to 21 days. Affected dogs may have a soft, moist cough or a dry cough. Nasal and/or ocular discharge, sneezing, lethargy and anorexia may also be observed. Many dogs develop a purulent nasal discharge and fever (104-105oF).
Lyme Disease– Lyme disease, is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by the bite of infected deer ticks. Transmitted through tick bites, the disease can be difficult to detect.
Therefore, it is best to prevent infection by taking appropriate measures to prevent tick bites and, for dogs, vaccinating against the disease. Pets infected with Lyme disease may not show any signs for 2-5 months. After that time, typical symptoms include: Fever, loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling and/or decreased activity. Recurrent lameness also is possible, and the involved extremity may be tender. Inflammation of the joint can last from days to weeks, and may migrate from one extremity to another.
What if my puppy was given vaccines by a breeder??
Here at Milan Area Animal Hospital, we truly want what is in the best interest of your pet. We do not accept vaccines administered by breeders or other non veterinary professionals. We will accept vaccines done previously, if they have been given by a licensed veterinarian.
We do this to ensure that your puppy gets the best vaccines possible. By doing this we can guarantee the vaccines your puppy receives came directly from the manufacturer, have been kept in appropriately controlled environments and have been given at the appropriate times.