Diseases and vaccinations small animal practice bad rodach dr. Peter schunk

Diseases and vaccinationsVaccinations against various dog diseases are the best thing you can do for your dog, so that he has a long, healthy life ahead of him. The mother dog has already ensured with the help of the antibodies in her milk that her young are immune to pathogens in the first weeks of life. But after this time it is the task of the animal owner to take over this protection with the help of his veterinarian.

When should my dog be vaccinated?

The dog's immunity generally declines in the first 6-12 weeks of life. This is the time for the first vaccination. Your veterinarian will advise you how often and at what intervals these vaccinations need to be repeated. From then on, your dog will need a vaccination booster at regular intervals throughout his life.

What vaccinations does my dog need?

Your dog should get a vaccination protection against such infectious diseases, which occur most frequently; where there is a high risk of infection and which can cause a severe illness of your dog. These include:

– distemper – kennel cough – parvovirosis – rabies – hepatitis – leptospirosis

How does a vaccination work?

Vaccines contain small amounts of attenuated or killed viruses, bacteria or other disease-causing microorganisms. If the dog is given the vaccine, the immune system is stimulated to produce antibodies that will protect the dog from the disease in the future. Of course, the vaccination does not lead to any disease of the dog.

Canine distemper

A vaccination against this highly contagious, often dramatic and difficult to treat disease is strongly recommended. Mostly dogs get sick at the age of 3-6 months, with the first symptoms usually appearing 3-6 days after infection. These may include: Fever, cough, eye and nasal discharge. In the more advanced stage, inflammation of the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, paralysis and seizures occur.

Kennel cough

As it is with a cold in humans, this respiratory infection of dogs is also very easily transmissible to other dogs. This infection is caused by several pathogens, such as the parainfluenza virus type 2, adenovirus and bacteria (Bordetella). The sick dogs get a dry cough and nausea. In severe cases, high-grade pneumonia can occur, reducing the dog's chance of survival.

Canine parvovirus

Through direct or indirect contact, this virus is transmitted between dogs. Because it is very resistant, it can survive in the outside world for many months. A young infected dog will develop fever, bloody diarrhea and/or heart muscle inflammation, while older dogs will develop gastrointestinal inflammation and diarrhea and vomit. It is not uncommon for diseased dogs to die. The best protection is a vaccination.

Rabies

This is an incurable disease of the central nervous system. The virus is transmitted via injuries with the saliva from animal to animal, but also to humans. The course is always fatal! For this reason, there is a rabies protection ordinance, which states that all infected animals must be killed. This also applies to dogs that have come into contact with animals with rabies or animals suspected of being infected. The obligation to kill does not exist, however, if the dog has a valid rabies vaccination! Infected animals show behavioral changes (shyness, restlessness), salivation and biting rage about 20-60 days after infection. Paralysis is eventually followed by death.

Contagious hepatitis

Canine adenovirus type 1 is transmitted between dogs through infected saliva, urine or feces. Symptoms are similar to those of distemper in the early stages. In addition, liver damage, corneal opacities of the eyes and respiratory problems occur here. Puppies and young dogs are particularly often affected, and this disease is usually fatal. Thus, vaccination is also the surest protection in this case.

Leptospirosis

Leptospires are bacteria that can cause kidney and gastrointestinal inflammation, fatigue and loss of appetite in dogs. Infection occurs through contact with infected dogs, mice and other animals, as well as through contaminated waters. Vaccination is highly recommended.

Other vaccinations

There are several other diseases from which you can protect your dog by vaccination. Your veterinarian, after assessing your dog's circumstances and the likelihood that your dog will come into contact with these pathogens, will be happy to advise you.

Exclusively in our practice

Mr. Dr. Schunk is a member of the Dortmund Circle
DOK Society for Diagnostics of Genetic Eye Diseases in Animals e.V., as well as a member of the Gesellschaft for X-ray diagnostics of genetically influenced skeletal diseases in small animals e.V. (GRSK].

A Veterinary examination on hereditary eye diseases of your dog or cat is short-term within one to 24 hours possible – make your immediate appointment best directly by phone: 0 95 64 / 9 23 70