Vaccinations
Most veterinarians agree vaccinations are a necessary element of preventive health care. Distempera contagious viral disease causing neurological and respiratory problems that was once the most common killer of dogshas been nearly eliminated because of widespread vaccinations.
Why: Puppies are born with weak immune systems and need extra protection from serious and often fatal diseases and conditions such as canine parvovirus, a contagious viral disease that can attack the gastrointestinal tract or the heart.
When: Veterinarians' vaccination schedules vary, but most recommend a program administered several times in the first four to six months (beginning at about 6 weeks of age) to protect against five to seven diseases and conditions. Annual or semi-annual boosters are administered throughout the dog's life. The first rabies vaccine is usually given at 6 months and repeated every one to two years, depending on state law.
How to Prepare: Ask your veterinarian for a recommended schedule and if special vaccines are necessary for your particular breed or area of the country. For example, Lyme disease is a tick-born disease affecting the joints and neurological function and Coronavirus is a contagious viral disease resulting in severe vomiting and diarrhea. Check with your veterinarian to see if either of these are a problem in your area.
Remember: Controversy about vaccines has developed because of negative reactions in some dogsparticularly those in poor health. However, most veterinarians agree the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Talk to yours if you are concerned about over-vaccination.
The Veterinarian View: "A lot of people choose to vaccinate their dogs themselves, purchasing their own vaccines and administering the shots at home because they think it is easier and saves money," Dr. Schulze said. "However, there is so much new information and so many new vaccines that it really does pay to have the veterinarian do the vaccinations."
Pest Prevention
Formulate a pest control regimen before your puppy comes in contact with a single flea or tick. Prepared pups may never experience flea infestation or tick-borne disease. Heartworms, which can be fatal, also require preventive measures.
Why: Puppies are susceptible to flea- and tick-borne infection and disease because their immune systems aren't fully mature. Left unchecked, fleas can cause tapeworm and/or severe allergic reactions. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, tick paralysis, anemia and a number of other serious diseases. Heartworms wind themselves into a dog's heart and may cause irreparable damage or death. However, preventive care is usually all your pup needs to be parasite-free.
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