Dog Vaccinations: Doing Shots


Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of your pet. There are nasty doggie diseases out there, and for some of these, vaccination is your pooch's only real protection, as there may be no cure once the disease is contracted. After initial vaccination, many types require a schedule of follow-up shots, or boosters, to maintain a safe level of immunity.

Here are a few of the most common distressing, even fatal illnesses you can prevent with some timely injections:

Canine parvovirus:

This is a viral disease which is highly contagious and can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. Puppies are especially at risk, and if contracted, parvovirus can kill a pup in just two to three days after the onset of symptoms.

Rabies:

This disease is NO JOKE! It is caused by a virus that attacks the brain, and it is always FATAL. That means, once symptoms are displayed, there's no cure, so that ounce of prevention is all you've got! It is spread to animals and humans by bites from infected animals. Vaccination against rabies is required for dogs by law.

Canine distemper:

Along with parvovirus, canine distemper is the leading killer of puppies. It is a highly contagious viral disease spread through direct or indirect contact with nose and eye discharge of infected dogs. Symptoms resemble a bad cold progressing to vomiting and diarrhea, and muscle twitching and seizures.

Lyme Disease:

Also called Borreliosis, this bacterial infection is primarily spread by carrier tick bites. A dog with Lyme disease will display symptoms like fever, lethargy, depression, muscle stiffness and lack of appetite. The infection can lead to lameness due to severe muscle and/or joint pain.

Canine Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, and Bordetella:

This "complex" of viral and bacterial infections is responsible for "kennel cough" in dogs. Symptoms include a dry, hacking cough and runny nose and eyes.

So, it's pretty clear, given what's out there, that vaccinations to prevent certain illnesses are a good thing. Be sure to discuss with your vet the rationale behind your dog's vaccination schedule and follow his or her recommendations based on your dog, his health, and his environment.

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

Dina Giolitto is a copywriting consultant and ghostwriter with 10 years of experience writing corporate print materials and web content. Trust her with your next e-book, article series or web project, and make a lasting impression on your audience of information-hungry prospects. Visit http://www.wordfeeder.com for more information.







Related News




Dogpile raises money for pets in need - CNET News

Dogpile raises money for pets in need
CNET News, CA -3 hours ago
Metasearch engine Dogpile announced Tuesday that it has raised $100000 toward its goal of raising $1 million to help pets in need. ...
Dogpile.com Users Raise First $100000 for ASPCAMarketWatch
Dogpile.com Users Raise First $100000 for ASPCAConsumer Electronics Net
all 14 news articles

Give the Gift of Health to Your Pets for the Holidays with Dog-Wa ... - MarketWatch

Give the Gift of Health to Your Pets for the Holidays with Dog-Wa ...
MarketWatch -15 hours ago
Good nutrition and frequent exercise are the most rewarding presents pet owners can give their dogs. "Feeding dogs a healthy diet is a gift that keeps on ...
African Wild Dogs No Match for My Good Dog Pet ToysMarketWatch
all 10 news articles

Pets can pose a health threat to children - Buffalo News

Pets can pose a health threat to children
Buffalo News,  United States -13 hours ago
So says the American Academy of Pediatrics, which warns parents that many of the “easy” pets — the ones that don’t shed, don’t need to be walked, ...
Be careful which pets you choose for your children, say pediatriciansKLTV
all 2 news articles

Pet Safety Tips for the Holidays - WXii 12.com

Pet Safety Tips for the Holidays
WXii 12.com, NC -5 hours ago
Following the tips below will help keep your pets safe and healthy during this season. * Keep holiday plants, such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and ...
BRRR….. Its Cold Out There! Think Of Your Outside Pets!WXii 12.com
all 3 news articles

Families forced to part from pets - Utica Observer Dispatch

Families forced to part from pets
Utica Observer Dispatch, NY -10 hours ago
Local animal shelters are seeking people to adopt pets. Some contact numbers include: There will be an open house at the Herkimer Humane Society from noon ...
Economy places strain on Hornell Area Humane SocietyHornell Evening Tribune
all 4 news articles

Holiday gift guide: The plush and the practical for pets - USA Today

USA Today

Holiday gift guide: The plush and the practical for pets
USA Today -45 minutes ago
By Maria Puente, USA TODAY Fur buster: The FURminator deshedding tool is said to reduce flying fur up to 90%, gently removing loose hair and undercoat. ...

Keeping your pets comfy during the winter - 9NEWS.com

Keeping your pets comfy during the winter
9NEWS.com, CO -1 hour ago
It's not so easy for pets. To make sure your furry friends don't get too cold, the Denver Dumb Friends League recommends you limit the amount of time they ...

Allergic and wheezing, but still keeping pets - CNN

Allergic and wheezing, but still keeping pets
CNN -10 hours ago
Like the 10 million American pet owners with allergies, the Coronados faced a dilemma: Can human and dog co-exist in the same house? ...

Pets, Plants, Brrrrrrrrrr!!! - WPTV

Chicagoist

Pets, Plants, Brrrrrrrrrr!!!
WPTV, FL -1 hour ago
You may want to pay attention to your pets and temperature sensitive plants tonight, as temperatures will be dropping into the 30s and 40s. ...
North Florida under freeze watch Tuesday nightGainesville Sun
all 117 news articles

Motorists with pets on their lap are driving some crazy - Escanaba Daily Press

Motorists with pets on their lap are driving some crazy
Escanaba Daily Press, MI -9 hours ago
By Audrey LaFave ESCANABA - Although some may be annoyed by people who drive around with pets in their laps, you may be surprised to learn that it is not ...