When days are a bit warmer and longer, people and pets have more time to frequent the parks and trails in our community. More pets in any one area can lead to the spread of bacterial, protozoan and viral infections.
The puppies and kittens of spring warm our hearts—but the cold, hard, facts are that they are more vulnerable to infections. All puppies and kittens should receive the first series of vaccinations to protect them from infections such as distemper, parvo virus, leptospirosis, kennel cough, feline leukemia and feline respiratory viruses.
All young pets should be vaccinated, and every hospital may have a different vaccination schedule. The most important vaccine is given after 16 weeks of age when the immune system is able to make antibodies to prevent disease.
Many people, breeders and vets disagree on a vaccination schedule, but as long as young pets get several vaccines with the last one after 16 weeks, they are covered. Clinics and pet stores are cheaper sources of vaccines, if funds are tight. Keep in mind that some clinics promote many vaccines, but overwhelming a young pet’s immune system with myriad vaccines could cause immune issues.
Puppies need to be socialized during their early formative months. Most puppies think the world is theirs to chew on.
My terrier cross, Maisy, is a great lesson for puppies. When she is confronted by a puppy in really close proximity, she bares her teeth, growls and snaps. She’s a hater, but not dangerous or harmful. That’s a great lesson for a puppy. They need to learn the canine rules of etiquette. Better to learn in a controlled situation, then outside with an aggressive one.
After at least two distemper/parvo vaccinations, puppies may be exposed to adult dogs, where the house, people or other pets have not been exposed to a sick puppy carrying parvo virus. It is best to keep puppies away from parks and schools where the dangerous parvo virus may have been “pooped out.” Walks around your yard or friends’ homes are usually safe for vaccinated puppies.
Kennel cough is a contagious bacteria puppies and adult dogs can get from a canine crowd. When dogs congregate to bark, slobber or lick each other’s mouth, those activities can send a bordetella bacteria laden droplet down the mouth to the tonsils, windpipe and lungs.
The bordetella vaccine may not totally prevent infections, but it will usually decrease the severity and recovery time.
Giardia is a protozoa lurking in standing water. All dogs and cats will become exposed sooner or later—it is inevitable. After drinking up a giardia cyst, some pets will get a mild infection and recover on their own. Others may have nausea and vomiting with soft stools. Giardia can’t be easily prevented, but is usually easily treated. Some pets have trouble ridding themselves of the pest, and pets usually prone to bowel problems or food allergies should visit a vet for a cure.
If your pet develops diarrhea, you should fast them for 12 to 24 hours and/or feed them a bland diet of white rice and chicken broth/chicken baby food/lean hamburger (less than 20 percent hamburger, chicken or baby food). In 12 to 24 hours, you will usually know if your pet needs veterinary help. Always err on the safe side if a dog or cat looks ill, especially if they are a young puppy who could have parvo.
Greg Martinez, DVM, has worked at Gilroy Veterinary Hospital for more than 30 years. Reach him at [email protected].
