I found that vaccinations is one of the harder things to remember. There are different ones that are to be given at different times. Some are 3 year and some are 1 year. Here are the different types of vaccinations:
In Indiana there are 3 core vaccinations that dogs must get which are Rabies, Parvovirus (canine), and Distemper. There are 2 optional ones that my veterinary office recommends, Bordetella and Leptospirosis. For cats there are 2 core vaccinations, rabies and distemper. If the cat is an outside cat, we recommend getting the Feline Leukemia and chlamydia.
Rabies is a viral disease that can effect the brain and nervous system and is deadly. It is spread through a bite of an infected animal or if it is in contact with cuts. If a pet is vaccinated against rabies it is unlikely that they will contract the disease.
Parvovirus (Canine) is a deadly virus that attacks the intestinal tract of dogs and rarely cats. The virus can survive heat and subzero temperatures for long periods. Dogs can attract this by exposure to infected dog feces or where the feces has been in contact. People can also pick up the virus on their shoes or clothing.
Distemper is viral disease much like measles that can be picked up from bodily fluids, including nose discharge, and spread through infected food and water. It effects the respiratory and nervous systems. Puppies are greatly effected by this since their immune systems aren't fully developed.
Bordetella is bacterial respiratory infection most commonly know as kennel cough. It is spread from dog to dog by sneezing or coughing. If you are thinking of boarding your dog or taking them to a dog class, they usually require this vaccination. (it is actually a nose drop that is given most of the time instead of a shot)
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that effects humans and a range of wild life. Dogs can get this if they are around urine from wildlife (raccoons are a big one around here). If a dog is going to be around ponds, rivers, streams, lakes, or anywhere with standing water where other wildlife may go it is a good idea to give them this vaccination. (Did anyone see the House M.D. episode a couple weeks ago?)
Feline Leukemia is a leathal virus (not a cancer) that is spread from cat to cat through saliva or nasal secretions. This virus will suppress the immune system in cats and eventually effect the bone marrow if it is not fought off. If it gets to the bone marrow the virus will stay with the cat for the rest of the cats life.
Feline Chlamydia is a bacteria that causes repiratory problems in cats. It can be spread from cat to cat by sneezing and coughing, or coming into contact with saliva or nasal secretions. They usually have runny eyes and noses. This is common in kittens in multicat households and pet adoption centers.
For puppies, they usually get 3 rounds of shots in there first 16 weeks of life. The first set is between the ages of 8 to 10 weeks, this will include distemper and parvo. You can do Lepto and Bordetella if you want. When you come back in 3 weeks to do a booster the puppy will be 11 to 13 weeks and will need distemper, parvo and a lepto booster. In another 3 weeks ( 14 to 16 weeks) they will get distemper, parvo, and rabies. At these visits it is normal for the pet to get some type of dewormer as well as many puppies and kittens are born with worms.
Kittens follow the same cycle but they get distemper and if they go outside they will get the feline leukemia and chlamydia. Between 14 to 16 weeks they will get a rabies vaccination.
Cats and dogs will then have to come back in a year to booster all the vaccines. Dogs will then have the 3 core vaccinations spread out. They will get Parvo the next year, then distemper the next year, and then rabies the last year, as these are now 3 year vaccinations. Cats will have to get rabies every year but the distemper becomes a 3 year shot for them.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask and I will try to get an answer for you!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Animal Safety
Hi,
Today I went to a local school to help out with a safety fair. A co-worker and myself did a run down on animal safety with dogs and cats that are unfamiliar to you. I brought in my 12wk old dog Chewie and the other lady brought in her 12 yr old cat. The following information is what we went over with the kids, you may find it useful:
Dogs
Dogs that are afraid or anxious can be mean or aggressive. They will show signs if they are under stress, such as excessive nose licking, panting, or holding really still and watching you. If they are mean they will growl, show their teeth, raise their hackles (which is the fur on their back), and bark.
If a dog approaches you and is showing any of the signs above, do not run! Dogs have a natural urge to run after you and may try to jump or bite you. What you want to do is freeze, stand still, put your arms/hands at your side, and don't stare into the dogs eyes, as they may think you are challenging them. Do not put your hands in your pockets as they will think you are getting something and may try to attack sooner. They should loose interest in you at this point. If an angry dog jumps on you, you want to slowly fall to the ground, curl up into a ball, and cover your face with your arms. Be careful of your fingers, curl them into a fist so they don't get bitten. Hold still until the dog goes away or help arrives.
Dogs also do not like to be hugged, which makes them feel confined. Picking up strange dogs also makes them feel stressed. Do not pick up their food, toys, or treats as they will think you are taking it away from them and may bite your arm or hand to get you to drop it. Do not interrupt a dog while it is eating, if you are giving him more food, wait until he is done eating and then pour it into his bowl.
If you want to pet a strangers dog, you need to 1) make sure it's ok with your parents, 2) ask the owner of the pet if it's ok to pet their dog, but be careful as the dog doesn't know you and make be afraid of you. 3) put your hand out towards the dog palm up and let it sniff your hand. The reaction of the dog will help you know whether you should go ahead an pet him or back away slowly.
Dogs are territorial and will be aggressive and bite to protect it. Do not stick your hand through a fence, over a fence, in a cage, or in a car window to pet a dog. This is there territory and they may feel threatened by you.
Never try to break up a dog fight. If you put your hands or body between the dogs they will bite you. Let it play out and if one is injured let an adult know. Do not get close or touch an injured dog as most dogs will bite when they are in pain.
Cats
Cats that are upset will hiss, lay their ears back, growl, lash their tail, and/or arch their back. It's important to back away slowly from the cat if these signs are observed. If a cat wants to be petted or played with they will rub against your legs, purr, or jump on your lap.
Cats don't care to be picked up and may try to get push against you with their paws to get out of your arms, and may scratch you. If a cat runs under a bed or couch, it is best to leave it alone. If you need the cat, have someone help you get it out by moving the furniture or luring it out with a treat or toy. Talking softly to the cat will also soothe it.
Some cats that are playing will sometime get a little to excited and may scratch or bite, if they do this it's time to take a break. Avoid teaching your own cat to play roughly with you.
First Aid
If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or cat it is important to immediately wash your hands with soap and water to wash out any germs. You can then put ointment and a band aid on it. Make sure you tell an adult about the scratch or bite so they can make sure the animal was vaccinated.
Today I went to a local school to help out with a safety fair. A co-worker and myself did a run down on animal safety with dogs and cats that are unfamiliar to you. I brought in my 12wk old dog Chewie and the other lady brought in her 12 yr old cat. The following information is what we went over with the kids, you may find it useful:
Dogs
Dogs that are afraid or anxious can be mean or aggressive. They will show signs if they are under stress, such as excessive nose licking, panting, or holding really still and watching you. If they are mean they will growl, show their teeth, raise their hackles (which is the fur on their back), and bark.
If a dog approaches you and is showing any of the signs above, do not run! Dogs have a natural urge to run after you and may try to jump or bite you. What you want to do is freeze, stand still, put your arms/hands at your side, and don't stare into the dogs eyes, as they may think you are challenging them. Do not put your hands in your pockets as they will think you are getting something and may try to attack sooner. They should loose interest in you at this point. If an angry dog jumps on you, you want to slowly fall to the ground, curl up into a ball, and cover your face with your arms. Be careful of your fingers, curl them into a fist so they don't get bitten. Hold still until the dog goes away or help arrives.
Dogs also do not like to be hugged, which makes them feel confined. Picking up strange dogs also makes them feel stressed. Do not pick up their food, toys, or treats as they will think you are taking it away from them and may bite your arm or hand to get you to drop it. Do not interrupt a dog while it is eating, if you are giving him more food, wait until he is done eating and then pour it into his bowl.
If you want to pet a strangers dog, you need to 1) make sure it's ok with your parents, 2) ask the owner of the pet if it's ok to pet their dog, but be careful as the dog doesn't know you and make be afraid of you. 3) put your hand out towards the dog palm up and let it sniff your hand. The reaction of the dog will help you know whether you should go ahead an pet him or back away slowly.
Dogs are territorial and will be aggressive and bite to protect it. Do not stick your hand through a fence, over a fence, in a cage, or in a car window to pet a dog. This is there territory and they may feel threatened by you.
Never try to break up a dog fight. If you put your hands or body between the dogs they will bite you. Let it play out and if one is injured let an adult know. Do not get close or touch an injured dog as most dogs will bite when they are in pain.
Cats
Cats that are upset will hiss, lay their ears back, growl, lash their tail, and/or arch their back. It's important to back away slowly from the cat if these signs are observed. If a cat wants to be petted or played with they will rub against your legs, purr, or jump on your lap.
Cats don't care to be picked up and may try to get push against you with their paws to get out of your arms, and may scratch you. If a cat runs under a bed or couch, it is best to leave it alone. If you need the cat, have someone help you get it out by moving the furniture or luring it out with a treat or toy. Talking softly to the cat will also soothe it.
Some cats that are playing will sometime get a little to excited and may scratch or bite, if they do this it's time to take a break. Avoid teaching your own cat to play roughly with you.
First Aid
If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or cat it is important to immediately wash your hands with soap and water to wash out any germs. You can then put ointment and a band aid on it. Make sure you tell an adult about the scratch or bite so they can make sure the animal was vaccinated.
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