Vaccinations

Distemper:
A multisystemic illness with the ability to affect dogs as well as other species such as raccoons, skunks, fox and ferrets. Contracted through the air or by contact with the secretions of an infected animal, it may result in a multitude of different symptoms like fever, diarrhea, respiratory problems, seizures and other neurological problems. The rate of mortality is around 50%.

Hepatitis infections:
Adenovirus in the non-vaccinated puppy may cause gastro-intestinal symptoms as well as ocular or hepatic complications and even rapid death in some cases. The virus is transmitted in saliva and feces and may even be implicated in the development of canine infections tracheobronchitis (or kennel cough, see below).

Parvovirus:
Parvovirus is probably the most common serious infection a puppy can contract. Since the virus is particularly resistant in the environment, a puppy does not even have to be in direct contact with contaminated feces to become infected. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia and weakness. Death occurs within a few hours or few days if untreated. This is why it is primordial to consult a veterinarian immediately if your young puppy presents theses symptoms. Even when adequately treated, the rate of mortality remains around 30%.

Parainfluenza:
This virus, as with hepatitis, may be implicated in the development of kennel cough.

Infection on the rise in Quebec, transmitted by the urine of infected animals, be it another dog, a raccoon, skunk, etc. Cases are more common in autumn and spring, since the bacteria can survive a long time on humid ground. Symptoms may vary enormously depending on the contrary, absence of urine, and problems with coagulation. Several complications leading to death arise frequently, and the infection may be transmitted to humans. Vaccination is there for recommended for all dogs who go outdoors. A puppy must receive 2 doses at a one month interval, followed by an annual vaccine.

It may develop when a dog is bit by a tick carrying the bacteria and most often affects the articulations (arthritis). Vaccination was once limited to dogs travelling to the United-States, where the illness is quite common, but due to a risk in the number of cases in Quebec in recent years, vaccination is now recommended for all dogs who go outdoors.

This illness is characterized by an important cough which can last up to two to four weeks. As its name suggests, it is contracted mainly in areas with a large concentration of dogs, such as kennels, obedience schools, grooming salons and dog parks. Dogs frequenting these areas should receive the vaccine, which is required by most serious obedience schools and kennels.

Rabies is a deadly illness affecting all mammals, which is transmitted by a bite or any contact with the blood or saliva of an infected animal. Vaccination, obligatory for crossing the boarder, protects the animal from the eventual transmission. Since the illness is fatal for humans, in the interest of public safety, it is recommended that all animals whether they have access to the outdoors or not, be vaccinated.