This is just a guide for vaccinating your dog. You should always check with your own veterinarian as to what vaccinations they recommend and when they should be given.
At 8 weeks of age your puppy will need a Distemper-Parvo Vaccination (DHPP). It is also referred to as "4 in one". DHPP stands for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. You may want to vaccinate for giardia at this time as well. The first deworming is given at this time.
At 11 weeks of age your puppy will need a second Distemper-Parvo Vaccination (DHPP). It is also recommended that the first Bordetella vaccine be given. If your puppy received a Giardia vaccination at 8 weeks, it will need a booster at this time. A second deworming is also given.
At 14 weeks of age your puppy will need a third Distemper-Parvo Vaccination (DHPP). If your puppy received the Bordetella vaccine at 11 weeks, it will need a booster at this time. The first Lyme vaccination is given at this time. A fecal test is recommened to verify if the previous dewormings have been successful.
At 17 weeks of age, (4 months) a fourth Distemper-Parvo Vaccination (DHPP) is given. If the Bordetella vaccines have been given at 11 weeks and 14 weeks, another booster is given now. A booster for the Lyme vaccine is given now if your puppy received its first one at 14 weeks of age. The rabies vaccine is now given and will be good for one year. A dog license is also required in many areas at this age, you usually must show proof of a rabies vaccine being given.
At 17 months old, your puppy should receive boosters for the Distemper-Parvo (DHPP), Bordetella, Giardia, Lyme, and Rabies. The Rabies vaccine will be good for 3 years, all the other vaccines are good for 1 year. It is probably a good idea to have a fecal test done at this time.
Distemper-Parvo Vaccination: Distemper is a virus that causes flu-like symptoms, that are often followed by uncontrollable seizures. Hepatitis virus causes liver damage. Parainfluenza is an upper respiratory disease. Parvovirus is an intestinal disease which causes vomiting and diarrhea this leads to life-threatening dehydration. This group of viruses and bacteria can be transmitted directly from an infected dog, or by contact with infected feces, urine, or water.
Bordetella: This is a respiratory secreted bacteria, easily transmitted by an infected coughing dog. If you use boarding or grooming facilities, exposure to this bacteria is common. Your dog can also contract the disease simply by a nose to nose encounter with an infected dog. The vaccine helps to prevent debillitating bronchitis and pneumonia.
Giardia: This infection is caused by a parasite that can be found throughout the country. Infection can occur to your dog simply by drinking from a pond, puddle, gutter runoff, even swimming pools, if the parasite is in these water sources. It is also possible for your dog to contract it directly from another infected dog. Giardia causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and poor weight gain. This infection can be very difficult to get under control.
Lyme: The bacteria Borrelia causes lyme disease. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease causes malaise, fever, loss of appetite and leads to a chronic arthritis condition.
Rabies: This is probably the most feared viruses of animals and people. It is passed from the bites of bats, skunks, and raccoons. This disease is transmissible to humans.
Acetaminophen(over the counter painkiller) - This affects the liver and red blood cells.
Aspirin - This affects the bone marrow, kidney, and liver.
Antifreeze - This affects the kidneys.
Bleach - This is irritating to the mucous membranes and esophagus.
Bones from fish or poultry - They can cause obstruction or laceration to the digestive system.
Chocolate or Cocoa Bean Mulch - This affects the heart and nervous system.
Grapes or Raisins - They affect the kidneys. Poison control says as few as seven raisins or grapes could be toxic.
Mothballs - This affects the nervous system and liver.
Onions/Garlic - They may cause anemia.
Rat Poison - Causes blood clotting.
Xylitol - Sugar substitute found in some major chewing gum brands, this artificial sweetener is used in many diabetic products as well. Within 30 minutes of ingesting, dogs experience a huge drop in their blood sugar. This is followed by vomiting, difficulty standing or walking. Some dogs have seizures, internal hemorrhaging and lesions, and suffer liver failure. Xylitol is toxic for dogs.
This is not an all inclusive list of household toxins. If you know or suspect that your dog has been exposed to any toxin, see your veterinarian.
