Saturday, December 19, 2009

Know Your 5-in-1 and 6-in-1 Vaccine

5 in 1 DHPP, and 6 in 1 - DHLPP
The 5 in 1 vaccination provides protection from Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus type 2), Parainfluenza, & Parvovirus. The 6 in 1 vaccination provides protection against the aforementioned diseases, as well as against Leptospirosis. This vaccination is the most important vaccination and may start as early as 8 weeks in healthy dogs, boostered until 4 months old. Below are descriptions of the diseases from which the 5 in1 (DHPP) vaccination protects puppies & dogs.

A. Distemper
Basics
This virus is part of what the DHPP, or 5 in 1 (or 6 in 1), vaccine fights. This is the "D" in DHPP, DHLPP, or the main part of the 5 in 1 and 6 in 1 vaccine. This is the most important vaccine a dog should get!!!!

Distemper is widespread, serious, often deadly, and can affect almost any carnivore, wild or domestic. Canine distemper is a contagious viral disease, seen most frequently in puppies 3 to 6 months old, but dogs of all ages are at risk..

Early signs of the disease are fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, conjunctivitis (runny eyes), and sometimes a nasal discharge.

As the disease progresses, symptoms include diarrhea, pneumonia, convulsions, and paralysis. Prevention by vaccination is recommended as the essential means of controlling canine distemper. Start vaccinating ideally at 8 weeks, then re-vaccinate every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then annual booster.

Specifics
Called "The Great Masquerader", canine distemper disease can infect any organ system, but frequently attacks the nervous system. 90% of dogs that become infected will die. The disease is difficult to survive, since young puppies are most frequently infected. Thus, vaccination is essential.


B. Hepatitis
Basics
Another component of the 5 in 1 and 6 in 1, or DHPP/DHLPP vaccine. Infectious Canine Hepatitis is a contagious viral disease that affects the dog's liver, primarily. Early signs are similar to those seen in Distemper. The disease is transmitted by direct contact with urine from an infected dog. The canine strain of hepatitis does not cause hepatitis in humans.

This disease can cause fever, enlarged liver, pain, and even death. It can also cause respiratory tract illness. Vaccination with the Adenovirus Type 2 vaccine (CAV-2) is very effective in preventing this disease.

Specifics
Adenovirus type 1 causes Hepatitis, but you never want to vaccinate with with the Adenovirus 1 (CAV-1) vaccine, which can cause severe side-effects (blue-eye, kidney infections). Adenovirus type 2 causes pneumonia. Respiratory tract illness caused by type 2 is spread by aerosol droplets. The vaccine (type 2, CAV-2) provides protection for both type 1 and type 2 infections. So Luv My Pet, Inc. uses this vaccine safely.


C. Leptospirosis
Basics
This is the final component of the 6 in 1, or DHLPP vaccine. (not included in the 5 in 1 – DHPP vaccine).

Leptospirosis is an infectious bacterial disease transmitted by contact with the urine of an infected dog, rat, or other wildlife. Infection occurs through oral mucous membranes, the cornea of the eye and the skin. The disease can produce very severe symptoms of high fever, depression, jaundice and internal bleeding, and eventual death. Recovered animals may suffer from chronic kidney disease.

Any dog that goes outside to use the bathroom, or has a chance to sniff puddles of water, can be at risk for Lepto, especially in areas with rodents and racoons. Unless your dog is allergic to the vaccine, it is recommended for most dogs over 3 months of age.

Specifics
Leptospirosis can be spread from dogs to humans, so prevention of the disease in pets is of paramount importance. Dogs often become carriers and shedders of the bacterial organism, thus vaccination is a most important element in controlling the disease. Nonetheless, there are some possible "negatives" attached to this vaccine.

For example, there are many strains of Lepto that can cause the disease. However, there is no vaccine currently available to use as protection against many of these strains. Also, this vaccine often causes allergic reactions, fever, and muscle aches in vaccinated pets. Also, the vaccine is only good for about 4-6 months.

Therefore, we recommend vaccination with Lepto IF the dog is specifically at risk, but otherwise not to give the vaccine.

Dogs at risk include hunting dogs, dogs with access to marshy water, low-laying or standing water, and lakes.

Other at-risk canines include dogs that interact with rodents, or have rodents in their environment.

Ft. Dodge offers a vaccine for Lepto that contains 4 different strains. This product should be used if the dog is at risk for Lepto.

D. Parvovirus
Basics
Another part of the DHPP or DHLPP vaccines. (5 in 1 and 6 in 1) This virus causes bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and mainly infects puppies. Parvo is highly contagious and difficult to survive – dogs must be hospitalized to live. The bills can reach over $1,000 and the dog may still die. Vaccination is the safe and recommended preventative course of action.


Specifics
Transmission of Parvovirus organisms occurs through the infected dog's feces and can be transported on the fur/hair or feet of infected dogs, on clothing and by contact with inanimate objects like food bowls and toys. The virus is particularly resistant and can persist in the environment for many months. Minimizing contact with other dogs and their stool and the use of a chlorine-based disinfectant can control the spread of the disease to some degree.

Parvovirus is highly contagious, and attacks rapidly dividing cells, most commonly intestinal cells, and sometimes the heart muscle cells as well. Because the intestinal cells are destroyed, nothing is able to be absorbed in the intestines, and violent, bloody diarrhea and vomiting results. Secondary endotoxic shock occurs, forming infection through the denuded intestinal tract. Dogs in this condition quickly dehydrate. Giving any food or medications by mouth to a dog infected with Parvovirus only worsens the situation, therefore parvoviral infections require hospital stays to receive intravenous medications and hydration. Even hospitalization and treatment does not ensure recovery from Parvovirus. Therefore, vaccination is recommended – ideally starting at 8 weeks old, vaccinating every 2-4 weeks until at least 16 week of age, then booster annually.

Note: Rottweillers & Dobermans have an immune system weakness for this virus and should get boostered up to 20 weeks of age.

E. Parainfluenza
Basics
Another part of the DHPP or DHLPP vaccines. (5 in 1 and 6 in 1)

Parainfluenza is a common, though highly contagious, viral upper respiratory disease. The signs may be very mild, but may progress if other conditions exist. Since signs are mild, the disease can be spread to other unprotected dogs without being readily noticed.


Specifics
Transmitted by sneezing or coughing (nasal secretions by infected dogs), Parainfluenza contributes to upper respiratory disease and infection tracheobronchitis. The vaccine to protect against this disease is combined with other vaccines (in 5 and 6 in 1 vaccine) to offer broader protection. We recommend starting vaccination as early as 8 weeks old, vaccinating every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks old, then booster annually.

Possible side effects from the 5 in 1 (DHPP) include depression, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, muscle aches in some dogs. However, these side effects are transient


http://www.luvmypet.com/vaccination-info.html

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Personalized Dog Tag


I'm so excited about my latest buy for Zohan-a personalized dog id tag. I was able to find one ( after a tedious search) from Pawsh Couture.
Our transaction was hassle free and it's a good thing that she's joining a bazaar at Cuenca (Ayala Alabang) because Im picking up Zohan's dog bone pet id tag!
It will bear his name in front, along with his birthdate andmy contact number at the back.

Dog Cologne

Pups are supposed to be bathed once a week...so you can imagine that, well, they stick...what I usually do is to use baby wipes just as so he smells good in between baths and put on dog cologne-yup they do have colognes specifically for pooches.
Zohan for one, is fond of sitting on my lap!
I remember being told that our perfume causes our pooches to sneeze so they are definitely to strong for them Glad I was able to buy Top Dog Cologne (Php170.00, Pet Passion) in Tutti Frutti scent! There are other brands in the markt but they are way too expensive like Pet Crazy Dog (Php 399.75 @ Ace Hardware).