Health

There is alot of information on brushing your dogs teeth.  I have heard that because of the long jaw, as they age bacteria in their mouth, (specifically around and in the back teeth) can lead to illness, and death.  I feed dry dog food, and have NEVER had any problem with this.  I will say the dogs I have know that seem to need more dental care ate alot of soft food, and table scraps. 

If you have an older dog or want to support joint health due to an injury you can give them 500Mg Vitamin C, 750Mg Glucosamine HCL and 600Mg Chondroitin.  You can find them for humans in 1500Mg Glucosamine and 1200Mg Chondroitin; just break the pills in half.  They have to have the vitamin C or the body will not absorb them properly.  

I recommend Lane Veterinary in Chelsea, Mi 734-475-8696.  I do not intend to incur an additional visit to the vet by the 10 day health check in the sales contract, and then again 2 weeks later for the second puppy shots.  If something is wrong you are going to know it before 10 days go by.  It would also be discovered when the pups go in for their first doctor appointment and shot at 6 weeks!  They check ears, eyes, listen to heart, lungs, weigh them, in males check the testicles have dropped, assess them, and administer their first shot! If you have any concerns, you are welcome to call them about any health concerns after they have seen the pups. The pups are seen and receive their first shots at 6 weeks. 

First rabies at 1 year of age for 1 year.  The next rabies booster shot I get the 3 year. In elder dogs I cut back down to the 1 year, if at all. 

DHLPP This vaccine protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Paravovirus, and Parainfluenza.  

Distemper spreads through direct contact or by contact with objects contaminated by an infected dog.  In young pups, the virus usually causes signs of respiratory disease, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and nasal discharge.  Diarrhea and vomiting are also common.  Most infected pups do not survive, those that do may develop seizures or other complications later in life.  Fortunately, vaccination can stimulate very effective protection.

Canine Infectious Hepatitis, a severe liver infection cause by a virus, is extremely rare in the United States.  The vaccine is highly effective and typically included in the basic puppy vaccine. Type 1 Canine Adenovirus infections cause this.  Type 2 Canine Adenovirus can be a complicating factor in kennel cough.  

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects adult dogs more often then pups, Infection targets the kidneys and its spread to other dogs through urine, urine-contaminated objects, or drinking contaminated water.  The vaccine is not greatly effective and protection is short-lived. This component of the puppy vaccine is quite likely to cause adverse reactions, such as local irritation, swelling of the face, difficult breathing, or collapse.  Since vaccines are available without the Leptospirosis component, ask your vet for advice.   Newer vaccines have recently been marketed in hopes of producing more effective protection.  **I do not vaccinate against Leptospirosis in pups.  

Parvovirus (CPV) is a common and potentially deadly virus that causes fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Sick dogs and dogs who survive infection can spread the virus in their feces, thru exposure can occur in yards and parks, or almost anywhere.  Vaccination can provide very effective protection.

Canine Coronavirus (CCV) Coronavirus is highly contagious and can weaken dogs by causing severe diarrhea and vomiting.  The disease is sometimes confused with Parvovirus.  The two diseases may occur simultaneously in which case symptoms are more severe.

Parainfluenza virus is a major component of kennel cough, a disease characterized by prolonged periods of deep coughing.  Infection is spread through respiratory secretions in the air or via contaminated surfaces.  Kennel cough is a more common threat to adult dogs, since exposure usually occurs at boarding facilities, kennels, and other areas with dense populations of dogs.

It's believed that kennel cough is caused by several viruses and the bacterium Bordetella Bronchiseptica, and is transmitted in the nasal secretions of infected dogs.  Signs include an intermittent dry hacking cough, and in some cases nasal discharge.  The Bordetella vaccine, available as nasal drops or injection, will protect against kennel cough.

Rabies is transmitted through direct contact with the saliva of an infected animal, commonly a skunk, fox, raccoon, or bat.  The virus attacks the central nervous system, and no treatment is available.  Rabies infection is fatal, but is almost totally preventable with the initial vaccination and a regular schedule of boosters.  

This is a sample list - Different Veterinarians recommend up to 4 boosters prior to the annual shot.  I give 1st and 2nd, and then booster at 1 yr.  Please see your Veterinarian for appropriate protection for your pet needs.  i.e. If you do not board your pet you may not need Bordetellosis (Kennel Cough).

Your puppy receives their first puppy shot at 6 weeks.  Second puppy shot is due at 9-10 weeks of age.  

*Nemex-2 (Pyrantel Pamoate)  1ml for each 2 pounds body weight.  

** I do not give as pups, only as adults due to small dogs sometimes have a reaction as described above.

Large Roundworms and Hookworms are transmitted in-utero.  

 Normal pulse for a large to medium size dog is 70 - 100

Smaller Breeds 100 - 130

Puppies up to 200 beats per minute.

Normal Temperature is 101 degrees Fahrenheit.   

If you ever have a problem with an aging dog and or renal problems there is a Charcoal based paste given orally that removes toxins.   It comes in a large plastic syringe like horse paste wormer does.  Click here for the site that supplies it.  They have a zip code store finder  

If you EVER have ANY question, I am always a phone call or email away.

1-877-655-2008   ~ Toll Free     dewco@casair.net