Da2pp (Distemper, Adenovirus-2, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
Distemper: Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral illness similar to the measles in humans. Your dog can contract the virus through direct contact with an infected animal or through indirect contact such as with bedding or food bowls used by infected animals or wildlife feces.
Symptoms include a high fever, weakness, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea. As the disease progresses, it attacks the nervous system and may cause seizures and paralysis.
For adult dogs, the mortality rate is less than 50 percent. For puppies, however, the mortality rate is as high as 80 percent.
Adenovirus-2 and Parainfluenza:
Adenovirus-2 and parainfluenza are two different viruses that can play roles in kennel cough. Your dog can contract the virus through direct contact with an infected animal or through indirect contact such as with bedding or food bowls used by infected animals or wildlife feces.
Symptoms include loud coughs, runny noses and mucus discharge, wheezing and decreased appetite.
No treatment is available for the viral infections. Antibiotics and cough suppressants treat secondary bacterial infections and treat symptoms.
Parvovirus:
Parvovirus is a fast-acting virus with a high mortality rate. The virus can survive in the environment for up to a year, so just a simple walk around the block is enough for your dog to contract the virus when he stops to sniff where another dog may have been.
Symptoms begin with a loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. A strong, distinctive odor is present; the stool may contain mucus or blood.
Puppies are more commonly affected and are at higher risk of mortality, though parvovirus can affect dogs of any age. There is no cure, but early treatment with intravenous fluids increases the chance of survival. With most cases, the survival rate is 70 percent.
When to Vaccinate:
Puppy: 6-8 weeks of age, then additional boosters at 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age.
Adults: Yearly
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium commonly associated with respiratory disease in dogs.cx It is commonly called Kennel Cough. Bordetella is highly contagious, easily transmitted through the air or direct contact, and resistant to destruction in the environment.
In healthy adult dogs, Bordetella typically causes no more than a mild illness. In puppies or dogs with underlying health issues, however, it can cause severe illness or even death.
When to Vaccinate:
Puppies: Intrinasally 3 weeks of age, followed by a booster 2-4 weeks later, or 6-8 weeks of age, followed by a booster between 10-12 weeks of age.
Adults: Every 6 months-Yearly
Leptospirosis is a potentially serious disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira interrogans. The organism is usually spread through ingesting infected urine, but can also be spread through contact with open wounds.
The leptospirosis organisms rapidly advance through the bloodstream leading to fever, joint pain, and general malaise. Because the organism settles in the kidneys and actually reproduces there, inflammation and even kidney failure may develop. Unfortunately, liver failure is another common sequela to infection. Kidney and liver failure both have deadly consequences.
Common carriers of the organism include raccoons, opossums, rodents, skunks, and dogs. It affects dogs but can also infect a wide variety of domestic and wild animals as well as humans.
When to Vaccinate:
Puppies: 12 weeks old, then repeated two to four weeks later.
Adults: Yearly
Rabies is a fatal viral infection that is transmitted primarily through bite wounds.
The Rabies virus attacks the nervous system. Symptoms include fever, headache, excess salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis, and mental confusion.
Skunks, bats, raccoons, and foxes are the primary carriers. Rabies is fatal to domestic and wild animals as well as humans.
When to Vaccinate:
Puppies: 3-4 months of age
Adults: Yearly- Every 3 Years
*Each state varies in its rabies law, most states require rabies vaccine every three years for adult pets, but some states still require them annually.