Vaccination Recommendations for Dogs

Every dogs immunization needs may vary according to the many different diseases prevalent in the environment and the relevance of those diseases to its individual wellness.  We are here to help you evaluate these risks and address your pet’s specific vaccination needs.

Vaccination is a valuable preventive measure against infectious disease, and can help avoid potential illness and hardship for both you and your dog.  Vaccination is a relatively inexpensive and safe way of preventing diseases that jeopardize the life your pet and may cost much more to treat.

Organisms that can cause disease are prevalent in most dog populations.  Fortunately, regular booster vaccination protects against outbreaks of disease caused by these organisms.  Your participation in the process of regular vaccination of your dog protects your pet and helps protect the greater population of dogs in your community.

Pet vaccination offers the additional benefit of reducing the threat of zoonotic illnesses in humans.  Rabies is the most important of these diseases.

You can rely on your veterinarian as the best source of accurate pet health information.  During your visit to your veterinarian your pet’s risk of disease will be assessed and an appropriate vaccination program will be recommended.  Regular vaccination visits and physical examination of your pet go hand-in-hand in ensuring continued good health for your “best friend”.

Nervous System Diseases

Rabies.  This is a fatal viral disease of all mammals including dogs, cats, livestock and humans.  Infected wildlife and unvaccinated animals are the source of this virus.  Rabies is a major health hazard so it is extremely important that your pet be vaccinated against it.  In many cases vaccination is required by municipal law and for travel outside Canada.

Distemper.  Vaccination against distemper virus is essential for all dogs.  Nearly every dog will be exposed to distemper virus in its lifetime, and when infection occurs it is often fatal.  Distemper virus attacks many body organs, such as the nervous system.  Symptoms include listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting and discharge from the eyes and nose.  In its final stages it may cause convulsions and paralysis.  Death may occur one to three weeks after infection.

Contagious Respiratory Disease or Kennel Cough

Canine Cough, Tracheobronchitis.  Several types of bacteria and viruses are known to cause infection and inflammation of the lungs and respiratory passages of dogs.  Primary among these are adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica.  The stress associated with boarding and increased exposure to these organisms commonly results in “kennel-cough” in susceptible dogs.

Gastrointestinal Diseases

Parvovirus.  This highly contagious and debilitating virus is spread through infected fecal material.  It is a very hardy virus and can survive outside its host’s body in the environment for extended periods.  In severe cases it can lead to shock and death.  Vaccination against parvovirus is extremely important for all dogs.

Tick-Borne Disease

Lyme Disease.  The bacteria which cause Lyme disease in dogs and humans is carried by species of ticks commonly found in some regions of Canada.  Lyme disease is very difficult to diagnose due to the incubation period and vague, arthritic, flu-like symptoms which may accompany it.  Lyme-causing bacteria damage many different organs as the disease progresses including the liver, heart, nervous system and kidneys. Infective ticks as small as the head of a pin may inhabit urban and rural lawns and gardens as well as fields and forests.  Cool, wet weather in the spring and fall increases your pet’s risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Infectious Disease of the Liver and Kidneys

Adenovirus.  This virus is spread between dogs by contact with urine, feces, and other secretions from infected animals.  The liver is the primary organ affected and death due to hepatitis is possible in severe cases.

Leptospirosis.  This is a serious bacterial disease of mammals including dogs and humans.  Many organs may be attacked by the leptospira bacteria; however, the liver and/or kidney are the most frequently affected.  Symptoms of the disease may include fever, vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain and increased urination.  Diagnosis can be difficult and if left untreated, death may occur.  Leptospira bacteria are harboured in the bodies of wildlife, rodents and livestock and are expressed in the urine of infected animals.  Any surface water which becomes contaminated by this urine represents a source of infection to your pet.  Increased rainfall may elevate your pet’s risk of contracting leptospirosis as the organism favours wet, warm conditions.

There are many serovars of Leptospira bacteria; however, specific serovars may predominate in specific geographic regions.  Common serovars in Canada include Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa and Pomona.  Leptospirosis is the world’s most common infectious disease shared by both animals and man.

All of the above diseases can be prevented by vaccination. Please give us a call if you have any questions regarding your per’s lifestyle, and we can decide together which vaccines are most appropriate for your pet.

Vaccination Recommendations

Every pet’s immunization needs may vary according to the many different diseases prevalent in its environment and the relevance of those diseases to its individual wellness.  Your veterinarian will help you evaluate these risks and address your pet’s specific vaccination needs.

Vaccination is a valuable preventive measure against infectious disease, and can help avoid potential illness and hardship for both you and your pet.  Vaccination is a relatively inexpensive and safe way of preventing diseases that jeopardize the life your pet and may cost much more to treat.

Organisms that can cause disease are prevalent in most pet populations.  Fortunately, regular booster vaccination protects against outbreaks of disease caused by these organisms.  Your participation in the process of regular vaccination of your dog protects your pet and helps protect the greater population of dogs in your community.

Pet vaccination offers the additional benefit of reducing the threat of zoonotic illnesses in humans.  Rabies is the most important of these diseases.

You can rely on your veterinarian as the best source of accurate pet health information.  During your visit to your veterinarian your pet’s risk of disease will be assessed and an appropriate vaccination program will be recommended.  Regular vaccination visits and physical examination of your pet go hand-in-hand in ensuring continued good health for your “best friend”.

Nervous System Diseases

Rabies.  This is a fatal viral disease of all mammals including dogs, cats, livestock and humans.  Infected wildlife and unvaccinated animals are the source of this virus.  Rabies is a major health hazard so it is extremely important that your pet be vaccinated against it.  In many cases vaccination is required by municipal law and for travel outside Canada.

Distemper.  Vaccination against distemper virus is essential for all dogs.  Nearly every dog will be exposed to distemper virus in its lifetime, and when infection occurs it is often fatal.  Distemper virus attacks many body organs, such as the nervous system.  Symptoms include listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting and discharge from the eyes and nose.  In its final stages it may cause convulsions and paralysis.  Death may occur one to three weeks after infection.

Contagious Respiratory Disease

Canine-Cough or Tracheobronchitis.  Several types of bacteria and viruses are known to cause infection and inflammation of the lungs and respiratory passages of dogs.  Primary among these are adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica.  The stress associated with boarding and increased exposure to these organisms commonly results in “kennel-cough” in susceptible dogs.

Gastrointestinal Diseases

Parvovirus.  This highly contagious and debilitating virus is spread through infected fecal material.  It is a very hardy virus and can survive outside its host’s body in the environment for extended periods.  In severe cases it can lead to shock and death.  Vaccination against parvovirus is extremely important for all dogs.

Coronavirus.  Canine coronavirus can cause serious disease leading to death when it strikes in tandem with parvovirus.  Puppies are particularly susceptible to severe symptoms.  Infected dogs shed the virus into the environment via their feces.

Giardia.  This is the most common waterborne parasites in North America.  Virtually all mammals, including dogs, cats and humans, are susceptible to Giardia infection.  Surface water contaminated by the fecal material of infected wildlife, birds and livestock is thought to be the primary source of this organism.  Giardia can infect your pet when it comes in contact with or drinks from contaminated puddles, ponds, ditches or streams.  This protozoan parasite is very resistant to cold temperatures.  Allergic symptoms in infected individuals have been associated with Giardia.

Tick-Borne Disease

Lyme Disease.  The bacteria which cause Lyme disease in dogs and humans is carried by species of ticks commonly found in some regions of Canada.  Lyme disease is very difficult to diagnose due to the incubation period and vague, arthritic, flu-like symptoms which may accompany it.  Lyme-causing bacteria damage many different organs as the disease progresses including the liver, heart, nervous system and kidneys. Infective ticks as small as the head of a pin may inhabit urban and rural lawns and gardens as well as fields and forests.  Cool, wet weather in the spring and fall increases your pet’s risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Infectious Disease of the Liver and Kidneys

Adenovirus.  This virus is spread between dogs by contact with urine, feces, and other secretions from infected animals.  The liver is the primary organ affected and death due to hepatitis is possible in severe cases.

Leptospirosis.  This is a serious bacterial disease of mammals including dogs and humans.  Many organs may be attacked by the leptospira bacteria; however, the liver and/or kidney are the most frequently affected.  Symptoms of the disease may include fever, vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain and increased urination.  Diagnosis can be difficult and if left untreated, death may occur.  Leptospira bacteria are harboured in the bodies of wildlife, rodents and livestock and are expressed in the urine of infected animals.  Any surface water which becomes contaminated by this urine represents a source of infection to your pet.  Increased rainfall may elevate your pet’s risk of contracting leptospirosis as the organism favours wet, warm conditions.

There are many serovars of Leptospira bacteria; however, specific serovars may predominate in specific geographic regions.  Common serovars in Canada include canicola, icterohaemorrhagiae, grippotyphosa and Pomona.  Leptospirosis is the world’s most common infectious disease shared by both animals and man.





Wildlife Triage Guidelines - Things You Should Know Before You Intervene

WILD BABY BIRDS

What should I do if I find a baby bird?

In the spring and summer, it is not unusual to encounter a baby bird on the ground. The immediate response of a kind-hearted human is to take the little “orphan” home and then try to figure out what to do with it. The intention of this information document is to assist you in what to do and most importantly, who can help you.

If the baby appears to be in good condition and too young (a “nestling”) to leave the nest, then the first thing you should attempt to do is locate, and if possible, return the baby to it’s correct nest. If the nest cannot be located then put the bird in a small container, flowerpot or basket up in a tree in the general area where the baby was found. The parents will not reject the bird because it has “human” smell on it. A “nestling” is a bird not yet fully covered by feathers and has some skin showing. It cannot yet stand on its own.

We human “good Samaritans” have to remember birds naturally look after their families. Finding a baby on the ground (a “fledgling”) is not always a sign of distress. “Fledgling” birds are fully covered with feathers even though the wing and tail feathers are still short and partially encased in sheaths as they continue to grow. Baby birds often hop around the ground for up to 2 weeks while the parents continue to look after them and until they learn to fly. Parent birds leave their offspring for brief periods of time to search for food. If you interfere then, the adults may return to find their chick has been taken unnecessarily when in fact they were looking after everything just fine. Human care or rehabilitation is only a substitute. Parental care is by far the best for a baby bird. Careful and patient observation of the young bird will prevent unnecessary separation of families or “bird-napping”.

What are the signs of an abandoned baby bird or one in need of medical attention?

Knowing the right time to take a baby bird into your care is based on certain signs that may indicate the parents are not around or the bird is in need of veterinary attention. The following is a list of guidelines or signs to help you make this important decision.

·        blood from nose or beak, swelling or bruising around head indicating possible head trauma

·        blood, obvious wounds or growths anywhere on the body

·        limping, dragging or dangling wings or legs

·        wings or legs protruding at abnormal angles from the body

·        bird is using wings to move along ground or for support

·        head tilts, persistent circling motions, twitching, spasms or apparent blindness

·        bird is not moving at all, lethargic, listless, non-responsive to sound or movement

·        gasping, sneezing, wheezing or other breathing difficulties

·        mucous, blood or pussy discharges from eye, nose, ears, mouth or anus (vent)

·        bloating

·        no droppings over a period of several hours

·        excessive feather loss or damage (not to be mistaken for the partial feather growth of a fledgling baby)

·        cat has had baby bird in its mouth

If you have made the decision to take a wild bird into your care then it is crucial to keep it warm, in a dark, quiet, draft free location until immediate, qualified help is available. Do not attempt to force food or water into the mouth as the young bird could choke and the complications could prove fatal. The wrong type of food could do more harm than good.

Wash your hands well to help prevent the spread of parasites and disease to your family and pets.

Who do I contact for assistance in the care of the abandoned or injured bird?

It is best NOT to attempt this “good Samaritan” venture on your own. Despite your best intentions, there are trained people available to assist or take over the care giving roles needed to heal and rehabilitate the bird to enable it’s successful return to the wild. Large amounts of time, attention, expertise and space are needed for the young birds to learn flight, finding food and socialization. The goal is not to have a wild “pet” but to return the bird to a quality life in the wild where it belongs.

Please contact your local veterinarian immediately for directions to the qualified rehabilitators nearest you.

OTHER WILDLIFE SPECIES

Before you intervene and pick that baby animal up… check these general guidelines to help you establish if that animal needs to be brought to a rehabilitation facility.

• Is it bleeding?
• Are the eyes, ears, nose; mouth and bottom end clear of any discharges or strong smells?
• Does it look ‘bloated’ around the abdomen or anywhere on the body?
• Visually split the animal in half – is one half noticeably different than the other?
• Are there any obvious wounds, puncture marks, scratches, lumps or swelling anywhere?
• Is it wet or oily/greasy looking?  Does it have an unusual odor to it?
• Is one leg/limb ‘crooked’ in comparison to the other?  Is it dragging a leg or both back legs?
• Is animal walking abnormally and not putting equal weight on all limbs or legs?
• Is it trembling, shaking or does it have its head tilted to one side?
• Is it walking in circles?
• If the eyes are open are they white?
• Does it make a ‘clicking’ noise when it breathes?
• Is it sneezing?
• Is it gasping for breath?
• Is it dehydrated?
• Is it cold to the touch, curled up in a ball, or shivering?
• Is it crawling with fleas, lice, ticks or mites?
• Are there maggots on it or in its eyes, ears, nostrils or rectum?
• Has it been in your cat or dog’s mouth?
• You have put the animal back where you found it and left it there (without hovering over it every few seconds) and returned 24-48 hrs later and it’s still there. (Please note with baby bunnies and baby deer that the mom only returns at most 2 – 3 times daily).
• It’s found with its siblings and/or parent and some, or all of them are dead.
• It was found in a swimming pool, under the hood of a car, or is stumbling around in the middle of a roadway in an area where there is heavy traffic.

If you have answered no to the above questions, the animal does not need any intervention from a human. If unsure you please call us (905) 623-4431.