Prevention Pays.

Most well-kept adult dogs enjoy good health and seldom show signs of sickness. Dogs don’t fake illnesses either, so if Spot ever appears to be sick or in pain, it’s a good idea to visit your veterinarian immediately. While dogs have different tolerances for pain, and some scream over a stubbed toe while others suffer a broken leg in silence, you will soon know your own dog well enough to trust your instincts. And your instincts are exactly what you should trust when deciding if Spot needs to visit his veterinarian. If something seems wrong (even though you can’t pinpoint it), make the visit. Early treatment is always better for your dog and easier on your wallet than the aftermath of a wait-and-see attitude.

Many of the most dangerous dog diseases are preventable through vaccinations, while other problems can be avoided through adequate housing, good grooming practices, proper nutrition, and regular exercise. Next to you and your family, your veterinarian is your dog’s best friend. Take Spot to the vet for a complete physical examination within two days of acquiring him, whether his next vaccination is due or not.

Visiting the Veterinarian

Spot’s reaction to riding in the car and visiting the veterinarian will depend upon his previous experiences. He may jump in the car and greet the vet with a happy slurp, or he may get carsick on the way and sink to the floor of the clinic, shaking in terror. While something in between the extremes is most likely the following suggestions should help:

• Feed Spot two or three hard dog biscuits an hour or more before driving him to the veterinarian, as that may keep him from getting carsick. But just in case, pack a roll of paper towels and a container of those wonderful wet wipes used on human babies. They clean up almost anything. Bring along Spot’s health record if you have it, and a stool sample in a small plastic bag. While waiting in the vet’s office, keep Spot on your lap, in his crate, or sitting quietly by your side. Don’t allow him to play on the floor or sniff strange dogs. He might pick up something contagious.
• Even if thinking about Spot getting a shot makes you nervous, don’t let him know that. Be friendly with the veterinarian, not apprehensive, or Spot will feel your tension and become fearful himself. Some veterinarians have a nurse or technician hold your dog while they administer medication. Others expect you to handle your dog. When holding Spot on the examination table, use as much physical firmness (without roughness) as necessary to keep him in place while talking to him in a happy, upbeat way. Don't console or coddle him or he’ll be certain something terrible is happening. Spot will take his cues from you. If he senses that you like the vet, he’ll learn to like his vet too.

Vaccinations are Vital

When you acquire Spot, you should receive a list of his inoculations and his worming schedule, complete with dates. Give a copy of this health record to your veterinarian so he or she can plan future treatments. If you have no record, your veterinarian should administer protective vaccines immediately. These vaccinations are Spot’s best protection against a variety of potentially fatal diseases. The number and type of inoculations your veterinarian recommends may depend upon your locale. Tell your veterinarian if you plan to travel a lot with Spot, as exposure to new places and strange dogs may demand extra precautions. Don’t take Spot on any outings until his inoculations are complete, and bring him back to the clinic for booster shots every year.

Combination shots have various names depending upon the company that made them, but many of their names are made up of letters, such as DHLPP. The following sections tell you what the letters stand for, and why those preventative shots are so essential for your dog.

D is for Distemper

Distemper virus is the number-one killer of unvaccinated dogs and spreads rapidly from one dog to another. Its victims are usually puppies, but adult dogs contact it too. Because distemper shows up in various forms, it is sometimes difficult for veterinarians to diagnose. While dogs with distemper occasionally recover, they often suffer permanent damage to the brain or nervous system. Symptoms of distemper include diarrhea, vomiting, reduced appetite, cough, nasal discharge, inflamed eyes, fever, exhaustion, and lack of interest in toys or games. If you ever think Spot has come down with distemper (even though he has been vaccinated), take him to the veterinarian immediately. The earlier treatment begins, the better his chance of survival.

H is for Hepatitis

Infectious canine hepatitis spreads through contact with an infected dog’s stool, urine, or saliva. Hepatitis in dogs is not transmissible to man, although it affects the liver just as it does in the human form. One specific symptom is intense thirst, but all the other symptoms are similar to those of distemper. The disease progresses rapidly and is often fatal, so prompt veterinary treatment is critical.

L is for Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is caused by a spirochete, a microorganism that’s often carried by rats. It can infect a dog that has contact with a rat or eats something contaminated by rats. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea or urine, fever, depression, red and congested eyes and mouth membranes, painful mouth ulcers, vomiting, increased thirst, loss of appetite, pain when moving, and sometimes, reddish or jaundiced eyes. The dog’s kidneys and liver can be permanently damaged by this disease, so quick veterinary treatment is essential. Since humans can contact Leptospirosis, it’s important to prevent infecting yourself when caring for a sick dog. Your veterinarian will explain the proper precautions.

P is for Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a deadly killer that was unknown in dogs until 1977. It is believed to be a type of feline distemper that mutated to infect dogs. The virus attacks the stomach lining, bone marrow, and lymph nodes, and in young puppies, the heart. It spreads rapidly from dog to dog through contaminated stools, easily carried and spread via dog paws or shoes. Beginning with depression and loss of appetite, symptoms soon progress to vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and fever.

Puppies with infected hearts (myocardial Parvovirus) often die suddenly or within one or two days of contacting the disease. Those few that recover may develop chronic heart problems later. How severely adult dogs are affected depends upon the individual dog. Some become violently ill, while others just lose their appetite for a day or two.

P is also for Parainfluenza

Parainfluenza is also known by a couple of other names. Veterinarians often refer to it as Infectious Canine Tracheobronchitis, while its common name is kennel cough. Highly contagious from dog to dog, Parainfluenza is caused by several different viruses, as well as a bacterium. Symptoms are a frequent dry, hacking cough and sometimes a nasal discharge. Other than that, the dog usually appears to feel fine, and many dogs infected with kennel cough don’t even miss a meal. Dogs vaccinated against Parainfluenza sometimes come down with it anyway, but generally have milder symptoms than unvaccinated dogs. While the disease is seldom dangerous as it runs its course in mature dogs, it can be perilous in puppies. Don’t panic if Spot gets Parainfluenza, but do take him to the veterinarian. Many vets prescribe medication to control coughing and antibiotics to prevent complications.

Rabies

Rabies is always fatal, and a dog with rabies is a danger to humans and animals. The disease is a virus which can infect dogs that come in contact with squirrels, skunks, foxes, bats, cats, raccoons, or other animals that already have the virus. Rabies affects the nervous system and is generally passed from animal to animal, or animal to man, by infected saliva—usually from a bite. However, it may also infect a victim through cuts or scratches that come in contact with a rabid animal’s saliva.

One of the first signs of rabies is a difference in disposition. A gentle dog may become aggressive, or an independent dog may suddenly crave affection. Soon the dog’s pupils may become dilated and light may appear to cause him pain. Eventually the dog will want no attention or petting at all and may show signs of stomach trouble and a fever. Later symptoms can include lack of coordination, random biting, bared teeth, twitching facial muscles, and loss of control of the facial muscles, resulting in an open mouth with the tongue hanging out. The dog’s voice may change and he may drool, paw at his mouth, and cough. Eventually he slips into a coma and dies. All warm-blooded animals are subject to the disease, so anyone bitten by a dog (or any other animal) should see a doctor right away.

Rabies vaccine prevents this dread disease. Your veterinarian will give the rabies shot separately, not in combination with the other vaccines. Some rabies shots are good for longer than a year, so ask your vet when Spot’s vaccination should be renewed.

Say NO to Deadly Diseases

After that list of gloom and doom, how about a cheerful reminder? Preventative medicine will keep Spot safe from all of those deadly diseases. Just follow the vaccination schedule your veterinarian recommends.