Other Preventative Medicines And Vaccine
- Heartworms and Ticks
As the name implies, heartworms are parasites that target the heart. These pathogens grow inside our dogs bodies and infiltrate major organs such as the heart, liver, and the kidneys, and they suck out nutrition weakening the bodies of our beloved pets.
Dogs should be tested annually for heartworm disease and tick-borne diseases. Veterinarians typically require a heartworm test before refilling heartworm preventative medications.
The heartworm test costs $10 to $50 but could cost around a minimum of $30 if it is combined with tests for tick-borne diseases.
Giving heartworm preventative is dangerous if dogs are already infected. There is always a small chance that dogs will still test positive even if they are already being treated.
Prevention of heartworm is important. Heartworm treatment is extremely expensive and dangerous. 3M Melarsomine IM injections cost around $340 to $860depending on your dogs weight.
Cheaper alternatives would be other heartworm preventative medications that range from $12 to $50 for a six-month supply. A six-month supply of flea and tick preventative costs $40 to $120. These costs vary based on the size of your dog and the brands of preventatives.
The drug manufacturers guarantee their product. They will reimburse treatment costs in very rare instances that the preventative fail.
To Vaccinate Or Not To Vaccinate
When deciding whether you should vaccinate the decision is yours.
What is crucial is that the decision is based on science.
NOT on the false belief that a simple vaccine will solve all your problems when it comes to your puppys health and longevity.
There is no way to completely eliminate risk for your puppy you can only choose which risk you can live with.
You need to make your own vaccine decision because, in the end, you are the one who has to deal with the consequences.
If you give your puppy the parvovirus vaccine, you are reducing the risk that he may be taken from you suddenly and violently.
But he may also end up suffering from chronic illnesses that will affect his quality of living and, in some cases, may even shorten his life.
- Hypothyroidism
Parvo is tragic when it hits but these diseases can be just as devastating
Signs & Symptoms Of Dog Flu
Cases of dog flu can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include the following:
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Coughing
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Sneezing
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Difficulty breathing
Its important to note that some of the symptoms related to dog flu can also resemble other respiratory diseases, including bordetella and distemper.
Not all dogs infected with canine influenza will show symptoms, but that doesnt mean they arent contagious. Approximately 1020% of dogs who contract dog flu are asymptomatic, while the remaining 8090% develop a clinical infection. Up to 20% of those infected with dog flu will contract a more severe form that manifests with a high fever and pneumonia.
The mortality rate for canine influenza is low, but in cases where secondary bacterial infections present themselves, theres an increased chance of a more severe illness and/or pneumonia, which can be life-threatening without proper treatment.
H3N8 versus H3N2Both strains cause respiratory infections in dogs. H3N8 originated in horses H3N2 originated in birds.
The incubation period for each strain is slightly different. For H3N8, the period is anywhere between 1 to 5 days, with clinical signs appearing 2 to 3 days after exposure. In dogs infected with the H3N2 strain, signs of infection can appear anywhere between 2 and 8 days after infection and shed intermittently for up to 26 days.
While these are the only two strains of dog flu currently confirmed in the US, as with all types of viruses, there is always the risk of new strains emerging.
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Where Did Canine Flu Come From
The initial virus, H3N8, started in horses and transmuted to infect dogs at a greyhound track in Florida in January 2004. The virus spread rapidly to 40 states. The American Veterinary Medical Association says its endemic in parts of Colorado, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania. Cats at an Indiana shelter came down with the virus in March 2016, so it can spread from one species to another.
Then a new virus, H3N2 started in Asia . In March 2015 the virus caused a dogflu outbreak in Chicago. Rumors suggested it arrived with rescue dogs that came from Asia, but thats never been confirmed. H3N2 has now been documented in 30 US states.
But is it really the epidemic they say it is?
Dog Owners Wondering If Fido Needs A Flu Shot
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Last spring, veterinarians in Chicago became overwhelmed by dogs with high fevers, hacking coughs, copiously dripping noses, runny eyes, lethargy and loss of appetite. Over nearly two months, at least 1,500 dogs fell ill, many for as long as three weeks. At least eight died from secondary infections like pneumonia.
Initially, veterinarians thought they were seeing an outbreak of canine influenza, caused by a mutation of H3N8, an equine virus. But these dogs were much sicker for much longer, and the illness seemed more contagious, racing through doggy day care centers, dog parks and especially boarding kennels, which had been filling for the spring holidays.
Eventually virologists identified it as a new strain of canine influenza. This one is a mutation of avian flu, H3N2, which had previously been documented only in Asia. Since the Chicago outbreak, scatterings of cases have been reported in 25 states, with more significant outbreaks in and around Atlanta and Cincinnati.
Now, a vaccine for canine influenza virus H3N2 has received conditional approval from the United States Department of Agriculture, which expedites licensing in emergency situations to avert epidemics. As the holiday travel season approaches, the question is: Should you get your dog vaccinated?
Veterinarians are likely to base recommendations in part on a dogs lifestyle. Does the dog go to day care or a dog park? When owners travel, do they board their dogs in kennels?
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When Should I Vaccinate My Dog
A dogs first set of core vaccinations should be when they are a puppy, ideally between six and nine weeks old. A second set of core vaccines should follow two to four weeks after the first set.
Your vet may recommend that your dog have regular booster vaccinations every twelve months, or alternatively every three years, in order to keep them free from infection. But the choice will ultimately be yours.
Some dog owners choose not to give their dogs booster jabs at all. This is due to popular belief among dog owners who favor a more natural approach to their pets health, and believe that it is unnecessary to re-vaccinate once the dog has established an immunity via the initial vaccinations. Some people even believe that regular annual booster vaccinations can lead to over-vaccination and can compromise a dogs general health and well-being.
Over-vaccination is a real thing, and if you are concerned about over-vaccinating your dog, you should speak to your vet about this for advice. Your vet should have a good indication of your dogs general health, and also how prevalent certain diseases may be depending on where you live. You can ask your vet about an alternative to the annual vaccine, which is to have a titre test instead.
Titre tests are blood tests. They are sent to a laboratory to check for the presence of certain antibodies in the bloodstream. This can help to identify whether a dog will benefit from a booster injection, or whether it is an unnecessary procedure.
Benefits Vs Risks Of Parvovirus Vaccination For Puppies
Youve looked at many important facts when it comes to the parvo virus and vaccination:
- Parvo is a serious illness and, according to vets, can be costly to treat
- The mortality rate of puppies who catch parvo is 15%
- There are treatment options that are more effective in unvaccinated puppies
- If you decide to vaccinate your puppy, you must consider timing, exposure risk, levels of stress, their immune system and whether they are receiving the right nutrients to limit vaccine failure
- Vaccination can lead to autoimmune disease, cancer, heart disease and your puppy contracting the disease you are fighting against parvovirus
At the end of the day, theres a lot to consider.
But do the benefits outweigh the risks? Should you vaccinate your puppy for parvo?
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Bordetella And Canine Parainfluenza
Bordetella and canine parainfluenza virus are two agents associated with a highly contagious cough commonly known as “kennel cough,” or canine infectious respiratory disease complex .
Diseases from these agents typically resolve on their own but sometimes can lead to pneumonia or more severe respiratory disease. Because Bordetella is so contagious, boarding and doggy day care facilities across the US require your pet to have this vaccine.
Parainfluenza may or may not be included in a combination vaccine with Bordetella or the DAP.
Are There Optional Dog Vaccines
Although puppy vaccines and dog vaccinations are very important to the overall health and wellness of your canine companion, not every puppy or dog needs to be vaccinated against every disease. Some canine vaccinations should only be administered depending upon factors including:
- Age
- Travel habits
- Lifestyle
Therefore, it is very important for us to discuss the vaccination protocol that’s right for your canine companion at your next appointment.
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How To Prevent Parvo
There are two approaches you can take when it comes to preventing parvovirus in your dog. The first of which is a more natural and holistic approach. The second being the parvovirus vaccine.
If you do decide to vaccinate, we will discuss ways for you to increase your puppys success.
But before we get to that, lets discuss some alternatives
How Much Does It Cost To Fully Vaccinate A Dog
How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost? The average cost of dog vaccinations is about $87.50 with average prices ranging from $75 to $100 according to AKC. This includes the cost for core dog shots usually administered at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks old. A rabies vaccination will cost you anywhere from $15 to $20.
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Where Did Canine Influenza Viruses Come From And How Long Have They Been Around
Canine influenza H3N8 viruses originated in horses, spread to dogs, and can now spread between dogs. H3N8 equine influenza viruses have been known to exist in horses for more than 40 years. In 2004, cases of an unknown respiratory illness in dogs were reported in the United States. An investigation showed that this respiratory illness was caused by equine influenza A viruses. Scientists believe this virus jumped species and has adapted to cause illness in dogs and spread among dogs, especially those housed in kennels and shelters. This is now considered a dog-specific, or canine, H3N8 virus. In September 2005, this virus was identified by experts as a newly emerging pathogen in the dog population in the United States. It has now been detected in dogs across much of the United States.
Canine influenza H3N2 viruses originated in birds, spread to dogs, and can now spread between dogs. Transmission of H3N2 canine influenza viruses to cats from infected dogs has been reported also. Canine influenza A H3N2 viruses were first detected in dogs in South Korea in 2007, and also have been reported in dogs in China, Thailand, and Canada. H3N2 canine influenza viruses were first detected in the United States in , and has now been found in more than 30 states. To date, the H3N2 canine viruses reported in the U.S. have been almost genetically identical to canine H3N2 viruses previously reported only in Asia.
Veterinarians Urge Vaccination As Dog Flu Cases Rise
LA QUINTA, Calif. – It is flu season and not only are humans being advised to get the flu shot, but also our furry friends to protect them from canine influenza.
Kathryn Carlson, the owner of Village Park Animal Hospital, says dogs can get really sick with canine influenza.
It actually develops into pneumonia, she said.
The pneumonia can go undetected and eventually land a dog in the emergency room.
Los Angeles Veterinary Public Health recently reported their largest outbrea of the dog flu at 10 cases.
Because of this, veterinarians across Coachella Valley are seeing more people getting their dogs the flu vaccine.
The most important thing to know is that there is a vaccine that prevents it, Carlson said.
Over the last few weeks, Village Park Animal Hospital in La Quinta, Calif. say it has detected three cases already.
The dog flu test usually costs about $200, but Carlson says it is important to detect when a dog has the flu.
It really is more serious as we start seeing these outbreaks because you can certainly think its something minor like kennel cough and it can be something a lot more complicated, she said.
If your dog is not immune from the flu yet, it is advised to keep your pet from certain situations.
One of the ways that they are picking up this flu or any kennel cough situation is being in situations like dog parks or boarding facilities, grooming facilities, Carlson said. You do have to be really careful where you take your dog these days.
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But Pet Owners Shouldnt Panic
Theres a lot of hype and hysteria, said John de Jong, DVM, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association . Its not much worse than any previous time. The AVMA wants to make sure that pet owners realize theres nothing to panic about at this time. We see outbreaks like this flare up from time to time.
American Veterinary Medical Association
. Its not much worse than any previous time. The AVMA wants to make sure that pet owners realize theres nothing to panic about at this time. We see outbreaks like this flare up from time to time.
You can further be assured that while, yes, canine influenza is highly contagious, its rarely fatal. Its estimated to have a mortality rate of less than 10 percent, and only in young puppies, geriatric dogs, or those with suppressed immune systems.
Nevertheless, its a real disease and owners should be informed about it.
Current outbreaks are largely restricted to a handful of geographic regions in the United States.
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine has even map to track the presence of the disease.
How Much Should A Dog Flu Shot Cost
Made by both Merck Animal Health and Zoetis, the initial doses are two shots, several weeks apart. If full licensing is granted next year, an annual booster will be recommended. A Zoetis spokeswoman said the price, set by individual veterinarians, will most likely be $25 to $35 for each injection.
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Canine Influenza Virus Infection
Canine influenza first appeared in racing Greyhounds in Florida between 1999 and 2003.4 At the time of writing, evidence of CIV infection has been detected in dogs in animal shelters, adoption groups, pet stores, boarding kennels, and veterinary clinics in at least 38 U.S. states. The most significant outbreaks of disease resulting from CIV have occurred in Florida, New England, Colorado, Wyoming, and Texas. Sequence analysis has indicated that the virus isolated from dogs shares more than 96% homology with equine influenza A. All the genes from the canine isolates are of equine influenza virus origin, providing evidence that the virus crossed the species barrier. Concern has been raised by scientists that this virus also may have the potential to cross the dog-human species barrier, as occurs with avian influenza viruses. Influenza viruses are enveloped viruses that are susceptible to routine hospital disinfection practices.
Treatment of serious influenza virus infection in human patients has involved use of the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir phosphate, which inhibits spread of the virus from cell to cell.6 Anecdotal reports exist regarding treatment of dogs with this drug, but no published studies are available, and nothing is known regarding the optimal dosage in dogs to inhibit viral replication. Until the results of such studies become available, use of this drug to treat dogs that have been diagnosed definitively with CIV infection is not recommended.
Can People Get The Flu From A Dog With Canine Influenza
CIV poses no threat to humans and is being closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Health Canada, and their partners. If your dog does contract CIV, you can feel comfortable giving it plenty of TLC and your veterinarians recommended treatments without worry of contracting the infection yourself.
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What About Low Cost Dog Vaccinations
To save money, you might be tempted to head to a vaccination clinic that provides low-cost options. While this might be helpful because you may not need to spend as much, there are some potential drawbacks to consider.
For example, at a regular veterinary office, you might pay more for a vaccine, but you might also end up getting a more thorough exam to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to receive a vaccine in the first place. Also, its a good idea to do your research into low-cost options, and ask plenty of questions about the vaccines quality, before opting to take this route with your pet. That way, youll know the types of vaccines that are given at a clinic, and whether or not theyre the latest formulations that can provide the highest level of protection.
How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost
Vaccines are recommended by veterinarians based on a pups breed, age, health, lifestyle and medical history, as well as whether your dog lives or travels to states known for specific diseases. The price of inoculations will, therefore, depend on which core and non-core shots are required.
Most shelter and rescue groups include vaccinations in their adoption fee so that a newly adopted dog or puppy is ready to get off to a healthy start in their new home. Below is an estimate of dog vaccination costs to give you an idea of what to expect when discussing your puppy shot schedule with your veterinarian.
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