Dog Information

Choosing a Veterinarian:

Choose a veterinarian as carefully as you would choose your own physician. Ask your dog's breeder or friends for recommendations. Here are some basic guidelines for choosing a good vet:

1. The vet should guarantee that you will have access to emergency service after hours.
2. The vet should take interest in your pet and adequately explain conditions, medications, etc....
3. Facilities and care should be available should your pet need prolonged care.
4. The vet should be willing to refer you to a specialist if he/she lacks the facility or the expertise.
5. Notifications of the need for yearly vaccinations should be sent out.
6. The vet should not only be able to medically treat your pet, but also treat your pet kindly.


Vaccinations - What do they do?

Distemper: A highly contagious and often fatal viral disease affecting respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological functions (contrary to the popular belief, it does not cause "bad temper"). Distemper vaccinations begin at six weeks with two or three repeat vaccinations every four weeks. A booster shot is required annually or depending on the vaccine your vet uses every 3 years. The virus is transmitted by contact with an infected dog or through bodily excretions or it can be airborn.

Hepatitis: Infectious canine hepatitis affects the liver and is caused by canine adenvirus type 1. The adult form of the desease causes high fever. bloody diarrhea and hemorrgaging due to liver failure. The virus is transmitted by infected dog's urine, stools, and saliva. Vaccination provides protection against adenovirus type 1 and type 2 (both types have also been implicated in kennel cough). A booster shot is require annually or every 3 years.

Parvovirus: This disease made a sudden appearance in the late 1970's and spread rapidly throughout most of the world. This virus is devastating to puppies and unvaccinated dogs, causing severe diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and often affecting the muscle of the heart. Parvovirus can be spread through infected body fluids and surfaces that have not been disinfected -- it can even be carried home on your shoes. A booster is require annually or every 3 years.

Parainfluenza (Bordetella): This virus is one of the group of viruses associated with infectious tracheobranchitis or kennel cough -- the common name given to respiratory infections causing a harsh, dry cough, and gagging. Kennel cough can be debilitating, especially in older dogs. It is very contagious, especially, as the name suggests, in kennel situations where many dogs are present. A booster is required annually. Note: This vaccination is optional when you visit your vet, but if you're going to have your dog out in public places or in training classes on a regular basis - it is a very good idea to get this vaccination.

Rabies: This fatal disease affects warm - blooded animals. In many parts of Canada, rabies is a serious problem in wildlife populations. The virus is present in saliva and is usually transmitted to dogs by a bite from a wild animal (especially foxes, skunks, and raccoons). Rabies, named after the latin word "rabere (to rave)" causes brain inflammation resulting in drastic personality changes and eventually collapse and death. Since rabies is a public health risk, vaccination and yearly boosters are required by law. Some veterinarians use a three year vaccine that is given as a puppy then boostered in a year then every 3 years.

Veterinarian Links

24 HR. Animal Care Centre- information on pet health