VACCINE & DEWORMING SCHEDULE EXPLAINED

Each puppy undergoes age appropriate vaccinations and deworming. They are dewormed with pyrantel pamoate at 4 weeks, and then receive another round of  parasite control, Interceptor Plus 

(milbemycin oxide/praziquantel) , 1st DHPP vaccine, as well as examined by our veterinarian at 7 weeks old, before they leave our care, which is at or after 8 weeks of age. PLEASE REMEMBER. Even though a puppy has been vaccinated, does NOT mean they are instantly immune to communicable diseases. Their immune systems are still developing and strengthening, therefore, until they are fully vaccinated,  it is recommended that you do not take your puppy to dog parks, lakes, etc., and to carry your puppy into every vet visit.

Pyrantel Poamate 

Pyrantel Pamoate is an anthelmintic, or dewormer. It is used to treat intestinal roundworm, hookworm, and stomach worm parasites in dogs. 

Interceptor Plus 

(milbemycin oxide/praziquantel) "Interceptor Plus is a monthly chew that provides broad spectrum parasite control. It is indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease and for the treatment and control of adult roundworm, adult hookworm, adult whipworm and adult tapeworm infections in dogs and puppies." (Iodivet.com)

DHPP

 stands for (Distemper, Hepatitis, ParaInfluenza, ParvoVirus).

Canine distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease that impacts the respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatological and neurological systems. It is commonly spread through direct contact with an infected dog, as their respiratory secretions contain high concentrations of the virus. 

Symptoms of distemper include discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, hardened paw pads, fever and seizures. Unfortunately, there is no cure and treatment is largely supportive, with aims to control some of the symptoms and prevent secondary infection.   

Infectious canine hepatitis is caused by canine adenovirus which primarily targets the liver and the cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels. It is spread through urine and feces. Very severe forms of the disease can result in death within hours. 

Some symptoms of infectious hepatitis are fever, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, enlarged lymph nodes, abdominal pain, bruises and jaundice (yellow discolouration of gums/whites of eyes). Like distemper, this can only be treated with supportive care. 

Parvovirus is another highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease. It is most commonly seen in young dogs under 6 months old. Breeds that seem to be more susceptible include Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers, Labradors and German shepherd dogs. The virus attacks the intestines and bone marrow and is spread through feces and contaminated objects.

The classic parvo signs are vomiting and foul-smelling bloody diarrhea. Other symptoms include fever, lethargy and anorexia. Again, treatment involves supportive care. 

While vaccination against canine parainfluenza isn’t considered ‘core’, the virus is one of several that contributes to kennel cough, which is a respiratory infection. It can spread rapidly through the air. Boarding kennels and shelters are places where dogs are more at risk.

Some signs of parainfluenza are coughing, sneezing, discharge from the nose and lethargy. Some may recover within 2 to 3 weeks without treatment while others may need supportive care.