Recommended Annual Canine Wellness - Puppy Protocol

DHPP:  is an acronym for the standard vaccine, also called the "distemper vaccine", given to dogs and puppies through their lives as part of a preventative health program and considered, along with the Rabies Vaccine, as a CORE (must have) vaccine.

 D    Distemper

 H     Hepatitis

 P    Para influenza

P     Parvo Virus 

Distemper Virus: is a very contagious virus and often fatal disease of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. Transmission is by direct contact with bodily secretions and by movement of airborne secretions. Puppies are at highest risk but dogs of all ages, especially with inadequate dog immunizations are susceptible.

Hepatitis: is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and eyes in dogs.  Transmission is through respiratory secretions, urine and feces. Young dogs are most susceptible.

Para influenza: is a common and highly contagious cause of infectious tracheobronchitis. The transmission is airborne.  Dogs of all ages are susceptible, unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated dogs are at highest risk.

Parvovirus: is a highly contagious, very aggressive and sometimes rapidly fatal gastrointestinal virus. Transmission is by direct contact with infected animals, feces and objects containing virus particles. The virus can survive in the environment for a very long time and can spread easily from contaminated surfaces. All unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated dogs are susceptible, very young, sick or weak dogs are at highest risk of death.

Leptospirosis: is a potentially serious disease in which bacteria rapidly advance through the bloodstream leading to fever, joint pain and general malaise. Because the organism settles in the kidneys and actually reproduce there, inflammation and even kidney failure may develop. Unfortunately, liver failure is another common sequela to infection.  Kidney and liver failure both have deadly consequences. Common carriers of the organism include raccoons, opossums, rodents, skunks and dogs. Transmission is usually spread through infected urine, but contaminated water or soil, reproductive secretions and even consumption of infected tissues can also transmit the infection. Introduction of the organism through skin wounds can also occur. All dogs are susceptible; dogs that are spending a lot of time outdoors in wooded areas, or have a high exposure to wildlife, are the highest at risk.

Lyme: is a bacterial infection. Transmission is through the bite of an infected tick and can affect many species, including dogs and humans. Deer ticks are known to transmit Lyme Disease when they attach to a host and feed.  Dogs of all ages are susceptible, but dogs spending a lot of time outdoors in wooded areas or have a high exposure to wildlife, are the highest at risk.

Bordatella: is a highly contagious viral and bacterial disease commonly associated with respiratory disease in dogs, and is commonly referred to a kennel cough. It is easily transmitted though the air or by direct contact, and is resistant to destruction in the environment. In young dogs, or dogs with underlying health issues, it can cause severe illness. As all dogs are susceptible, dogs highest at risk are those which spend a lot of time at dog parks, and boarding or grooming facilities.

Canine Influenza Virus:  is a contagious virus similar to kennel cough, commonly referred to as Dog Flu.  It affects the respiratory system in dogs. Transmission is by direct contact with aerosolized respiratory secretions from infected dogs, by uninfected dogs coming into contact with contaminated objects.  Dogs highest at risk are those who spend a lot of time in boarding facilities, dogs parks and grooming facilities.

Fecals: enable us to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia and giardia. Since intestinal parasites live in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, they are usually hidden from view.  Unlike external parasites like fleas and ticks, most intestinal parasites are never seen.  The only way to detect the presence of intestinal parasites and identify them is by doing a fecal.

4DX: is a blood test that checks for Heartworm disease and three tick borne diesases - Anaplasmosis, Lyme and Ehrlichia in dogs.  Heartworm is a disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes.  After a negative Snap 4DX, you can vaccinate your dog for Lyme disease annually.  As pet owners, you always want to apply a topical flea and tick preventative product as well as heartworm prevention monthly, all year round.

Senior Blood Work consists of:

• A complete blood count (CBC), tells you if your pet has an infection, if inflammation is present or if your pet is anemic
• A complete chemistry panel, including electrolytes provides information about your pet's liver, kidneys and pancreas; as well as other functions of the body, such as blood sugar and hydration
• A urinalysis identifies an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract
• A thyroid function test detects whether or not your pet's thyroid gland is functioning properly. Thyroid Disease is very common in older dogs.

Interceptor Plus: is a chewable monthly heartworm preventative that controls roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. All dogs should be on this year round after testing negative for heartworm disease.

Vectra 3D: is a monthly topical that repels and kills fleas, ticks, mosquitoes,biting and sand flies, lice and mites (excluding mange mites).  Dogs 8 weeks and older can be started on this at anytime.  **VECTRA 3D IS NOT TO BE USED ON CATS**