Parasites and illnesses are contagious ! Your puppy should be kept away from other animals outside the home. Buyer should avoid taking the puppy to places like dog parks , Petco, Petsmart, Tractor Supply, Rual king, or any other public area, as this increases the possible of exposure. People can unknowingly carry things on their clothes and shoes that could potentially be hazardous for the puppy. I also recommend that you keep the puppy in an area of your home that can be easily disinfected until the puppy has completed 3- 4 sets of shots. Vet clinics do their best to save sick contagious puppies, so please be mindful when you walk your healthy puppy into the clinic there can very well be viruses present at the vet ! Do not potty your puppy outside the vet clinic, do not walk your puppy into the clinic by leash, I recommend placing a peepee pad on the weight scale , and the exam table. You don’t know what sick puppy was there before you ! Some vet clinics are wonderful about sanitation, others not so much ! Good common since and caution will go a long way in protecting your new fur baby !
INTRODUCTION TO THE DACHSHUND BREED
DENTAL CARE AND EXERCISE ARE VERY IMPORTANT !
TAKING YOUR NEW BABY HOME AND ITS SAFETY AND YOURS !
FEEDING YOUR NEW PUPPY !
It is always recommended to feed puppies at least 4 times per day ! They should be allowed approximately 20 minutes of quiet time to eat and drink what they need before the food and water are taken up. If they don’t eat all the food in The allotted time it can be saved until next feeding . If they eat all the food and still seem hungry in the 20 mins, more food can be given . Most puppies will only eat what they need, however careful watching is always a good idea if a puppy seems to be over eating .
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TIPS ON HOW TO HOUSE BREAK YOUR NEW FUR BABY !
PETS SHOULD ALWAYS BE SPAYED AND NEUTERED! THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU RISK YOUR BELOVED PETS LIFE. BREEDING WITHOUT EXPERIENCE CAN BREAK YOUR HEART, COST YOUR PET ITS LIFE, AND PRODUCE PUPPIES WITH HEALTH ISSUES OR DEFECTS. BREEDING IS BEST LEFT TO A PROFESSIONAL. Males can be Neutered as early as 4-6 months . Females need to be 6-8 months as the procedure is more serious . Females Do Not need to have a heat cycle before spaying ! As a matter of fact , spaying BEFORE the first heat cycle greatly reduces the Risk of tumors, mammary cancer, and mammary cysts. NOT SPAYING can lead to cancers, tumors, cysts, false pregnancies, pyometra ( infection of the uterus ) and bloody discharge . Diapers are not pleasant to change and no one wants blood on their furniture , bedding , or floors. Non spayed females can attract males for miles.
PUPPY PROOFING YOUR HOME IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR YOUR BABY
This puppy-proofed room is a good place for your new friend to be when you are home, but when you need to leave him alone, a crate or puppy pen is the safest option. If it’s for a long time, a crate with the door open in a pen will work. This is where he should be at any time he isn’t being watched. Every time you put your puppy here, give him a treat and chew toy to keep him busy. It should be something special that he only gets at these times. This will give him a reason to think being in his crate or pen is a good thing. If your puppy is destroying his cushy beds, take them away. He can make do with a simple rug or nothing at all, if even a flat rug or cushion is too tempting to chew.
Get all family members on the same page. It’s practically impossible to keep the whole house picked up, but one room should be doable. Nobody should leave shoes, socks, toys, or books — anything they value — in the puppy-proof room. If young children are in the house, adults need to be sure this rule is followed.
Keeping the puppy’s area small is important. He needs to earn the privilege of more real estate in your home. He does not need free run of the house any more than a 3-year-old child needs to have your car keys.
There is no getting around the fact that puppies need lots of attention. They want to be with you. If you play with and exercise your puppy several times every day, give her plenty of opportunities to relieve herself outside, and start training in short, fun sessions, you do not need to feel guilty about using a crate to keep her safe. Before you know it, she will have grown into a trustworthy family companion.
VACCINATIONS
VACCINATIONS TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR VET FOR YOUR PUPPY. YOUR FUR BABY WILL LEAVE ME WITH THEIR FIRST ROUND OF PUPPY SHOTS, HOWEVER THEY DO NEED MORE BOOSTERS. AT LEAST THREE SETS OF PUPPY SHOTS BY 16 WEEKS OLD. PLEASE KEEP YOUR FUR BABY OUT OF AND OFF OF PUBLIC AREAS UNTIL SHOTS ARE ALL COMPLETE ! Your vet will guide you and schedule your next visits !
When you bring that soft, sweet-smelling little ball of a puppy into your home you know right away that she is depending on you for, well, everything. It’s up to you to give her all the care she needs every day. It can be a little intimidating—she needs nutritious food, plenty of attention, gentle training, safe toys, socialization, a comfortable home, and proper veterinary care. And that includes puppy vaccinations throughout her first year.
Going to the vet repeatedly over several months for vaccinations, and then for boosters throughout your dog’s life, may seem like an inconvenience, but the diseases that vaccinations will shield our pets from are dangerous, potentially deadly, and, thankfully, preventable.
We read about so many different vaccinations, for so many different illnesses, that it can sometimes be confusing to know which vaccinations puppies need and which ones are important but optional. Here is an overview of the diseases that vaccinations will help your pet to avoid.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica ( in my opinion, this medication should not be given to puppies unless they will be boarded at a facility.)
This highly communicable bacterium causes severe fits of coughing, whooping, vomiting, and, in rare cases, seizures and death. It is the primary cause of kennel cough. There are injectable and nasal spray vaccines available.
Canine Distemper
A serious and contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and nervous systems of dogs, raccoons, skunks, and other animals, distemper spreads through airborne exposure (through sneezing or coughing) from an infected animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. It causes discharges from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, twitching, paralysis, and, often, death. This disease used to be known as "hardpad" because it causes the footpad to thicken and harden.
There is no cure for distemper. Treatment consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections, control symptoms of vomiting, seizures and more. If the animal survives the symptoms it is hoped that the dog's immune system will have a chance to fight it off. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months.
Canine Hepatitis
Infectious canine hepatitis is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and the eyes of the affected dog. This disease of the liver is caused by a virus that is unrelated to the human form of hepatitis. Symptoms range from a slight fever and congestion of the mucous membranes to vomiting, jaundice, stomach enlargement, and pain around the liver. Many dogs can overcome the mild form of the disease, but the severe form can kill. There is no cure, but doctors can treat the symptoms.
Canine Parainfluenza
One of several viruses that can contribute to kennel cough (see above).
Corona Virus
This is a virus that usually affects dogs’ gastrointestinal systems, though it can also cause respiratory infections. Signs include most GI symptoms, including loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Doctors can keep a dog hydrated, warm, and comfortable, and help alleviate nausea, but there is no drug that kills coronaviruses.
Heartworm ( I recommend an ALL IN ONE parasite control. This will include heart worms, intestinal worms, fleas, ticks, ear mites, and skin mites . Also may save you money each month by using the ALL IN ONE products . )
When your puppy is around 12-to-16 weeks, talk to your vet about starting her on a heartworm preventative. Though there is no vaccine for this condition, it is preventable with regular medication. The name is descriptive—these worms lodge in the right side of the heart and the pulmonary arteries (that send blood to the lungs), though they can travel through the rest of the body and sometimes invade the liver and kidneys. The worms can grow to 14 inches long (ick!) and, if clumped together, block and injure organs. A new infection often causes no symptoms, though dogs in later stages of the disease may cough, become lethargic, lose their appetite or have difficulty breathing. Infected dogs may tire after mild exercise. Unlike most of the diseases listed here, which are passed by urine, feces, and other body fluids, heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Therefore, diagnosis is made via a blood test and not a fecal exam. The FDA has more information about heartworm.
Kennel Cough ( in my opinion, this medication should not be given to puppies unless they will be boarded at a facility)
Also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, kennel cough results from inflammation of the upper airways. It can be caused by bacterial, viral, or other infections, such as Bordetella and canine parainfluenza, and often involves multiple infections simultaneously. Usually, the disease is mild, causing bouts of harsh, dry coughing; sometimes it’s severe enough to spur retching and gagging, along with a loss of appetite. In rare cases it can be deadly. It is easily spread between dogs kept close together, which is why it passes quickly through kennels. Antibiotics are usually not necessary, except in severe, chronic cases. Cough suppressants can make a dog more comfortable.
Leptospirosis ( in my opinion this vaccine should not be given to puppies until they are a year old because of adverse reactions )
Unlike most diseases on this list, Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria, and some dogs may show no symptoms at all. Leptospirosis can be found worldwide in soil and water. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be spread from animals to people. When symptoms do appear, they can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, severe weakness and lethargy, stiffness, jaundice, muscle pain, infertility, kidney failure (with or without liver failure). Antibiotics are effective, and the sooner they are given, the better.
Lyme Disease
Unlike the famous “bull’s-eye” rash that people exposed to Lyme diseaseoften spot, no such telltale symptom occurs in dogs. Lyme disease (or borreliosis) is an infectious, tick-borne disease caused by a type of bacteria called a spirochete. Transmitted via ticks, an infected dog often starts limping, his lymph nodes swell, his temperature rises, and he stops eating. The disease can affect his heart, kidney, and joints, among other things, or lead to neurological disorders if left untreated. If diagnosed quickly, a course of antibiotics is extremely helpful, though relapses can occur months or even years later.
Parvovirus
Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than four months of age are at the most risk to contract it. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and creates the loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and often severe, bloody diarrhea. Extreme dehydration can come on rapidly and kill a dog within 48-to-72 hours, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial. There is no cure, so keeping the dog hydrated and controlling the secondary symptoms can keep him going until his immune system beats the illness.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that invades the central nervous system, causing headache, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis, and death. It is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Treatment within hours of infection is essential, otherwise, death is highly likely. Most states require rabies vaccination. Check with your vet about rabies vaccination laws in your area.
Of course, your veterinarian should weigh in and can always provide more information and guidance if needed on necessary and optional vaccinations.
Puppy Vaccination ScheduleThe first thing to know is that there is not just one puppy vaccination schedule for all dogs. Factors such as which part of the country you live in and your dog’s individual risk factors will come into play. Some dogs do not need every vaccine. This decision is between you and your veterinarian. Always discuss puppy vaccinations at your regularly scheduled appointments.
Going to the vet repeatedly over several months for vaccinations, and then for boosters throughout your dog’s life, may seem like an inconvenience, but the diseases that vaccinations will shield our pets from are dangerous, potentially deadly, and, thankfully, preventable.
We read about so many different vaccinations, for so many different illnesses, that it can sometimes be confusing to know which vaccinations puppies need and which ones are important but optional. Here is an overview of the diseases that vaccinations will help your pet to avoid.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica ( in my opinion, this medication should not be given to puppies unless they will be boarded at a facility.)
This highly communicable bacterium causes severe fits of coughing, whooping, vomiting, and, in rare cases, seizures and death. It is the primary cause of kennel cough. There are injectable and nasal spray vaccines available.
Canine Distemper
A serious and contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and nervous systems of dogs, raccoons, skunks, and other animals, distemper spreads through airborne exposure (through sneezing or coughing) from an infected animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. It causes discharges from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, twitching, paralysis, and, often, death. This disease used to be known as "hardpad" because it causes the footpad to thicken and harden.
There is no cure for distemper. Treatment consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections, control symptoms of vomiting, seizures and more. If the animal survives the symptoms it is hoped that the dog's immune system will have a chance to fight it off. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months.
Canine Hepatitis
Infectious canine hepatitis is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and the eyes of the affected dog. This disease of the liver is caused by a virus that is unrelated to the human form of hepatitis. Symptoms range from a slight fever and congestion of the mucous membranes to vomiting, jaundice, stomach enlargement, and pain around the liver. Many dogs can overcome the mild form of the disease, but the severe form can kill. There is no cure, but doctors can treat the symptoms.
Canine Parainfluenza
One of several viruses that can contribute to kennel cough (see above).
Corona Virus
This is a virus that usually affects dogs’ gastrointestinal systems, though it can also cause respiratory infections. Signs include most GI symptoms, including loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Doctors can keep a dog hydrated, warm, and comfortable, and help alleviate nausea, but there is no drug that kills coronaviruses.
Heartworm ( I recommend an ALL IN ONE parasite control. This will include heart worms, intestinal worms, fleas, ticks, ear mites, and skin mites . Also may save you money each month by using the ALL IN ONE products . )
When your puppy is around 12-to-16 weeks, talk to your vet about starting her on a heartworm preventative. Though there is no vaccine for this condition, it is preventable with regular medication. The name is descriptive—these worms lodge in the right side of the heart and the pulmonary arteries (that send blood to the lungs), though they can travel through the rest of the body and sometimes invade the liver and kidneys. The worms can grow to 14 inches long (ick!) and, if clumped together, block and injure organs. A new infection often causes no symptoms, though dogs in later stages of the disease may cough, become lethargic, lose their appetite or have difficulty breathing. Infected dogs may tire after mild exercise. Unlike most of the diseases listed here, which are passed by urine, feces, and other body fluids, heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Therefore, diagnosis is made via a blood test and not a fecal exam. The FDA has more information about heartworm.
Kennel Cough ( in my opinion, this medication should not be given to puppies unless they will be boarded at a facility)
Also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, kennel cough results from inflammation of the upper airways. It can be caused by bacterial, viral, or other infections, such as Bordetella and canine parainfluenza, and often involves multiple infections simultaneously. Usually, the disease is mild, causing bouts of harsh, dry coughing; sometimes it’s severe enough to spur retching and gagging, along with a loss of appetite. In rare cases it can be deadly. It is easily spread between dogs kept close together, which is why it passes quickly through kennels. Antibiotics are usually not necessary, except in severe, chronic cases. Cough suppressants can make a dog more comfortable.
Leptospirosis ( in my opinion this vaccine should not be given to puppies until they are a year old because of adverse reactions )
Unlike most diseases on this list, Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria, and some dogs may show no symptoms at all. Leptospirosis can be found worldwide in soil and water. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be spread from animals to people. When symptoms do appear, they can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, severe weakness and lethargy, stiffness, jaundice, muscle pain, infertility, kidney failure (with or without liver failure). Antibiotics are effective, and the sooner they are given, the better.
Lyme Disease
Unlike the famous “bull’s-eye” rash that people exposed to Lyme diseaseoften spot, no such telltale symptom occurs in dogs. Lyme disease (or borreliosis) is an infectious, tick-borne disease caused by a type of bacteria called a spirochete. Transmitted via ticks, an infected dog often starts limping, his lymph nodes swell, his temperature rises, and he stops eating. The disease can affect his heart, kidney, and joints, among other things, or lead to neurological disorders if left untreated. If diagnosed quickly, a course of antibiotics is extremely helpful, though relapses can occur months or even years later.
Parvovirus
Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than four months of age are at the most risk to contract it. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and creates the loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and often severe, bloody diarrhea. Extreme dehydration can come on rapidly and kill a dog within 48-to-72 hours, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial. There is no cure, so keeping the dog hydrated and controlling the secondary symptoms can keep him going until his immune system beats the illness.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that invades the central nervous system, causing headache, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis, and death. It is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Treatment within hours of infection is essential, otherwise, death is highly likely. Most states require rabies vaccination. Check with your vet about rabies vaccination laws in your area.
Of course, your veterinarian should weigh in and can always provide more information and guidance if needed on necessary and optional vaccinations.
Puppy Vaccination ScheduleThe first thing to know is that there is not just one puppy vaccination schedule for all dogs. Factors such as which part of the country you live in and your dog’s individual risk factors will come into play. Some dogs do not need every vaccine. This decision is between you and your veterinarian. Always discuss puppy vaccinations at your regularly scheduled appointments.
COCCIDIA AND GIARDIA ARE VERY COMMON PROBLEMS IN YOUNG PUPPIES. ONCE THEY HAVE LEFT ME YOU WILL NEED TO WATCH THEIR STOOLS . SOFT STOOLS CAN BE CAUSED BY TREATS , A CHANGE IN FOOD, A CHANGE IN ENVIRONMENT, LIKE GOING TO THEIR NEW HOME. HOWEVER, DIARRHEA SHOULD NEVER BE OVER LOOKED. IF YOUR BABY HAS DIARRHEA TAKE IT TO YOUR VET FOR A HEALTH CHECK. MOST CASES OF DIARRHEA ARE AN EASY FIX FOR YOUR VET.
WHAT IS COCCIDIA ?
Coccidia is very common in puppies but can cause severe health problems if left untreated. Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease caused by coccidia, a common protozoal parasite that affects both domestic and wild animals. In fact, 22 species of coccidia can infect the intestinal tract of dogs, with four species being most common. Coccidiosis is relatively common in puppies and dogs . The parasite colonizes the lining of the intestine, and adult dogs often have coccidia in their system without getting sick. Puppies are affected most often with this intestinal disease. Giardia is another protozoal parasite that can make puppies sick and telling the difference between the two is up to your veterinarian. The symptoms can look very similar so it's best to let a trained professional make the call.
How Are Puppies Infected ? They are infected by swallowing the immature parasite. The eggs, called oocysts, develop in the pup's intestine and are passed in the stool. These microscopic oocysts require several days in the soil to become infective. Puppies contract coccidia by swallowing this infective stage either from licking themselves or contaminated objects or by eating raw meat or other infected animals.
Puppies stressed by a change of inviroment like going to a new home may develope this issue. The earliest sign typically is mild diarrhea which becomes more severe until it contains mucus and sometimes bloody stools.
puppies are usually treated for five days to two weeks to eliminate the parasite. It is super important as the New responsible owner to keep an eye on puppy stools for early detection. If let go to long , A Severe case may demand hospitalization to counter dehydration with fluid therapy.
Sanitation is the single most important prevention of coccidiosis. Remove feces promptly from the yard or kennel to prevent infection or reinfection.
How Are Puppies Infected ? They are infected by swallowing the immature parasite. The eggs, called oocysts, develop in the pup's intestine and are passed in the stool. These microscopic oocysts require several days in the soil to become infective. Puppies contract coccidia by swallowing this infective stage either from licking themselves or contaminated objects or by eating raw meat or other infected animals.
Puppies stressed by a change of inviroment like going to a new home may develope this issue. The earliest sign typically is mild diarrhea which becomes more severe until it contains mucus and sometimes bloody stools.
puppies are usually treated for five days to two weeks to eliminate the parasite. It is super important as the New responsible owner to keep an eye on puppy stools for early detection. If let go to long , A Severe case may demand hospitalization to counter dehydration with fluid therapy.
Sanitation is the single most important prevention of coccidiosis. Remove feces promptly from the yard or kennel to prevent infection or reinfection.
WHAT IS GIARDIA ?
Giardia is very common in puppies , older dogs, or dogs with a compromised immune system. It is a single-celled parasite that inhabits the intestines of mammals, birds, and amphibians. There are several different “assemblages” of Giardia, which is the scientific term used to describe the many subspecies of Giardia. Each assemblage targets a specific group of animals, but all Giardia assemblages have the same life cycle and mode of transmission.
The lifecycle of Giardia is composed of two stages. The mature parasites, or trophozoites, live in the small intestine where they multiply and eventually become cysts. Cysts are the infective stage and are shed into the feces of the infected animal. They can survive for several weeks in the environment as cysts, and when they are ingested by an unsuspecting host, they turn into trophozoites and repeat the life cycle.
How Is Giardia in Dogs Spread?Giardia has to be ingested by your dog in order for him to get the parasite. Your dog can get Giardia by drinking water that has been contaminated by feces or by eating something that has been contaminated by feces, like grass. Since dogs love to put things in their mouths, this means that there are plenty of ways your dog can pick up the parasite in his environment, whether it is by chewing on a stick, eating poop, or drinking from a puddle.
Once the parasite is in your dog’s intestines, your dog can spread the parasite, even if he doesn’t show any signs of infection. This is worrisome, especially if you have more than one pet in your household. While transmission from dogs to cats and cats to dogs is unlikely, the transmission from dog to dog is certainly a cause for concern. If one of your pets is diagnosed with Giardia, talk to your vet about the precautions you need to take to protect your other pets.
What Does Giardia in Dogs Do?Giardia in dogs does not always cause problems, but when it does it is highly unpleasant. Giardiasis is the term for the disease caused by the infection, and, as in humans, the most common symptom is diarrhea.
The parasite inhibits your dog’s ability to properly absorb nutrients, water, and electrolytes, which leads to diarrhea and weight loss. The diarrhea can be intermittent or continual, especially in puppies, and failure to diagnose and treat the disease can lead to severe weight loss and even death in extreme cases. The disease is particularly dangerous for puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms of Giardia in DogsThe best way to determine whether your dog has Giardia or another condition is to call your vet. However, there are several symptoms of Giardia in dogs that dog owners should be aware of. These symptoms include:
Preventing Giardia in DogsAn ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, the saying goes, and this is certainly true of Giardia. While we can’t always control every aspect of our dog’s environment, there are some things owners can do to prevent Giardia in dogs.
The most important thing is making sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. This will reduce the chances of dogs lapping up water from infected puddles and is also vital for your dog’s general health. If you live in a place where Giardia is present in the tap water, purchase a filter that is proven to remove Giardia cysts from the water or boil your dog’s water. Boiling water will kill the cysts, but remember to let it cool before offering it to your dog!
The other important preventative action you can take is paying attention to general hygiene. Pick up after your dog as soon as possible. This will prevent the cysts from entering the environment and will also make your yard a healthier place for dogs and people.
You can also take care not to bring your dog to places where there are large amounts of dog feces, as this will limit the possibility of exposure. Boarding and training facilities that take the necessary steps to clean and disinfect runs and yards are less likely to have Giardia, along with a number of other unpleasant diseases.
Is Giardia Contagious to Humans?Nobody wants to get Giardiasis. Luckily, the odds of humans being infected with Giardia from dogs is relatively low, although it can happen. Washing your hands after handling dog poop will reduce the already low risk even further and is also a good idea in general.
Giardia in humans is commonly transmitted through drinking water, not by our pets. Avoid drinking contaminated water, especially while traveling, and consider buying a water filter if your water source is known to contain the parasite. Giardia can also be present on food and in soil, so wash all produce before eating and wash your hands after working with dirt.
Giardia is a highly unpleasant parasite that your dog’s monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives do not protect her from. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help prevent Giardia in dogs. For more information about this disease, talk to your vet.
The lifecycle of Giardia is composed of two stages. The mature parasites, or trophozoites, live in the small intestine where they multiply and eventually become cysts. Cysts are the infective stage and are shed into the feces of the infected animal. They can survive for several weeks in the environment as cysts, and when they are ingested by an unsuspecting host, they turn into trophozoites and repeat the life cycle.
How Is Giardia in Dogs Spread?Giardia has to be ingested by your dog in order for him to get the parasite. Your dog can get Giardia by drinking water that has been contaminated by feces or by eating something that has been contaminated by feces, like grass. Since dogs love to put things in their mouths, this means that there are plenty of ways your dog can pick up the parasite in his environment, whether it is by chewing on a stick, eating poop, or drinking from a puddle.
Once the parasite is in your dog’s intestines, your dog can spread the parasite, even if he doesn’t show any signs of infection. This is worrisome, especially if you have more than one pet in your household. While transmission from dogs to cats and cats to dogs is unlikely, the transmission from dog to dog is certainly a cause for concern. If one of your pets is diagnosed with Giardia, talk to your vet about the precautions you need to take to protect your other pets.
What Does Giardia in Dogs Do?Giardia in dogs does not always cause problems, but when it does it is highly unpleasant. Giardiasis is the term for the disease caused by the infection, and, as in humans, the most common symptom is diarrhea.
The parasite inhibits your dog’s ability to properly absorb nutrients, water, and electrolytes, which leads to diarrhea and weight loss. The diarrhea can be intermittent or continual, especially in puppies, and failure to diagnose and treat the disease can lead to severe weight loss and even death in extreme cases. The disease is particularly dangerous for puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms of Giardia in DogsThe best way to determine whether your dog has Giardia or another condition is to call your vet. However, there are several symptoms of Giardia in dogs that dog owners should be aware of. These symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Failure to gain weight
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Poor coat appearance
Preventing Giardia in DogsAn ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, the saying goes, and this is certainly true of Giardia. While we can’t always control every aspect of our dog’s environment, there are some things owners can do to prevent Giardia in dogs.
The most important thing is making sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. This will reduce the chances of dogs lapping up water from infected puddles and is also vital for your dog’s general health. If you live in a place where Giardia is present in the tap water, purchase a filter that is proven to remove Giardia cysts from the water or boil your dog’s water. Boiling water will kill the cysts, but remember to let it cool before offering it to your dog!
The other important preventative action you can take is paying attention to general hygiene. Pick up after your dog as soon as possible. This will prevent the cysts from entering the environment and will also make your yard a healthier place for dogs and people.
You can also take care not to bring your dog to places where there are large amounts of dog feces, as this will limit the possibility of exposure. Boarding and training facilities that take the necessary steps to clean and disinfect runs and yards are less likely to have Giardia, along with a number of other unpleasant diseases.
Is Giardia Contagious to Humans?Nobody wants to get Giardiasis. Luckily, the odds of humans being infected with Giardia from dogs is relatively low, although it can happen. Washing your hands after handling dog poop will reduce the already low risk even further and is also a good idea in general.
Giardia in humans is commonly transmitted through drinking water, not by our pets. Avoid drinking contaminated water, especially while traveling, and consider buying a water filter if your water source is known to contain the parasite. Giardia can also be present on food and in soil, so wash all produce before eating and wash your hands after working with dirt.
Giardia is a highly unpleasant parasite that your dog’s monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives do not protect her from. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help prevent Giardia in dogs. For more information about this disease, talk to your vet.
LEPTOSPIROSIS
There is a vaccine for leptospirosis, but I absolutely don't recommend it given to puppies. However in adult dogs the adverse reactions are little to none. This may be a vaccine you can add when your puppy is an adult.
The leptospirosis vaccine is a bacterin -- a vaccine made from killed bacteria, which in and of itself won't prompt an immune response to make antibodies, so a powerful adjuvant is added that elicits a strong immune system response. Because of this, it also carries a significantly greater risk for adverse reactions. Information has recently emerged that the vaccine can actually cause the disease in dogs, and it has also been linked to early kidney failure in older animals.
In fact, it's been in the environment since the beginning of time. And dogs who don't live in rural areas have little risk of exposure.
Unfortunately, many vets are still promoting repeated vaccinations for all pets, despite the significant risks. A leptospirosis infection is entirely treatable. So, my question is, why vaccinate for something that's one hundred percent treatable? I recommend you skip the leptospirosis vaccine.
If you live in an endemic area make sure your dog's immune system is strong, and you can certainly go the extra mile by taking precautions to insure your pet doesn't have an opportunity to be exposed to the lepto bacteria.
Now, if you let your dog live a free and happy existence playing in every pond he finds, or in mucky creeks, and simply recognize that it's your job as a pet owner to stay alert for signs of infection. Certainly, consider the vaccine for high risk situations or if your pet begins exhibiting symptoms of an infection, you'll want to promptly address those symptoms with the help of your vet.
The leptospirosis vaccine is a bacterin -- a vaccine made from killed bacteria, which in and of itself won't prompt an immune response to make antibodies, so a powerful adjuvant is added that elicits a strong immune system response. Because of this, it also carries a significantly greater risk for adverse reactions. Information has recently emerged that the vaccine can actually cause the disease in dogs, and it has also been linked to early kidney failure in older animals.
In fact, it's been in the environment since the beginning of time. And dogs who don't live in rural areas have little risk of exposure.
Unfortunately, many vets are still promoting repeated vaccinations for all pets, despite the significant risks. A leptospirosis infection is entirely treatable. So, my question is, why vaccinate for something that's one hundred percent treatable? I recommend you skip the leptospirosis vaccine.
If you live in an endemic area make sure your dog's immune system is strong, and you can certainly go the extra mile by taking precautions to insure your pet doesn't have an opportunity to be exposed to the lepto bacteria.
Now, if you let your dog live a free and happy existence playing in every pond he finds, or in mucky creeks, and simply recognize that it's your job as a pet owner to stay alert for signs of infection. Certainly, consider the vaccine for high risk situations or if your pet begins exhibiting symptoms of an infection, you'll want to promptly address those symptoms with the help of your vet.
