Canine Care
Vaccinations
To maintain a dog's overall health, routine veterinarian exams are required. For puppies, the usual vaccination schedule is 7-8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, and 20 weeks. After 20 weeks they will receive annual booster vaccinations as per a schedule put together with your veterinarian. There are 4 core vaccinations that are administered to protect the puppy from Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Adenovirus (aka hepatitis), and Rabies.
Hot Spots (aka Moist Dermatitis)
Hot spots can affect both puppies and adult dogs. A hot spot is a localized inflammation of the skin or a bacterial infection. It is caused from trauma to the skin, usually by itching, scratching, or excessive licking. Itchiness can be brought on by parasites, allergies, ear or skin infections, stress or boredom, dirty or matted fur, or moisture trapped in the coat from swimming or bathing. This itchy discomfort makes the puppy or dog more susceptible to further infection.
Treat the hot spots by bathing with hot spot shampoo or applying an anti-itch cream or spray. Be careful to not bathe too frequently as this can further irritate the skin, and always dry the dog thoroughly.
Symptoms:
Hot spots may appear as only a mild irritation to the skin with redness centralized to one area. Other times it may cause fur loss or cover a larger area. Excessive licking or scratching to specific areas may be an indicator of hot spots.
Fleas
Fleas are zoonotic parasites (ones that can pass between humans and animals) that can cause excessive scratching which, left untreated, can evolve into worse problems.
Preventative treatments exist with spot treatments that repel these pests. Your pet counsellor can guide you to the best options available for your dog.
If your dog has fleas, bathe them with a flea shampoo once a week and use a flea comb to remove eggs. Use furniture cleaner to spray down areas that your dog frequents.
Ticks
Ticks are zoonotic parasites (ones that can pass between humans and animals) that can potentially transmit diseases.
Preventative treatments exist with spot treatments that repel these pests. Your pet counsellor can guide you to the best options available for your dog.
If you find ticks on your dog, use a tick remover to gently remove the pest without severing the head, risking infection.
Mites, Worms, and Other Parasites
Treatment for mites (mange), worms, or other parasites must be prescribed by your veterinarian. Symptoms of mites may include intense scratching, shaking of their head (in the case of ear mites) and fur loss. Symptoms of worms may include weight loss, diarrhea, or worms found in vomit or stool. Consult your veterinarian for more information.
Paw Protection
In the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter, your dog may need added protection for their paws!
Be mindful of the heat of the sidewalk when you walk your dog in the warmer months. Check if it is too hot by placing the back of your hand on the pavement in the sun for seven seconds. If it is uncomfortable or hurts, then it is too hot for your dog. Choose to walk in shaded or grassy areas instead, and walk in the early morning or evening.
In the winter, sidewalk ice melts can be harmful to your dog’s paws, in addition to the cold being a problem. Use winter boots to protect their feet and, if their fur is short or you intend to be outside long, consider bundling up your dog with a coat. A pet counsellor can help you find the right size for your dog. Creams are available to apply to dry or cracked paws, especially as a result of the dry winter air.
General First Aid
A first aid kit can come in handy for any dog. Keeping supplies together makes them easy to grab for adventures and quick to find when needed. Bandages and cones help stop dogs from licking wounds, preventing infection. Creams are available to keep the wound clean and speed healing. A tick remover or flea comb can be kept in this kit in case parasites become a concern.
PUPPY HEALTH
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it can be difficult to tell what behaviours are normal at first. While some changes in eating, sleeping, or activity may be harmless, excessive sleepiness, diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite can signal a more serious issue. Pet counsellors can help answer questions about your puppy’s health and behaviour, though it is best to consult a veterinarian if you are concerned.
Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that mainly affects puppies by attacking the digestive system and preventing nutrient absorption. It spreads through infected feces and can survive in the environment for months. Vaccinating puppies can be challenging due to maternal antibodies, which may temporarily interfere with vaccine effectiveness during a short “window of susceptibility.”
Symptoms:
Parvovirus is specific to dogs alone and cannot be transmitted to humans or other animals of a different species, such as cats. Symptoms usually begin with a high fever, lethargy, depression and loss of appetite. Usually, they will stop eating and develop diarrhea. Generally, it takes five to 14 days from the time of exposure for dogs and puppies to start showing symptoms and to test positive for the virus.
Fast Facts:
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There is no cure for parvovirus; treatment focuses on supportive veterinary care such as fluids, electrolyte balance, and temperature regulation.
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The best prevention is following a vaccination schedule beginning at 7–8 weeks of age.
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Diarrhea and vomiting can have causes other than parvovirus, including stress, diet changes, or ingesting foreign objects; contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
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If a dog recovers from parvovirus, ensure other dogs in the home are fully vaccinated and clean up feces immediately to reduce spread.
For more information on canine parvovirus, please contact your local veterinarian.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is not a disease or virus, but a temporary condition caused by low blood sugar that affects the nervous system. It is most common in toy breed puppies during their first three months of life and can be triggered by certain activities or stressors.
Hypoglycemia usually occurs in response to one of the following stresses:
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Going to a new home
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Skipping a meal
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Becoming exhausted from too much playtime
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Over stimulation or anything that depletes their limited reserves of energy
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Falling/tumbling (off a couch, chair, stairs or even your lap)
If a puppy becomes sluggish, give a high-calorie supplement immediately, offer small meals regularly, and contact a veterinarian if their behaviour does not improve.
Symptoms:
The signs of hypoglycemia include weakness, depression, drooling, pale gums and possibly seizures. If not treated immediately, hypoglycemia can lead to coma or death.
Prevention:
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Feed small breed puppies frequent meals or allow grazing to help maintain energy levels.
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Keep puppies on the same food during the transition home to avoid digestive upset and stress; mixing in premium wet food can encourage eating and add calories.
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Ensure fresh water is always available.
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Limit handling and stimulation during the first few days, then gradually introduce new people and situations while monitoring for overstimulation.
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Provide plenty of rest and a quiet space, such as a kennel, especially for small breed puppies that tire easily.
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Give a high-calorie supplement twice daily for the first 30 days. Corn syrup can be used temporarily if needed.
The key to preventing hypoglycemia is making sure that your puppy is eating and drinking regularly!
Cleanliness and Safety
All pets can potentially carry diseases that may be contagious to people. Young children, infants, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems and the elderly are at greater risk of infections and should use caution when in contact with pets or their environments. Regular cleaning of your pet's environment with a pet-safe cleaner may help avoid the spread of contaminants.
Hygiene procedures such as washing your hands before and after handling your pet and/or after having any contact with their habitat, is a necessary routine. Children should be assisted with hand washing and always have adult supervision when interacting with pets.
CHECKLIST FOR CANINE HEALTH CARE
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Hot spot shampoo, anti-itch cream or spray
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Flea shampoo, flea comb, furniture cleaner
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Tick remover
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Winter boots, coat, cream
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Bandages, cone, cream
Please ask your pet counsellor what other items pertain to your particular pet’s needs.