Well Puppy Medical Care

What is Bordetella and Bordetella vaccine?

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that is commonly associated with respiratory disease in dogs. It can also infect cats, rabbits, and, in rare cases, humans. It is one of the more common bacterial causes of canine infectious tracheobronchitis, which is also sometimes called kennel cough. Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of several viral and bacterial agents responsible for kennel cough syndrome. Bordetella is highly contagious, easily transmitted through the air or direct contact, and resistant to destruction in the environment. In healthy adult dogs, Bordetella typically causes no more than a mild illness. In puppies or dogs with other underlying health issues, however, it can cause severe illness or even death in rare cases. The same can be said for cats who suffer this infection.

A safe and effective vaccine for this upper respiratory infection is available for dogs and puppies.

For your puppies safety they were given one at three weeks and again from our vet at eight weeks.  If you go to a groomer, or kennel to board your puppy, FL law requires proof of bordetella.  When you have taken your puppy home they have already received two Bordetella vaccine.

What exactly are puppy vaccines and how do they work?

Puppy vaccinations are one of the best and most loving investments you can make for your puppy. Think of puppy shots as insurance against disease that prevents illness and saves you money—and potential heartbreak. Vaccines help prepare the body’s immune system to fight the invasion of disease-causing organisms. Vaccines contain antigens, which look like the disease-causing organism to the immune system but don’t actually cause disease. When the vaccine is introduced to the body, the immune system is mildly stimulated. If a dog is ever exposed to the real disease, his immune system is now prepared to recognize and fight it off entirely or reduce the severity of the illness.

Not too long ago, 50 percent or more of dogs died of canine distemper or parvovirus before their first birthday. These little victims suffer through painful vomiting and diarrhea and too often must be humanely euthanized to end their suffering. These diseases today are entirely preventable.
Your puppy has already received two puppy vaccines. You are responsible in getting the next two one three weeks after their vet appointment and then you vet will inform you of your next appointment which will be two to three weeks later. I want to encourage you to keep your appointments as your puppy is not fully protected till the series of four are completed. If you get behind your vet may have you start the whole series all over again which is sad for your puppy and your pocket.

How often do they need to receive the vaccines?

Once they have completed the series of four, they need one each year.  Rabies is also once a year.

Do I need to get my puppies any other vaccines?

Yes one more is needed when your puppy turns 16 weeks old they need a rabies shot.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.

The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. The early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to that of many other illnesses, including fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort. As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.

Heartworm Treatment

Your puppy received their first treatment at 4 weeks old. When you go to your at within 48 hours of getting your puppy you need to talk them about heartworm and flea treatment to get them started on.

Heartworm is a monthly treatment but will protect your puppy heart. This is vital to do for your puppy.

Once they are on heartworm treatment you no longer need to use other wormers.

Flea Treatment

Your puppy left TLC Puppy Love with a treatment called Advantage. This is safe for us to use in our kennel. It is not waterproof so when you give the first bath they are no longer protected. Ask your vet for the best one, but my vet recommends Revolution. All others are waterproof and will last a month. If your puppy is going outside at all flea protection is a must!

Videos below explain the medical care given while here, the health certificate and vet report card. All our puppies get the best medical care that can be given.