4 Health Care

Health care

Vaccinations

During pregnancy and through mother’s milk, puppies receive temporary protection from disease via maternal antibodies. These same antibodies can interfere with the development of a pup’s own immune response to vaccination so it is a fine balance providing good nutrition and promoting a good post vaccination immunity development. We often wean our puppies late at Amalie (between 6-8 weeks) and we recommended a course of three vaccinations be given at 7 11-12 and at least 14 -16 weeks. 

By delaying the vaccination schedule until at least 14 weeks, puppies receive the nutritional benefits of mother’s milk and are a little older when the final vaccination is given allowing more time for the pup to clear maternal antibodies from his system. He will also be more physiologically mature so at 14 weeks, he has a greater opportunity to develop adequate protection from the diseases covered in the vaccination protocol. 

At 7 weeks, we use the C3 vaccine protecting against Canine Hepatitis, Distemper and Parvovirus - international pups may require additional vaccinations. Canine cough is covered in the 2nd vaccination given once the puppy goes home. Our specialist veterinary advice recommends a final C3 vaccination at 14-16 weeks to ensure adequate protection against Parvovirus as per the WSAVA guidelines regardless of manufacturer guidelines. Your pup will then need an annual booster and health check.

Your vaccination certificate will be available when you collect your pup. Socialisation is important for you pup and needs to be done thoughtfully.  Don't go to the dog park or heavily dog populated areas but places that are relatively safe and support socialisation in the critical window are the beach (go at a time of day when its not super busy), car rides, visit a cafe with your pup on your lap / a mat by your feet, watch children play at the park....  Puppy pre-school is also safe - for more information  please discuss with your vet. The first 8 weeks of your puppy at home is a critical socialisation period. 

Intestinal parasites (worms)

All puppies are susceptible to intestinal worm (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, hydatid tapeworms and flea tapeworms). These worms can infect both dogs and humans so to protect both your dog and your family, it is essential to provide regular worm treatment for your puppy.

Dogs pick up worms from their environment and eggs can last in the soil for up to 5 years. You can reduce your pet’s exposure to worms by

·         keeping kennels and sleeping areas clean

·         treating your dog for fleas

·         washing your hands after playing with your dog and teach your dog that it is wrong to lick you (especially on the face)

·         cleaning up after your dog – on your walks always carry a dog-poo bag

Signs of worms in dogs include diarrhoea, weight loss, tail skidding (your dog rubs his tail on the ground) and a poor dull coat.

Your pup has been wormed every 2 weeks from birth with Drontal and then given Sentinel Spectrum at some stage between 6-8 weeks. We will advise when the next dose is to be given – please discuss a protocol for regular treatment with your vet – there are MANY preparations and combination treatments available.

Fleas and ticks

There are many products on the market to treat fleas and ticks. Some “all in one” preparations will also treat other parasites (eg heart and intestinal worms). There are new longterm products available – again, please discuss with your vet.

Remember that a paralysis tick can seriously injure and even kill your pet – check him regularly if you live in or travel through an area known to be host to this parasite. Frontline have an excellent video that all family members should watch if you live or travel in areas of Australia that have paralysis ticks (Eastern seaboard). 

Frontline is one of many products that help prevent ticks and they have good information on their website. Speak to your vet about what is best to use. Regardless of what chemical prevention you use, a daily tick check is recommended. See how here...

Run movie

Heart Worm

Heartworm is present in most parts of Australia and is transmitted to your pet by mosquitoes. In the unprotected dog, the worm develops and lives in the chamber of the heart. Your dog becomes lethargic and can die. The good news is that heartworm is easily prevented by regular medication. This can either be given monthly or when your pup is old enough, with a yearly injection. 

As puppies grow they need to have their heartworm medication dose altered. I give oral medication for the first year and then have an annual vet check and obtain vaccinations for all preventable diseases in the one visit.