posted 07-30-2003 07:03 AM         

Puppies receive antibodies from suckling their mother's milk. After weaning, they lose this acquired immunity. It is important to vaccinate your puppy against some of the common but deadly diseases. What follows below is a write-up of the common diseases which can be vaccinated against for your pet's protection.

Rabies is a disease that attacks the central nervous system and eventually paralyzing and killing the animal. Clinical signs of rabies include altered behavior and restlessness. there's no cure for rabies, only the preventive vaccination can save the life.

Parvovirus is a fatal and quick killer. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. A thorough disinfection of the premises must be done to cleanse the contamination.

Coronavirus is contagious and its symptoms are similar to Parvovirus. Transmission is via contact with infected feces and objects.

Canine distemper affects the central nervous system. Clinical signs include discharge from the eyes and nose, diarrhea, pneumonia and convulsions. This virus is transmitted via airborne particles.

The Hepatitis virus attacks the liver. Symptoms are similar to those of distemper. There is also fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. The animal will feel pain whenever its abdomen is pressed.

Canine cough is also known as " kennel cough ". It is so called because it results from dogs living in close quarters like those in kennels. The cough is very contagious and other symptoms include loss of appetite, loss of energy, runny eyes and nose and pneumonia. This is a complicated cough as it could be caused by a number of microorganisms such as parainfluenza, canine bordetella and adenovirus-Z.

Leptospirosis is extremely contagious as it is transmitted via any fluid discharge from the infected animal. Saliva, urine and nasal secretions are equally infectious. Symptoms include fever, pains and dehydration. A sudden drop in body temperature signals the serious progression of this disease.

Vaccinations are necessary to save your pet's life. It is important to record the vaccinations received for your puppy and schedule a regular vaccination program with your vet. Your pup may be healthy now but social contact with other dogs or disease carriers will pose health risks to it. Whenever you see any clinical signs of illness like loss of appetite, diarrhea or vomiting, it is time to visit the vet.

Title: Necessary vaccinations for your puppy
Description: It is important to vaccinate your puppy against some of the common but deadly diseases. What follows below is a write-up of the common diseases which can be vaccinated against for your pet's protection.