Fighting against Evil Dog Disease

There is nothing more heartbreaking than a sick pet (think: puppy dog eyes). As pet owners, we can help protect them against disease - through vaccination. We cannot stress this enough: prevention is key when it comes to disease. 

There has been an increase in incidents of canine (dog) disease in Midland. There are two common contagious canine diseases that you should be aware of: Canine Parvovirus (CPV or Parvo) and Canine Distemper Virus (CDV or Distemper). 

Vaccination is the best strategy to protect your pet from these diseases. Because of their importance, vaccines for these diseases are part of the standard package when you visit your veterinarian and at MHC’s Shot Clinics. 

What are these diseases and how do they affect your dog?

Parvo is a contagious viral disease the affects canines of all ages - puppies, young adults, and adults. It’s easily transmitted through any animal, object or human that has come into contact with an infected dog’s feces. Unvaccinated animals do not have immunity against Parvo and will be highly at risk of contracting it upon exposure. It can be life-threatening once contracted and left untreated. 

Distemper is caused by a vicious virus that attacks a dog’s nervous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. It’s spread airborne (through coughing and sneezing) or through shared food and water bowls. Since it attacks the nervous system, infected dogs may develop muscle twitches, seizures, convulsions with jaw chewing movements and salivation, and partial or complete paralysis. They may also develop a head tilt and exhibit circling behavior.  Distemper is often fatal and can leave surviving dogs with permanent damage to the nervous system. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you notice any vomiting, diarrhea, fever, rapid weight loss, lethargy or loss of appetite, or any other abnormal behavior in your pet, please visit your veterinarian immediately! It’s possible for infected dogs to show only one symptom. The sooner you go, the sooner the vet will be able to diagnose your pet and treat them if needed. 

It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pet’s health. Read up on other diseases affecting both cats & dogs here. 

TIPS on how to avoid getting your dog infected:

1. Get the proper vaccinations. Dogs of all ages (puppies, adolescents and adults) who have not been protected through vaccination are susceptible to these diseases.

Puppies should receive their first vaccines at 6 weeks of age; boosters should be administered at three – four week intervals until the puppy is 16 - 18 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age. Previously vaccinated adult dogs need boosters every year. 

 If your puppy is scheduled to receive a booster shot before our scheduled clinic dates, please see your vet instead so as not to miss a dose. We have an upcoming Shot & Chip Clinic on January 19.

2. Don’t expose your unvaccinated dog to other dogs until two weeks after they receive their shots or last set of recommended boosters. Before that time, they are not fully protected yet. 

3. Don’t take them to places where your unvaccinated dog could be exposed to infected dogs. Dog parks, pet stores, play groups, adoption centers, kennels, day care, and other public areas should be avoided until your dog is fully vaccinated.

4. When going to the veterinary clinic, carry your unvaccinated dog in your arms or a kennel outside as well as in the lobby. Coming into contact with infected dog’s saliva, urine or feces will increase your dog’s risk of contracting disease. 
 
If your dog is exhibiting signs of parvo/distemper and you have an appointment with your veterinarian, when you arrive, stay in your car but call your veterinarian to let them know you have arrived. They will direct you when to come into the clinic.  

5.  Parvovirus & Distemper can live on in the environment for over a year. If your house or yard has been infected, disinfect as much of the surfaces as possible with a 1:32 dilution of bleach (1/2 cup bleach in a gallon of water). The virus can survive on objects, including food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors. Note that certain areas that cannot be cleaned with bleach may remain contaminated. Regular soaps and disinfectants are NOT effective. 

6. If you work or spend time in places where you have contact with other dogs, change your clothes and shoes and wash up before returning home and handling your dog.

What vaccine does my pet need?

You can read about the vaccines that we administer here.  

The vet and vet techs present at our Shot Clinic will be able to assist you with determining what vaccines your pet needs depending on their age and species. Please bring your shot records, if you have any.  

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UPCOMING SHOT CLINIC - February 23, 2019
Check our Event Calendar for more details. This is open to Cats & Dogs  from anywhere! 

Please come with your pet if they're due for shots or if you're not sure if they have ever been vaccinated.

​Check out our Vaccinations page for Clinic safety rules, instructions and to print out the Shot Clinic Form. Bring the form and your shot records (if any).