The information on this page is intended to help new puppy owners to educate themselves about the responsibilities of owning a new pet and help relieve the stress a new puppy will go through during this transition in their life.
This information is not intended for the sole source to the health needs of your pet,  please consult & visit your vet!

Also, with every new pet we urge you to do some research about them to make sure they are a pet you can afford and one that fits your family lifestyle. We also urge you to check you local animal shelters first as there are many dogs & cats needing loving homes. Some rescues are located on this page, click here.

ABC's of Dog Vaccines

Dog injectable vaccine found in the combination products may have the letters D, A2, H, P, PV, Pv, CPV, CV, CVK, L, AND L4.

“D” stands for Distemper. Distemper is a contagious viral disease that can result in death. It affects the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system. If the dog survives the initial infection, the illness often spreads to the nervous system, causing seizures and chronic problems. Clients often elect euthanasia due to seizures. There is no specific treatment except supportive care, and over half the infected dogs die. Vaccination is highly effective at protecting dogs against Distemper virus.

“H” and “A2” stand for hepatitis and canine adenovirus type 2. This illness is caused by a virus, canine adenovirus type 1 and 2. The disease is infectious canine hepatitis (Adeno virus type 1) or coughing (Adeno virus type 2). Adenovirus type 2 are used to make vaccine, and protects against both adenovirus type 1 and 2 infection. Vaccination is highly effective at protecting dogs against Adenovirus.

“P” typically stands for parainfluenza. Parainfluenza is a virus that causes respiratory infections in dogs. It is also one of the culprits involved in infectious canine bronchitis, commonly called ‘kennel cough’. Vaccination with parinfluenza vaccine is important to protect dogs from respiratory disease. All dogs should receive parainfluenza vaccine as part of their vaccination regime.

“PV”, “Pv”, “CPV”, and sometimes “P” stand for canine parvovirus. This highly contagious viral disease is a well-known cause of gastrointestinal disease and death in many dogs. Because there is no specific cure, treatment is primarily intensive in-hospital nursing and supportive care. Vaccination is highly effective at preventing Parvo virus.

“CV” and “CVK” stand for coronavirus. This contagious viral disease causes intestinal illness and can be mild in older dogs or severe in young dogs. It has been associated with death in young puppies. As with the other viral diseases, there is no specific therapy to eliminate the virus. Animals are treated with supportive and nursing care. Mothers vaccinated for corona will protect their puppies in the milk until after weaning. It is often included in the vaccinations given to young dogs (10 weeks), and breeding females.

“L” or “4L” stand for leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can cause liver and kidney disease as well as abortion. The illness may be acute, chronic, and inapparent or cause death. The bacteria exist in many different subtypes, called serovars. Most available vaccines protect against two of these serovars, L.canicola and L. icterohaemorrhagiae. A few vaccines protect against two additional serovars, L.grippotyphosa and L.pomona. Read the vaccine label carefully to identify which serovars are present in the vaccine. Lepto vaccination is important, but dogs only need the serovars in your area. Not all dogs should receive this vaccine. Discuss the use of leptospirosis vaccine with your veterinarian.
Vaccination Schedule for Dogs
  6-8 weeks 10-12 weeks 14-16 weeks
Bordetella (intranasal)
from 3 weeks of age
Bordetella (injectable) X X X
Corona X X X
Distemper X X X
Hepatitis Adenovirus X X X
Leptospira   X X
Parainfluenza X X X
Parvo X X X
Rabies 12 weeks 64 weeks 3 years

Identifying symptoms of dog worms
There are 5 different types of dog worms (internal parasites) that can be found in a dog.  They are: heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms and whipworms.  It is important to recognize the symptoms and characteristics if you suspect your dog may be infected.

Early detection is important because each type requires a different type treatment.  Some dog worm infestations may show little to no symptoms, where other may dhow severe symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss.  Below is a list of common telltale symptoms of worm infestation in your dog. 

  1.     Dull coat

  2.     Weight loss

  3.    Appetite loss

  4.     Pot-bellied appearance

  5.     Coughing

  6.     Low energy level

  7.     Diarrhea

  8.     Vomiting

Hookworms in Dogs and Puppies
Hookworms are also an intestinal worm and can affect a dog at any age.  It is a small worm that hooks to the intestinal wall and sucks blood from the animal which causes anemia and possibly death.  Because of their sharp teeth they can cause bleeding in the intestines.  They can not be seen by the naked eye.  Hookworms also live and grow to adulthood in the intestines.  The hookworm is one of the classical intestinal parasites of puppies, the other being roundworms, tapeworms and coccidia. They can be transmitted to pups while in the mothers uterus or thru breast milk.  Symptoms of hookworm infestations are: bloody stool, anemia, weight loss, pale gums, diarrhea and low energy level.  Skin irritation can be a sign of severe infestation.  Contact your vet if your dog displays any of these symptoms.

How infection occurs in dogs
Hookworm eggs are released into the intestinal contents and passed thru the animals stool.  Once on the outside of the animal it has life stages to go thru before it can infect another animal.  Hookworm larva can infect an animal in several ways.  One is to penetrate the skin directly thru the feet, belly or any part of the body that touches the ground.  Another way is to gain entry to the animal is to be present in soil that is licked and swallowed  when the animal is cleaning itself.  If not treated it can be lethal to young puppies.   Infected puppies are commonly pale, weak and have long~standing deficiencies.  They may or may not have diarrhea. 

How to get rid of Hookworms
Treatment usually consist of oral medications, follow~up fecal exams, intravenous therapy and if necessary a blood transfusion.  Hookworm infestation can kill your puppy before the worm is ever detected.  This is why it is so important to keep up with veterinary visits and exams.    Deworm with one of several products and should be repeated in approximately 30 days.  A few suggestions are below:

  1. •Fenbendazole (active ingredient in Panacur)
    Fenbendazole a very broad spectrum anthlemmintic and is highly effective against roundworms, hookworms and pinworms.  It is also used to aid Giardia outbreaks.  Routine treatment is once a day for 3 consecutive days.  It is safe to use in pregnant and lactating female.

  2. •Pyrantel Pamoate (Nemex, Drontal or Strongid T)
    Pyrantal Pamoate is a safe and effective de~wormer against roundworms, hookworms and pinworms. Repeat 2 to 3 times 2~4 weeks apart to eliminate all stages of the parasite. It is safe to use in pregnant females.

                               
Roundworms in Dogs and Puppies
Round worms are the most common type of dog worm which affects the intestines and causes a pot-bellied appearance, mostly in puppies. They have a spagetti~like appearance.  Symptoms of a severe infestation are: pot-belly appearance, diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat and weight loss.  Contact your vet if your dog displays any of these symptoms.

How infection occurs in dogs

  1.     During development in a pregnant mother (most puppies are infected this way)

  2.     Nursing from and infected mothers

  3.     Consuming infective worm eggs from soil in the environment

  4.     Consuming prey that is carrying developing worms

How to get rid of Roundworms
Puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks between 2 and  12 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months old.  Once a puppy reaches 6 months of age, they are less susceptible to contracting theses worms however, it is highly recommended to contact your vet to continue yearly exams.  A number of deworming products are effective.  some are over the counter and some are prescription.  Many flea control and/or heartworm prevention products provide a monthly deworming which is especially helpful in minimizing environmental contamination. Below are a few suggestions:

  1. Pyrantel pamoate (active ingredient in Strongid, Nemex, HeartgardPlus)
    Pyrantal Pamoate is a safe and effective de~wormer against roundworms, hookworms and pinworms. Repeat 2 to 3 times 2~4 weeks apart to eliminate all stages of the parasite. It is safe to use in pregnant females.
  2. Fenbendazole (active ingredient in Panacur)
    Fenbendazole a very broad spectrum anthlemmintic and is highly effective against roundworms, hookworms and pinworms.  It is also used to aid Giardia outbreaks.  Routine treatment is once a day for 3 consecutive days.  It is safe to use in pregnant and lactating females.
  3. Febantel (active ingredient in Drontal)

Tapeworms in Dogs and Puppies
Tape worms get its name from its long, flat, tape~like appearance.  It is another parasite that affects the intestines and can be seen with the naked eye.  Broken pieces of this worm would be found in the dog;s fecal matter, around the anus or in their bed  and have a rice-like appearance.  Common symptoms of severe tapeworm infestations are: abdominal pain, nervousness, severe itching around the anus, vomiting and weight loss.  Contact your vet if your dog displays any of these symptoms.

How infection occurs in dogs
The only way a dog  can get tapeworms is from fleas after licking and swallowing them.  It then attaches itself to the intestines of the animal where it absorbs nutrients as food is being digested.  They are passed through the animals stool or rear end where  flea larval consume tapeworm eggs.  When a grooming animal licks the flea and swallows it takes about 3 weeks from the time the flea is swallowed to the time tapeworm segments are noticed. 

How to get rid of Tapeworms
Tapeworms are killed by different medications which can be given by injection or tablet.  Droncit also known as Praziquantel is the recommended treatment.  Over~the~counter deworming medication is not effective in eliminating this type of worm.

  1. •Praziquantal ~ s a drug of choice that has been shown to be up to 95% effective in the treatment of adult tapeworm infections.  Retreat on a regular basis  to prevent reinfection.

Whipworms in Dogs and Puppies
Whipworms are long, thin whip~shaped worms that live in the dog’s colon and are not visible to the naked eye.  They attach themselves to the intestinal wall and feed off of them which, in turn, causes intestinal bleeding.  Common symptoms of whipworm infestations are: anemia, weight loss, flatulence, diarrhea with blood or mucus in the stool and lack of energy.  Whipworms are the most difficult to eliminate in dogs.  Contact your vet if your dog displays any of these symptoms.

How infection occurs in dogs
The large intestine is the home of the whipworm.  The adult worms bite the tissue of the intestine and suck blood there.  Eggs are laid inside the large intestine and passed with the stool.  Once outside the animal it requires 2-4 weeks to become capable of infecting another animal.  So this means that contaminated soil is the source of infection, not fresh feces.  The animal is infected by consuming eggs usually during grooming.

How to get rid of Whipworms
Most common deworming medications do not work on whipworms so something special must be selected. The most common products are Panacur and Drontal Plus.  Because of the long maturation cycle of this worm a second deworming is recommended.  Treatment last for up to 5 days and is repeated after 3 weeks. 

  1. •Fenbendazole (active ingredient in Panacur)
    Fenbendazole ~ a very broad spectrum anthlemmintic and is highly effective against roundworms, hookworms and pinworms.  It is also used to aid Giardia outbreaks.  Routine treatment is once a day for 3 consecutive days.  It is safe to use in pregnant and lactating females.

                   
Heartworms in Dogs and Puppies
Heartworms are parasitic worm that normally live in the right ventrical of the heart near blood vessels.    They are transmitted from one animal to another by mosquitoes. They are spread by the mosquitos mostly during the warm months when they are active.  The worms destroy the muscle and tissue of the heart and can cause congestive heart failure and result in death. At advanced states your animal would experience the typical signs of worms such as pot~belly, coughing, lack of energy and dull coat.  Unfortunately, the symptoms of this disease are not evident until it has progressed to an advanced stage.   If you suspect your pet has been infected see your vet for a blood test.  Heartworms, although highly preventable, has the potential to be fatal if left untreated.  Contact your vet if your dog displays any of these symptoms.

How to get rid of Heartworms
Puppies should be started on a Heartworm preventative by 8 weeks of age and given monthly for the life of your pet.  Below are a few suggestions for heartworm prevention.

  1. •HeartGard  Plus

  2. •Iverheart Plus

  3. •Advantage Multi
Ivermectrin:
a very broad-spectrum anti-parasitic medication effective against most common intestinal worms (except tapeworms), most mites and some lice .  May also be used for heartworms.  Consult your vet for directions.
Coccidiosis:
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract caused by microscopic organisms called coccidians.  The disease spreads from one dog to another by contact with infected feces and is most severe in young or weak animals.  Coccidiosis causes  a profuse, watery diarrhea which may be bloody.  The most common treatment for Coccidia is Albon.  Consult your vet if you have a pet with these symptoms
How do you know an animal has ear mites?  Look for scratching at the ears, shaking the head, crusty appearance in ear.  Ear mites usually induce the formation of  dry, dark brown, waxy exudate with crusts.  Use ear cleaner in conjunction with ear mite treatment.
The long-bodied and independent dachshund is likely to bowl you over with its affectionate and lively personality. It is truly happy when with its human family. However, remember to train your dachshund at an early age; this shrewd and stubborn dog will try to outfox you.

Steps:

1. 

Vaccinate your dachshund when you first get her, and see that she gets yearly booster vaccinations to maintain her immunity to disease. Also worm your adult dog every three months and consult with your veterinarian about flea control products.

2. 

Feed your dachshund high-grade dog food. The first ingredient should be meat if you want a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent and crude fat no less than 20 percent. The fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less.

3. 

Avoid overfeeding your dachshund. This breed gains weight rapidly.

4. 

Socialize your dachshund to be with children and other animals. Because dachshunds are irritated easily, they are not always good with small children and may bite them.

5. 

Be diligent and persevering when you train your dachshund. Training can be difficult because of the dachshund's willful personality and need to be in charge. (Note that food is a great motivator.) Also, be aware that dachshunds can be difficult to house-train.

6. 

Exercise or walk your dachshund daily. Be careful not to let her leap or jump up. Dachshunds can easily damage their spines because of their long backs.

7. 

Brush longhaired dachshunds daily. Smooth-haired dogs need to be cleaned often with a damp cloth. Have a wirehaired dachshund's coat trimmed a couple of times a year by a professional. All three types are medium shedders.

8. 

Bathe your dog monthly and trim her nails at least every two to three weeks.

9. 

Understand that dachshunds are prone to certain health conditions such as ruptured or slipped spinal disks, heart disease and obesity.

10. 

Know that miniature dachshunds grow to 14 inches and weigh between 10 and 11 lbs. Standard dachshunds grow between 14 and 18 inches and weigh between 18 and 20 lbs.

11. 

Expect dachshunds to live 12 to 15 years.

Tips:

Make sure your dachshund's back is horizontally aligned when you pick her up or carry her, so you prevent back injuries.

Dachshunds love to play and participate in all activities.

Warnings:

Dachshunds are diggers.

 




Credit to the resources for the information on this page goes to:

eHow.com - Simple instructions to do (just about) everything

and

Revival Animal Health.

The materials, information and answers provided through this website are not intended to replace the medical advice or services of a qualified veterinarian or other pet health care professional. Consult your own veterinarian for answers to specific medical questions, including diagnosis, treatment, therapy or medical attention.