Vaccinate your pets to prevent fatal diseases in dogs!

Vaccines can help pets fight against a variety of highly contagious and sometimes fatal diseases. Therefore, it is very important for pets to be vaccinated against common infectious diseases. One reason is that because their immune systems are not fully mature, vaccination as early as possible allows pets to safely interact and socialize with other animals.

Among various vaccines, the DHPPiL (canine distemper, hepatitis, enteritis, parainfluenza, and leptospira) vaccine is particularly important because canine distemper, enteritis, and leptospirosis are very common diseases in Hong Kong.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral infection that can be fatal, mainly affecting the respiratory tract, digestive tract, skin and nervous system of dogs. Some dogs suffering from this disease will eventually die.

Transmission Route

Canine distemper virus is spread through droplets, body fluids, contaminated food and water. If the mother dog has not received vaccinations, her puppies will be more susceptible to infection. Puppies between two and six months old are at higher risk of infection. The mortality rate for puppies suffering from canine distemper can reach 80%.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Sneeze
• Cough
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stool
• Weight loss
• Possible neurological problems (such as muscle twitching)

Prevention

The most effective way to preventCanine Distemperof the virus is isolation. All other healthy dogs that have not received vaccinations should also receive vaccinations as soon as possible.

The mortality rate of dogs infected with canine distemper can exceed 50%, and the mortality rate of puppies can reach 80%. Many dogs that recover also develop long-term illnesses (such as lung damage), tooth enamel destruction, and paw pad hardening, which can last a lifetime.

Enteritis

The severity of illness and mortality of sick dogs vary, and sequelae such as chronic diarrhea and heart disease may still occur after recovery. Puppies under six months of age are particularly susceptible to this disease.

Route of Infection

Dogs become infected through contact with feces contaminated with the virus, so dogs are often sold in pet stores.

Symptoms

• Sudden and bloody diarrhea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargic
• Fever
• Puppies may faint

Since it is a virus, there is no medicine to treat it once infected. You can only rely on the dog's own immune system to fight the virus. The main thing we can do is care. Infected dogs usually become seriously ill and require intensive medical treatment.

Leptospira

Leptospirosis can be caused by different strains of Leptospira bacteria. The disease is zoonotic (transmissible to humans) and has the potential to cause damage to multiple organs.

Transmission Route

Rats are an important host of this pathogen. Dogs may become infected if they come into direct contact with urine contaminated with the bacteria, or indirectly come into contact with contaminated water sources (such as drinking or swimming in contaminated streams).

Dogs who live or play on mountaintops or in the countryside are at higher risk of infection, especially those who drink or swim in streams. The disease often appears some time after heavy rains.

Symptoms

• Lethargic
• Feeling depressed
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice
• Liver and kidney failure

Leptospirosis is a serious disease. Even after treatment, some infected dogs are so sick that they may suffer permanent organ failure or even die. Most infected animals generally require hospitalization for observation and intensive treatment, including antibiotics, intravenous drips, supportive drugs such as antivomiting, and even blood transfusions. Patients are required to remain in isolation during treatment.

The earlier the diagnosis and the more intensive treatment, the higher the chance of cure. However, a small number of dogs will die even if they receive early diagnosis and treatment.Dogs that are not vaccinated or are not fully vaccinated tend to be more severely ill.

Regular vaccination can effectively prevent infectious diseases. Puppies need 2-3 vaccinations depending on their age. The Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends that puppies receive the DP vaccine at 6 weeks of age, followed by the DHPPi+L vaccine at 8 weeks of age until 12 weeks of age, and then annually thereafter.

 

Vaccination Schedule

Age	Dogs
8 to 10 weeks	First DHPPiL injection*
12 weeks	Second DHPPiL injection
16 weeks	Third DHPPiL injection
Every year	DHPPiL booster vaccine
*In some high-risk cases, vaccination may be required earlier, please check with your veterinarian.

In order for preventive vaccines to achieve maximum effectiveness, pets must be in good health when receiving vaccinations. Routine annual checkups and vaccinations give you a good opportunity to talk to your veterinarian about any questions about your pet's health.