The Importance of Current Vaccines: A reminder to all Beach Dogs
The Beach Dog requires all dogs who attend daycare to be current on their vaccinations.
Rabies: Rabies is a viral disease seen mostly in wild life. To wild animals this virus is deadly. When unvaccinated domestic animals come in contact with infected wildlife, the outcome can be deadly, if not costly to cure. Rabies is a preventable and treatable viral disease. Vaccination for rabies is mandated through the state and is regulated when registering your animal with the town you reside in. The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system of any mammal infected, causing disease in the brain and eventually death. For a list of preventative rules and regulations please see the Rabies Protocols and Regulations page on the Ma.gov website.
Distemper/Parvo (DHPP): This vaccine combats multiple diseases in one inoculation. DHPP vaccine is a combination vaccine that provides protection against canine distemper, infectious hepatitis/adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
Distemper:Canine distemper is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease. This virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatological and neurological systems of your dog. It is commonly spread through direct contact with an infected dog, as their respiratory secretions contain high concentrations of the virus.
Infectious Hepatitis/Adenovirus-Infectious canine hepatitis: This virus targets the liver and the cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels. It is spread through urine and feces. This virus can also be deadly.
Parvovirus: This virus is contagious and can be fatal. It is most commonly seen in young dogs under 6 months old. The virus attacks the intestines and bone marrow and is spread through feces and contaminated objects.
Parainfluenza: This virus is a very contagious respiratory disease and is one of the most common pathogens of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as canine cough.
NOTE: Bordetella (Kennel cough): This virus is a respiratory disease that is unbrelled under the term Kennel Cough. Because of the vaccines link to the common term Kennel Cough, people often misunderstand the role of this vaccine in prevention. There are many other viruses that also fall under the term Kennel Cough. While the vaccine might not keep your dog from catching it, the vaccine lessens the severity and spread.
The Beach Dog requires a 12-month booster vaccine for Bordetella (Kennel cough). If you opt to have your dog receive the nasal application, you must wait 10 /12 days to bring your dog to daycare. Please ask your vet. This application is a “live” virus and will give your dog kennel cough which allows them to build their immune system.
As part of The Beach Dog Protocol, our staff is diligent on keeping up with vaccination records. As this might seem invasive as a client, it is always meant to preserve the well being of your dog and all the dogs at daycare. Our staff will be reminding each of you when and if your dog's vaccinations are due to expire. Please provide current vaccination information within two weeks of our reminder to you. Any daycare dogs that fail to make the two week deadline will be asked to refrain from attending daycare until they have been updated. I know this can be an inconvenience but it's necessary to ensure the health of all our dogs. Your dog's health and well being is just as important as each and every dog in the Beach Dog Pack. If you are having trouble making veterinarian appointments, we are happy to help, please ask us about this service.
If you have been to your vet recently please ask them to fax us a copy to 978-517-5036.
PLEASE NOTE: The Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination does not guarantee your dog won’t get kennel cough. There are hundreds of “kennel cough” viruses and the Bordetella virus is the only vaccination that is provided because it is the worst virus. It is similar to the human flu shots that are given each winter, it does not guarantee you won’t get the flu or a common cold, it just reduces the severity of it. For more in-depth information on Kennel Cough please read Kennel Cough: The Beach Dog Protocol.
In order to minimize the potential of kennel cough, diarrhea, vomiting and other flu like symptoms at our facility we need your help. If your dog has displayed any of these symptoms at home prior to coming to daycare, please keep them home and call us and let us know.
If you take your dog to the dog park, please be aware of the dogs that are playing with your dog. Are the other dogs eating grass, do they have loose stool, does the park have poop on the grass that has not been cleaned up, is there nasal and eye discharge, are they scratching? Do they appear lethargic and less playful than other dogs around them? These are all important things to watch for if you are bringing your dog to daycare.
While the content of this article can be scary and uneasy for some to read, keeping your dog current on their vaccines should bring peace of mind. Also, know that through the Beach Dog Protocols, we are doing everything possible to ensure all dogs are safe. Please contact me with any questions you have on my direct line. 978-204-5758.
Pam Doherty
Owner