The Importance of Current Vaccines: A reminder to all Little Beach Dogs

This is more than just an article for the website, this is Little Beach Dog Protocol. We can not highlight the importance of maintaining current vaccinations enough. Below are a list of vaccinations that must remain current in order for your dog to attend daycare.

Rabies: This virus is most common to wildlife but affects all mammals. Without the protection of this vaccine the rabies virus can be deadly and spread from animal to animal. The rabies virus attacks the nervous system and the brain. For more specific information please check out the Ma.gov website for current Rabies Protocols and Regulations.

Distemper/Parvo (DHPP): This vaccine covers a few diseases in one inoculation: canine distemper, infectious hepatitis/adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza

1. 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.

2. Infectious Hepatitis/Adenovirus-Infectious canine hepatitis: This virus attacks the liver and blood vessels. This disease is transferred through an infected animal's urine and feces. Untreated it can be deadly.

3. Parvovirus: This is another contagious virus and can be fatal. It is most commonly seen in young dogs under 6 months old. The virus attacks the intestines and bone marrow. It can be spread through feces or contaminated objects.

4. Parainfluenza: This virus causes respiratory issues. It is the most common pathogen of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as canine cough. This virus is spread through cough or sneeze particles but also can be picked up on objects that have been contaminated.

• Bordetella (Kennel cough): 'Kennel Cough' is the term that was commonly applied to the most prevalent upper respiratory problem in dogs in the United States. There are, however, other viruses that fall under the umbrella of 'Kennel Cough.’ This disease is highly contagious, and while the vaccine might not prevent infection 100%, it does lessen the severity of the symptoms and the likelihood of death.

With the Bordetella Vaccine The Beach Dog and the Little Beach Dog, require a 12-month booster vaccine. If you opt to have your dog receive the nasal application, you must wait 10 /12 days to bring your dog back to daycare. Please ask your vet which inoculation is best for your dog.

Here at The Beach Dog and The Little Beach dog daycare, we run a strict vaccination Protocol. All records are reviewed and notifications will be applied should your dog vaccinations expire. Current vaccination records must be presented to daycare within two weeks of any notifications. Should your dog fail to make the update notification requirements, dogs can not return to daycare until two weeks after vaccines have been updated. To some this may seem invasive Protocol but to us there are no limits too big to insure the safety of your dog and all the other Beach Dogs. Please note that if you're having issues with veterinarian apts, our staff is always willing to accommodate. Please reach out to Pam so we can find a way to best serve you and your dog. If you have been to your vet recently please ask them to fax us a copy to 978-517-5036.

Things to Note: Be aware of your surrounding. If you take your dog to areas where there are other dogs socializing, please be aware of the dogs that are playing with your dog.

• Are other dogs eating grass?

• Do they have loose stool?

• Does the area have unbagged poop?

• Does a dog appear sick, nasal and eye discharge, are they scratching?

• Do they appear lethargic and less playful than other dogs around them?

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.

It is very important that your dog be current on vaccines and that as the dog owner, you know what to look for to keep your dog, and all Daycare dogs safe. While this article may sound scary and make some uncomfortable, we can not stress enough about the importance of current vaccinations. Please know that our Protocols for both The Beach Dog and the Little Beach Dog, are designed to keep all dogs safe. Please contact Pam with any questions or concerns.

Pam Doherty

Owner

978-204-5758