General Hints and Tips & Wellbeing 

Vaccinations.

Normally first injection for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Parvo Virus will be carried out by your vet between 8-12 weeks of age. Followed by a booster a few weeks after the initial injections.
Some vets advise vaccination on a different time scale so consult with your vet when you take your puppy for a health check.
Remember vaccinations will need ANNUAL boosters, to protect your new member of the family throughout its life.  

PARVO VIRUS
Some Vets will NOT give the second vaccination until the puppy is 12 weeks  old as the company that makes the vaccine will not guarantee it will prevent the pup from getting Parvo under 12 weeks of age.  So check with your vet and make sure that you get the time scale correct, as in certain parts of the country PARVO VIRUS in on the rise.

Canine Parvo Virus affects puppies more than adult dogs, the sign's to look for in a puppy are vomiting, listless, not eating , high temperature, lethargic and a foul smelling bloody/ black liqiud diarrhoea.  Usually dehydration and shock with the above mentioned can bring about the death in your puppy.  Parvo is a highly contagious virus to other dogs which are unprotected.

Also with puppies having an immature immune system should not be allowed to go near other dogs as they may be unsuspecting carrieres of the virus without having any of the symptoms.

It has to be said all puppies experience the runs at some time of their young life, with change of food, water, but still manage to live an active life whilst getting used to the changes, and common sense will be in most cases be able to distinguish between change of diet or parvo virus.  If you have any doubt at all  contact your vet immediately - better to be safe than sorry.

Unfortunately, Canine Parvo Virus is just that and the canine world has the monopoly on this virus, it cannot be passed to humans or other pet species such as cats. It can however attack all breeds of dogs.
Parvo Virus is not an Airborne Virus.

DISTEMPER

Canine Distemper Virus occurs among domestic dogs and other carnivores and is also fairly common in wildlife, the development of vaccine has however dramtically reduced the number of dogs infected and now occurs as a sporadic outbreak.

Young puppies are most susceptible to infection and disease and are most likely to die than infected adults.

Infected dogs shed the virus through bodily secretions and excretions and especially respiratory secretions. The primary mode of vehicle for this virus is airborne particles that the dogs breathe in.

The signs to look for are Conjunctivitis ( discharge from the eyes), Diarrhoea, temperature, runny nose, laboured breathing, vomiting.

Whilst the above may seem to be more trouble than it's worth getting a puppy, it is not written for those of you that follow your vets advice and vaccinate your puppy as and when your vet suggest's, it is there simply and purely for those that think " yea right it will never happen to me".  

There is no point in paying lots of money for a pedigree puppy if the well being and health of the puppy is not paramount.  

Vaccination in the early stages of a puppies life and annual boosters can save a lot of heartache and days spent consulting with your vet......kerrrrching! !

Leptospirosis  More information on this and other health issues can be found on
www.vetgate.ac.uk

Cheyletiella (Walking Dandruff)
This little mite is common in boxers and is usually seen as scurf on the coat.
It is readily transferable to humans and can cause little red weals similar to heat bumps.  It will not do you or the dog harm but will cause itching and discomfort.
If this happens your vet can prescribe a suitable preparation with which it is easily treated.
We routinely treat all puppies and their mother as a matter of course with Frontline from the age of 2 weeks old.  Frontline can give protection for up to three months. This can be bought from your vets.

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•   House Training.
• Facts about Fleas  
• So! You Think You Want A Boxer Pup.
• Once You Get Your New Puppy Home.  
• At Work and Owning a Dog.
• Points on Buying a Boxer Puppy
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