Puppies: Keeping Them Healthy and Happy

Biogal Academy | Puppies: Keeping Them Healthy and Happy

When bringing a new puppy home, there are two main goals we focus on: keeping them healthy and keeping them happy. However, these goals can sometimes appear to conflict, particularly when it comes to two important aspects—socialization and exposure to serious diseases during vaccination series. By better understanding both and knowing what tools are available, we can find the right balance to achieve both of these important goals for our puppies.

 

Socialization Period

The socialization period is when a puppy learns to interact properly with people, other animals, and their environment. The critical window for socialization is between 3 to 14 weeks of age, during which puppies are more open, curious, and less cautious. If they don’t experience enough positive interactions during this time, they may develop fears later on.

To properly socialize a puppy, it’s crucial to expose them to a variety of experiences, including different noises, objects, animals, and people. However, these exposures should be both positive and controlled:

• Positive: Link the experience to something enjoyable. For example, when taking your puppy outside to explore, bring treats with you to create a positive connection between new sights, sounds, and the treats they love.
• Controlled: Pay attention to your puppy’s body language and recognize when they are showing signs of stress. If a situation is too overwhelming, allow your puppy to walk away and slowly reintroduce the experience in a more comfortable way.

However, it is important to understand the risk of exposing your puppy to serious diseases!

 

Vaccination Period

What are the main viruses we vaccinate against?

The main viruses we vaccinate against are Parvovirus, Adenovirus, and Distemper virus. All three of these viruses are highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected dog, as well as contact with contaminated urine, feces, and surfaces. While both puppies and adult dogs can become infected, puppies are particularly at risk because their immune systems are not fully developed, making the disease more severe and often fatal in young dogs. There is no treatment for these viruses, so vaccination is essential to prevent these dangerous diseases.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines are weakened or killed micro-organisms (viruses, bacteria etc.) that are injected into the body to stimulate a primary immune response.

Every virus has its own special marker, called an antigen. The body will develop, as part of its immune response, antibodies towards that specific antigen. These antibodies will remain in the body for months or years (long after the virus is eliminated).

If the dog is then infected with the same virus, but this time in a live form, the body will develop a secondary immune response– it will react much faster because it already has specific antibodies for the virus. This helps the dog get better quicker.

What are Maternally Derived Antibodies (MDAs)?

MDAs are antibodies that puppies receive from their mother’s colostrum within the first 24-48 hours of life. These antibodies provide protection against viruses for the first few weeks. The duration they stay in the puppy’s body can vary from one puppy to another.

However, these antibodies can interfere with vaccinations. When MDAs are present, the vaccine will not be effective. As the MDAs start to decrease, there’s a period when they still interfere with vaccinations, leaving the puppy unprotected from viruses for a few weeks.

What is the vaccination protocol for puppies?

Due to the presence of maternally derived antibodies, puppies receive a series of vaccinations to help ensure they are fully protected. The WSAVA vaccination protocol for puppies is as follows:

• Parvovirus/Adenovirus/Distemper virus– first dose at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age.
• Rabies virus– first dose at 12 weeks of age, in high risk areas second dose 2-4 weeks after.
• Leptospira– first dose at 8 weeks, second dose 2-4 weeks after.

 

Socialization versus Vaccination

The critical socialization period and the vaccination period for your puppy end around the same time. This means that the most important period for exposure to different experiences is also when you need to be very cautious about exposing your puppy to potentially fatal diseases.

What can be done?

The key is to have all the information and knowledge about both sides of this issue and understand the various risks. This will help you make an informed decision about what’s best for you and your puppy.

Evaluate what situations are safer for your puppy to be exposed to. For example, many experiences can be safely introduced in your home, and meeting different people often carries a low risk of infection. If you plan to take greater risks, like going outside or meeting other dogs, it’s important to minimize those risks. You could carry your puppy in your arms or only interact with dogs you know are healthy and fully vaccinated. However, remember that these situations still carry some risk.

To ensure your puppy is fully vaccinated and protected before being exposed to the outside world, you can check their antibody levels using VacciCheck.

 

What is VacciCheck?

VacciCheck is a simple blood test that measures the levels of antibodies for Parvovirus, Distemper virus, and Adenovirus in your puppy.

• If the antibody levels are sufficient- your puppy is fully protected.
• If the levels are low or there are no antibodies- an additional vaccination shot is needed, followed by a recheck of antibody levels.

Including VacciCheck as part of your puppy’s vaccination series is a great way to ensure they are fully protected before being exposed to potentially risky situations.