Dogs are not little humans — a distinct species with its own needs.
“Better safe than sorry!” That is why vaccination matters so much.
The core vaccine protects against easily transmissible contagious diseases: canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis and canine parvovirus.
The leptospirosis vaccine is for dogs in contact with soil or water contaminated by wildlife (skunks, raccoons, rodents).
Dogs around other dogs should be vaccinated against kennel cough (Bordetella) — parks, training classes, boarding, grooming salons; most such facilities require it.
The rabies vaccine should be given to every dog: it is a fatal disease transmissible to humans by bite. Vaccination helps your companion live longer.
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and are essential to development. Hypothyroidism is an underproduction of these hormones, usually caused by antibodies that destroy the thyroid gland. It has a hereditary tendency (golden retriever, doberman, Pomeranian…).
It causes obesity, lethargy, hair loss, weakness, and predisposes to skin infections and heart problems. Diagnosis uses precise blood tests. Treatment replaces the hormone with a synthetic one for the rest of the dog’s life; its effectiveness is monitored with occasional blood tests.
Pain can be hard to detect — animals can’t complain. Chronic pain sets in gradually. The most common cause in older dogs is osteoarthritis.
They often still eat well and play, but hesitate to climb stairs or onto furniture, are less active, or take longer to get up in the morning. These changes aren’t random: discuss them with your veterinarian, who can recommend ways to slow the disease and control pain.
Heartworm disease is caused by a blood parasite (Dirofilaria immitis) transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Present in Quebec south of Quebec City, it mainly infects dogs (sometimes cats). The adult parasite lodges in the heart and vessels, causing coughing, exercise intolerance and sometimes sudden death.
Given its severity, screening and prevention are the best treatments. Screening is done by blood test, often combined with Lyme disease. Several medications effectively prevent heartworm, some also protecting against fleas and other external parasites.
