JAck Russell Terrier

Vaccines are an essential tool in keeping your Doxie healthy, but a few do carry some risk of allergic reaction.  Knowing which are vital and which are optional can help improve your odds of doing good without doing harm.

- Rabies

Rabies vaccine is among the most important for your Dachshund, as it is for any dog.Even though the disease is much less common today, the consequences of getting it are still so drastic – often fatal – that most vets still recommend it.

Rabies vaccinations are usually given every year to puppies and every two to three years subsequently.The majority of the states require the vaccine and determine a specific schedule.That is being re-examined as research now reveals that immunization lasts three years or more.See your veterinarian for specific guidelines, but also seek a second or even third opinion and decide accordingly.

Serious side effects from the vaccination are rare, but may include swelling, hives, fever, or lethargy, along with decreased appetite.

- Canine Distemper

Distemper shots used to be routine.Although schedules have lengthened, they are still common today.Contemporary research shows that puppies given a sequence of shots will develop antibodies that last several years.First vaccinations should be given at approximately eight weeks.As with any vaccination, the schedule can vary from one part of the country to another, since prevalence and the associated risks of the disease vary geographically.  See your vet.

- Parvo

A vaccine to protect against the parvovirus is often combined with that for distemper, though it can be given separately.Bear in mind that “combo” shots represent a slightly greater risk of allergic reaction.Combinations also make determining the root of any problem more difficult.

In some dogs, the immune systems goes into “hyperdrive” and produces redness of the gums, swelling of the face and other symptoms.If a problem occurs, it commonly happens within an hour or less, so stay near your vet’s office after any vaccination.Observe your Dachshund attentively.Have Benadryl nearby and call your vet at the first sign of a reaction.

- Hepatitis

This shot helps protect against infectious canine hepatitis.Here again, the disease is not common and the vaccine carries a small chance of allergic reaction.Nevertheless, the disease is serious enough that owners will want to discuss the subject carefully with their veterinarian and seek a second opinion before deciding.Kidney infections are possible following the vaccination because modified live virus is used.

- Lepto

Shots to immunized against the leptospira bacteria used to be routine, and in many areas still are.This is another vaccine that may cause a reaction and offers only short-lived protection against the disease.Since the disease itself is uncommon, this vaccination is considered “non-core” by many vets today.

- Bordatella

The Bordatella organism causes a fairly common condition popurlarly known as “kennel cough”.  The name comes from the fact that the organism can be airborne and can spread when dogs are housed close together.It is not a serious ailment, but does necessitate treatment when it arises.

If your Dachshund does not come into contact with strange dogs this vaccine is probably not necessary.Exceptions are in areas where the disease has gone unchecked, or when you intend to go on vacation and board your Dachshund.

Summary

Vaccines are a low-risk, outstanding way to protect your Dachshund against a wide array of diseases.But “low-risk” doesn’t mean “no risk” and what was once a customary habit has become a more thoughtful exercise, thanks to improved research.

Apprehension about vaccines is erroneous.However, the risk of disease is not zero, either.Nevertheless, careful consideration of the benefits and risks will help maximize your dog’s health.

Just for Dog Lover’s

The title is a little misleading since no disease is truly common in Dachshunds. Most Dachshunds are born healthy and live long, relatively disease-free lives.Some minor health issues arise for nearly every dog at some point, even those who receive early vaccinations and excellent life-long care.

Nevertheless, some conditions do occur more often in Dachshund than in other breeds.

Diseases of the Adrenal Gland

One common disease of the adrenal gland is hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing’s Disease. In Cushing’s Disease, too much of the cortisol hormone is produced, either by the adrenal gland or a primary tumor, or a malfunction of the pituitary gland, which is the master gland that tells the adrenal gland how much cortisol to produce. The elevated cortisol level results in hair loss, excessive drinking and urination, a pot-bellied appearance, skin conditions and sometimes diabetes. Lab tests are performed to measure the cortisol levels and the ability of the adrenal gland to produce cortisol. There are several different drugs that can be used to decrease the level of cortisol. On occasion, surgical removal of the adrenal gland may be needed. Cushing’s disease can occur in all breeds of dogs, also.

The opposite condition is called hypoadrenocorticism (low cortisol) or Addison’s disease. Whereas, Cushing’s takes some time to present itself, Addison’s disease is a sudden episode of collapse due to to low of glucose (blood sugar) and an imbalance of the electrolytes. The sudden illness results in an emergency visit to the veterinarian to correct the imbalances with cortisone injections and fluid therapy. Addison’s disease is the most difficult to diagnose because the sudden collapse resembles many disorders. Specialized blood tests are necessary to identify both Cushing’s and Addison’s Disease. Life long treatment with prednisone and electrolyte supplements will be needed to treat Addison’s disease.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Several eye diseases can affect Dachshunds, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. PRA is a gradual deterioration of the retina, the back wall of the eye. The deterioration leads to gradual vision loss and eventual blindness. Because of the slow onset of the disease, it may not be diagnosed until the dog has already been bred, thus passing the condition to their offspring. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure or treatment for PRA. Other eye diseases that can affect Doxies are cataracts, glaucoma, optic nerve hypoplasia, abnormal eyelashes (distichiasis) as well as other conditions. Regular eye exams can help early detection of these eye-disorders.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

By far the most common disease of Dachshunds is related to the discs between the vertebrae (the bones of the spine). The disc is normally gelatinous and provides a cushion between the bones of the back (spine). In Dachshunds, this material sometimes ruptures and sometimes calcifies, or hardens. The disc protrusion causes pain and swelling around the nerves coming out of the spinal cord and sometimes compresses the cord itself. A herniated disc starts with back pain or a reluctance to jump, and can progress to partial or even total paralysis of the back legs. The majority of Doxies with disc disease can be managed medically with pain medication and anti-inflammatory medications. Acupuncture and Chiropractic manipulation is sometimes used to help relieve the pain with varying success. When total paralysis is caused from a complete rupture, immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord may help restor full function in the legs. The faster the surgery is performed, the greater the chances of full recovery.

Researchers are using lasers to fuse or burn the discs in order to prevent future herniation. Because this is such a common problem in this breed, I do recommend purchasing health insurance for your pet. Unfortunately, some owners cannot afford the surgery and pets suffering with total paralysis or extreme pain are euthanized. A few of my patients that were partially paralyzed did recover some function of their legs over time. Some dogs may recover without surgery, but it is impossible to predict.

Vaccination Reactions

Allergic reactions to vaccinations does seem to occur in the Dachshund more often than any other breed. Usually, the reaction is minor, resulting in swelling of the face and muzzle and sometimes hives. Vaccine reactions do occur with any dog, so it is wise to observe your pet for a few hours after receiving. Vaccines have improved over the past few years so reactions are fewer and the benefits of protecting your pet against the diseases outweighs the risks.

With good health care, Dachshunds can lead a long and healthy life. Preventive health checks, proper diets, vaccinations, heartworm and parasite prevention, and good dental care can help your Dachshund live longer.  You can find more information concerning your dogs health at LuvUrDog.com as well Dachshund breed gifts.

 

One of the greatest things about dogs is that they seldom complain about anything. However, this same trait can lead to problems sometimes. For example, your pooch isn’t going to tell you that he isn’t getting a good night’s sleep on his old dog bed. If you watch carefully, you will be able to see the signs and be able to step in and help you faithful pal get the type of rest he deserves. With older dogs it is even more important that they have a quality dog bed due to the onset of ailments like hip dyslpasia that can cause him a lot of pain. The best way to help him sleep and to assuage his aches and pains is by purchasing an orthopedic dog bed for him that will allow him to sleep well all night every night.

What Makes Orthopedic Dog Beds so Special?

Most dog beds consist of nothing but a large pillow. Puppies might be all right with a bed like this, but older dogs need more support for their limbs and joints. Orthopedic dog beds, on the other hand, are made more like the mattress you use yourself. These mattresses offer firm support, are easy to clean, and retain their shape far longer than pillow-like beds do.

If you’ve ever slept on a bad mattress yourself, you already know what it can feel like. A mattress that is hard or unsupportive keeps you from getting the rest you need, so you can be at your best. You also won't get the support that is crucial and you will most likely wake sore and unrested. The main reason for these problems is that without getting the support you need from your mattress, your spine must do the work to support your body while you’re sleeping. Dogs, like people, feel the effects of poor mattresses and will benefit just as much as people do from having an orthopedic dog bed.

Can’t a Dog Just Sleep on the Floor?

You have no doubt noticed you dog drop down somewhere in the middle of the floor for an afternoon nap. And this is fine for a nap, but the floor won't allow your dog to get the kind of sleep at night he needs, particularly if he suffers from hip dysplasia or arthritis. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the floor will give your dog the firm sleeping surface he needs, even if the floor is carpeted. You won’t hear him complain, but an observant owner will be able to tell when their pet is feeling the effects.

For starters, most floors are too hard and uncomfortable for restful sleep. If you tried to nap on one sometime, you would more fully understand. In addition, they are far too firm, put too much pressure on various parts of the dog’s body, and don’t give him the comfort he needs to sleep soundly.

Do You Really Want to Spend the Money?

Some dog owners are reluctant to spend the kind of money it takes to buy the right orthopedic dog bed for their pet. Many of us are quick to spend foolishly on ourselves when our dogs are sleeping on the hard, cold ground or worse, a concrete pad? Adopting a dog involves making sure he is taken care of and overall responsibility for his well being. He gives you a lot of companionship and joy. You know you owe him the courtesy of a really good nights sleep?