Leptospirosis

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have long vaccinated my dogs for leptospirosis. Apparently this year it is especially important in NJ but probably elsewhere as well.
http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2017/03/how_to_protect_your_dog_...

[Bonne Bouche]

Ive been reading a lot about this in Phoenix. Never heard of it before. I asked our vet today if we can/should get BB vaccinated for this. I've read a lot of negatives about the vaccine, especially for smaller dogs. BB is ~70# with a generally healthy immune system, so I don't think the vaccine has that high of a risk for him. ;-(

[F, Calla & Luca]

We've had no problems with it.

[Bonne Bouche]

Glad to hear, F. 

[BG and Gavin]

I looked up our vaccine and it is a combo vaccine that includes distemper, parvovirus, and lepto among others.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The problem with that is that there are now 3 year versions of the distemper and parvovirus vaccines, which are recommended, and you need to give the lepto every year. Plus, the newer versions of the lepto vaccine, (which came out in 2010) which are supposed to cause fewer side effects, are given in two doses about a month apart. For anyone worried about risks, or for dogs with immune-related health conditions, that's the way I would do it. 

[BG and Gavin]

Ah-ha! Something new to learn here every day.

[Bonne Bouche]

Agreed! I didn't know this, its very helpful! Thanks, Karen!

[Christine]

Hi,
Nala had a vaccine called DA2PPL. Is this the one your dog has?
Thanks
Christine

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, that's the old vaccine "cocktail". You might want to look into giving the three year distemper/parvo vaccine next time, and then do any additional annual vaccines like lepto separately. 

[BG and Gavin]

PS found our first tick of the season yesterday. Time to start the Revolution again.

[Stella]

I've been researching flea and tick preventatives. I used to use Revolution, but it doesn't protect against the ticks that carry Lyme disease (deer ticks and black legged ticks). It only protects against American Dog Ticks (also does protect against fleas, heartworm, ear mites and mange), which aren't prevalent everywhere - we don't have them in Muskoka. The Lyme carrying ticks are moving further north every year, expected to reach Algonquin Park this year. So, I'm changing, either to Bravecto or Nexgard, going to discuss with my new vet which is best for my boys, and will need to add a second preventative for Heartworm.

My guys have always had three yearly rabies, and five yearly distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus etc. Only annuals were bordatella and lepto. My new vet will do titres for me so we know which, if any, vaccines they still need. At eight and nine years old I'm pretty sure they have immunity by now!

[BG and Gavin]

We discussed something new this year, but F's voice was ringing in my ear...too new, don't get it yet, wait for more studies...lol. So. Went for the Revolution again. It is interesting what you say because despite claims Gavin did get fleas one year on it. The company gave me six months free.
Simparica is the name of the new flea and tick med. oral pill. Heart worm oral pill would have to be added as summer comes.