AN EXTRA WORD OF CAUTION


The most dangerous disease that your puppy
is being immunized against
is Parvovirus.

Ask your vet about the the prevalence
in your area & for guidance
on socialization
since exposing your puppy
to other dogs
can put him/her at risk.

The primary reason puppies
need a series of shots
is because antibodies
from the mother milk may interfere
with the effectiveness of the immunizations.

The antibodies wane
between 8 & 16 weeks
and there is no way of telling
when that will occur
in any particular puppy.

There is likely to be
a "window of time"
when the antibody level drops
and the puppy gets the next shot.

The puppy is susceptible to disease
during this window of time
and may actually get
the disease if exposed.

Parvovirus is passed on
in infected stools, urine, vomit, and saliva
of dogs harboring the virus.

It is also airborne
and very hardy
and can last in the environment
for a year or more.

It can be picked up on your shoes
and for this reason,
puppies must NEVER be permitted
to lick or chew any ones shoes.

We can not stress to you enough
how important it is
that you have your puppy
fully immunized.

Parvovirus is most dangerous
during the summer,
but can occur at anytime.

We have learned from
a few of our customers
that there are some
puppy kindergarten classes
starting at the age
of 8 weeks.

PLEASE do not attend
any type of class with your puppy
until the series of shots
has been completed.



SOCIALIZATION

We realize that you can't
keep your puppy
in a "sterile bubble"
and that his/her socialization
needs at this time
are also extremely important.

It is a balancing act.

The best advise we can give
is to avoid taking your puppy
to public places
that dogs of unknown origin frequent
such as parks & beaches.

There will be plenty
of safe time
for those types of outings.

Your puppy needs to meet
a variety of people
and other dogs,
be taken in the car,etc.

It is usually safe for your puppy
to play with other animals
in the family
if they are healthy
and fully immunized.

We suggest that when you visit your vet
for the last two shots,
that you HOLD your puppy
on your lap and carry him/her
in & out not allowing
the feet to touch the floor.

Also do NOT allow your puppy
to lick the face
or any body part of any animal
at the vet clinic.

It is not our intention to frighten you ~
We want you to enjoy your new puppy.
If you use a little extra caution
and common sense,
your puppy will remain healthy.

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Email: mateerlabs@pathway.net