QATAR PETS

NB. These are only general guidelines.

Recommended (Core Vaccines) Vaccine types and the frequency of vaccination vary depending on the Geography (where the pet is located) and the lifestyle of the animal being vaccinated.   An Outdoor animal may require certain vaccines that an indoor pet does not.  Traveling is also another big factor.  Depending upon where the animal is destined to go, different vaccinations are compulsory (eg.  In the UK, Rabies is not routinely given as a core vaccine if the animal was born and raised in the UK), yet when an animal travels many non core vaccinations may need to be given nonetheless, to provide protection.  Kennel and vacation boarding plans (some kennels require certain vaccinations to be shown in order to allow entry). 

Because these factors may change over time, we recommend that a vaccination plan for each individual pet be decided by the owner at routine annual examinations, following a discussion between the veterinarian and the client regarding the animal’s lifestyle in the year ahead, consulting the detailed history of the animals previous medical history and vaccinations already given.  Pregnancy will also affect recommendations for vaccination; so again a veterinarian should advise you.

 

Canine Vaccination Guidelines

 Canine Core Vaccines here in Qatar:

Core vaccines are recommended for all puppies and dogs with an unknown vaccination history.

The diseases below have a significant morbidity and mortality rate, and are widely distributed globally; so in general, vaccination results in relatively good protection from disease. These include vaccines for:

Canine Parvovirus (CPV)

Canine Distemper virus (CDV)

Canine Adenovirus (CAV)

Rabies

Canine Parainfluenza

Leptospirosis

 

Canine Parvovirus, Distemper Virus, and Adenovirus-2 Vaccines

For initial puppy vaccination (< 16 weeks), one dose of vaccine containing modified live virus (MLV) CPV, CDV, and CAV-2 is recommended at 6-8 weeks, 9-11 weeks, and 12-16 weeks of age. (Your vet will recommend your best course of action).

For dogs older than 16 weeks of age, one dose of vaccine containing modified live virus (MLV) CPV, CDV, and CAV-2 is recommended. After a booster at one year, revaccination is recommended every 3 years thereafter unless there are special circumstances that warrant more or less frequent revaccination. (Note that recommendations for killed parvovirus vaccines and recombinant CDV vaccines are different from the above.)

Canine Rabies Virus

Rabies is a serious zoonotic disease, which mean it is transmissable to humans.

Rabies vaccines are usually given from 6-8 weeks of age, and a second dose is usually given at 12 weeks of age.  Adult dogs with unknown vaccination history should also receive a single dose of killed rabies vaccine. Booster vaccinations are needed every year in Qatar.  ( The US sometime uses the 3 year vaccine, so please check with your vet prior to traveling.)

Licensed products in the UK are killed (inactivated) vaccines and contain adjuvant.

Pregnant animals should not be vaccinated against rabies.

 

Canine Parainfluenza Virus

Canine parainfluenza virus is a major cause of Infectious tracheobronchitis ( "kennel cough") syndrome in the USA and other countries and is thought to be involved in some cases in the UK.

The first vaccine is given from 6 weeks of age and the second dose is given at 12 weeks of age, or 3-4 weeks after the first vaccine.

Pregnant animals should not be vaccinated against parainfluenza virus.

 

Leptospirosis
Two types of leptospirosis are mainly responsible for causing infection and disease in dogs - L interrogans canicola and L. interrogans icterohaemorrhagiae.

Maternal antibodies to Leptospirosis have gone in puppies by 8 weeks of age and so vaccination can be started then, although some vets recommend waiting until a puppy is 12 weeks of age. Two doses are given for the primary course with 2-6 weeks between them .

The disease can be fatal or have high morbidity, and also has zoonotic potential, meaning that it can be transmitted to humans, therefore annual booster vaccinations are recommended.

As above, please check with your vet for recommended vaccination schedules for Qatar.  These are general guidelines only.

Cat flu vaccines

Vaccines are available to protect cats from the most common organisms that cause respiratory diseases (cat flu and pneumonitis and conjunctivitis) including :

• viruses - especially feline herpesvirus 1 (also called feline viral rhinotracheitis) and feline calicivirus 

Cats should be vaccinated initially from 9 weeks of age and boosters once a year are recommended, but more frequent boosters may be desirable  if the cat comes in to contact with other cats and is at increased risk - eg visiting cat shows or catteries.

Feline panleucopenia or infectious enteritis vaccine

Feline panleucopenia is an extremely serious disease which cats should be protected against from at an early age (6-8 weeks). Protection may last up to 4 years but regular boosters are recommended every 1-2 years. Some of these vaccines are not  recommended for use in  Siamese or Burmese kittens

Feline leukaemia vaccine

Leukaemia is a common, devastating disease which can result in immune problems, leukaemia, anaemia  and even  cancer (eg lymphosarcoma). Vaccination will not help cats that are already infected with the virus - so testing is advised before they are vaccinated, but it can provide some immunity against infection with the FeLV virus. Cats can be vaccinated from 9 weeks of age.

Rabies vaccine

In general it is recommended that kittens receive a single dose of killed or recombinant rabies vaccine at 12-16 weeks of age. Adult cats with unknown vaccination history should also receive a single dose of killed or recombinant rabies vaccine. For the recombinant vaccines, boosters are recommended at yearly intervals. Depending upon the brand of vaccines your vet may recommend to vaccinate as early as 8 weeks of age and then administer a booster.  Therefore, your vet is the best person to talk to when deciding when to vaccinate your kitten or cat.

 

All of these vaccines are administered to cats by injection Different vaccine products have slightly different contents and may have different dosing instructions. Your veterinarian will advise you about the most appropriate vaccine for your cat, and how frequently boosters should be given.

Dogs are very curious animals and as omnivores and natural scavengers, can get into and eat just about anything. However, there are many toxic substances found in your home that could potentially kill your dog. The following is a list of ten common household substances that you should make sure to keep out of your dog's reach.

1) Antifreeze: Many people do not realize it, but common antifreeze kills many pets each year. It smells and tastes very sweet to your dog and is very appealing to him. Ethylene glycol is toxic however, and each winter, many animals are killed by it. Symptoms of toxicity include seizures, vomiting, stumbling and lethargy leading to kidney failure. Make sure to keep your antifreeze out of your dog's reach. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

2) Chocolate: Chocolate contains a substance called the obromine which is toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate is especially dangerous. While it usually takes a somewhat large amount of chocolate to kill a dog, poisoning and death does occur with smaller amounts ingested. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and increased activity. This can progress to seizures and unusual heart rhythms. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate.

3) Bleach: As you might imagine, household bleach is toxic to dogs. Keep all products containing bleach out of your dog's reach. Symptoms of bleach poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Do NOT induce vomiting if you suspect your dog has ingested bleach and contact your veterinarian immediately.

4) Tylenol: As little as two regular strength Tylenol tablets can kill a small dog. Dogs lack the proper liver enzymes to break down acetaminophen. Signs of toxicity include drooling, lethargy, and abdominal pain. If you suspect your dog has ingested Tylenol, call your veterinarian immediately.

5) Watch Batteries: If your dog ingests a watch battery, it can cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach within 12 hours. All other alkaline batteries are toxic to dogs as well. Symptoms of toxicity include drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has ingested a watch battery, contact your vet immediately.

6) Moth Balls: Moth balls are very dangerous to dogs. They contain an insecticide that causes central nervous system excitement and seizures. When metabolized, ingestion of moth balls can lead to liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning by moth balls include vomiting and seizures. If your dog has consumed moth balls, do NOT induce vomiting. Seek veterinary care immediately.

7) Fabric Softeners and other detergents: All sorts of household detergents are toxic to dogs at one level or another, but fabric softeners fall into the highly toxic category. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, burns to the mouth, drooling, muscle weakness, and even coma. Do NOT induce vomiting if your dog has ingested any detergent. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

8) Mouthwash: Mouthwash can contain boric acid which is highly toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma. You should take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect poisoning by mouthwash or other household item containing boric acid like contact lens solution or denture cleaner.

9) Peach Pits: With most fruits, the pits and the seeds are toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has eaten a peach pit or the pit or seeds of any fruit, take him to the veterinarian immediately.

10) Household Plants: Many common and popular household plants are highly toxic to dogs. A partial list of toxic plants includes poinsettias, lilies, ferns, devil's ivy, aloe, and ivy. Symptoms of poisoning due to ingestion of toxic plants include vomiting and central nervous system excitement. Many of these plants are fatal if ingested. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic houseplant.

With diligence on our part, we can help prevent our dogs from getting into substances that are toxic to them. Many veterinary school websites offer lists of things that are toxic to dogs and what you should do if your dog ingests such things. As always, if you think your dog may have eaten something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately or take your dog to the closest emergency clinic.


Dog Article courtesy of I-Love-Dogs.com