Q: Our Maltese woke up this morning slobbering and very anxious. She is shaking, has a dry nose and may be feverish. She has not been exposed to any toxins or rabid animals. My husband is sick with a severe throat. Could she have caught this from him?
A: It is unusual for pets and people to share most germs. Almost all viruses are specific to a particular species. There are some types of bacteria that can pass from people to pets, so it is not impossible that your husband and your dog's illnesses are related. The sudden onset of your dog's symptoms make me think there may be something else involved. For example, anxiety and salivation are common symptoms of a tooth infection.
Sometimes stomach irritation from unusual food, like rawhide treats or table scraps, can lead to anxiety and salivation. If her appetite is reduced, it would present further evidence of upper GI or mouth problems. To determine if she really has a fever, use a digital rectal thermometer. Normal dog temperature is 100.5-102.5. Do not attempt to treat your dog with the medications you may be using for your husband. Tylenol and Advilare toxic to dogs. Antibiotics should only be prescribed by a doctor. It sounds like a trip to your family veterinarian is warranted.
Q: Is it a bad idea to vaccinate my own pets?
A: This question is difficult to answer without knowing your specific circumstances and pets. To keep dogs and cats healthy and happy, they should be examined by a veterinarian every six to 12 months. During these visits, you and your pet will establish a relationship with a veterinarian and his staff. They will evaluate your pets’ lifestyles and disease risks. Specific vaccine recommendations will be crafted for your specific situation.
Generally, the best person to actually administer the vaccine is the veterinarian or his licensed veterinary technician. That way the veterinarian can be sure the administration is performed safely and correctly. He can also ensure the vaccine was manufactured by a reputable company, transported through a reputable distributor, and stored under proper conditions.
Regarding rabies vaccination, the Code of Virginia states: “The owner or custodian of all dogs and domesticated cats four months of age and older shall have them currently vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician who is under the immediate and direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian on the premises.”
Except for that specific requirement, Virginia law otherwise allows pet owners to immunize their own animals.
Breeders, hunting kennel owners, and some pet owners find it more economical to administer many vaccines themselves. In these circumstances, it is still best to consult a veterinarian regarding appropriate type and frequency of immunization.
From personal experience, I am leery of some sources of vaccines.
A few years ago I treated a puppy for severe parvovirus infection one week after the owner had administered a vaccine from a farm store. Modified live vaccines can revert to virulent strains if not stored properly. I have been in area farm stores and seen the vaccine cooler left partially open by customers.
Are the employees properly trained to check the thermometer in the refrigerator when this happens? Do they discard vaccines if the temperature goes too high? What about after a power failure? How are the vaccines stored during stocking and inventory? My recommendation is to purchase vaccines only from veterinarians or directly from vaccine manufacturers that use overnight shipping in coolers with ice packs.
In addition, owners should be aware that most vaccine schedules promoted by pet supply catalogs and web sites are much too aggressive for the average pet. Some even carry vaccines that are known to be harmful to pets.
One particular type is documented to cause eye discoloration in many dogs. No modern veterinarian would ever use this vaccine, yet the injections are still able to be purchased by unsuspecting pet owners. Even if you intend to vaccinate your own pets, you should regularly consult with a veterinarian to be sure you are the safest, most effective product available.
Dr. Watts is a companion animal general practitioner and owner of Clevengers Corner Veterinary Care.