Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination for Dogs Owned by Marikina City Residents

It's this time of the year where a number of "dog checkers" roam around the city to advise owners to have their dogs registered. Annual dog registration is mandatory in Marikina City, although there's no such ordinance pertaining to it in their website. A fee of 75 php accompanied by the dog's picture is required to complete such registration in the Marikina City Veterinary Office.

For detailed information on Marikina City's annual dog registration, let this poster be your guide.

To have your pet registered, you will have to visit the Marikina City Engineering Office.

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There you'll fill up the data form and provide them with a picture of your dog. 

This is the Marikina City Veterinary Office front.

According to the annual dog registration poster, anti-rabies vaccination is required. So before you go to the office, you should either:

1. Have your dog's proof of anti-rabies vaccination with you. (or)
2. Bring your dog to have him vaccinated in the Marikina City Veterinary Office Impounding Area.

The 75 php payment is done at the cashier's office. 

Once you're done here, you may proceed to the impounding area with your dog to have him vaccinated of anti-rabies for free (except for the registration, of course.) 

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POP for the Puppies Battling Parvo

I'd like to thank everyone who's sent their healing power and support to us. It has been a rough 2 weeks for everyone. I have not given Chooey enough attention these days and the entire ordeal is stressful- even until now.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Jenelyn, the person who helps me in taking care of the pack, told me that China wasn't himself. He was, after all, PJ's brother so I was pretty sure it was the evil P (for canine Parvo virus). I decided to have him brought to the Marikina Veterinary Clinic for a check-up. I was pretty sure I'd be spending more than 1000 php (roughly $25) for this. The Parvo test alone cost 750 php (roughly $20). 

This was our total vet bill for PJ's admission. Parvo is a canine disease with a high fatality rate. This is why having your pup fully vaccinated is VERY important.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

That night, I decided to take a risk (which I don't normally do). I know China was Parvo positive because he exhibited the same signs. Unfortunately, I had to choose whether to buy Parvaid or have him checked-up and be prescribed with traditional meds. Furthermore, PJ's bill was skyrocketing and we weren't able to afford one more admission this bad. 

That morning, China showed signs of lethargy. Before lunch, he was vomiting liquid foam and was beginning to weaken.  I had the Parvaid and Vibactra delivered and was fortunate that the shop I purchased it from did cash-on-delivery.

My seminar was a jumble of all things. The pups were sick and I was nowhere to take care of them. I trusted Jenelyn with China's welfare.

Parvaid is manufactured by AmberTech. I was fortunate that someone was selling it here in the Philippines. Ever since Shark and Twitch died, I made sure to research about the canine Parvo virus.

Fortunately, I had been right with the Parvaid. China's condition was bad, but it did not worsen.

Thursday, February 28, 2013 

As I've mentioned last week, PJ was admitted in the Marikina Veterinary Clinic because of Parvo. He tested positive for it and his condition didn't get any better. He was placed on dextrose for the duration of his stay (7 DAYS).

This was what PJ looked like last Saturday. He was weak and could barely move himself. I am glad we caught the symptoms before it was too late.

Today, I asked Jenelyn if she could drop by the vet to check on PJ. The vet had already removed his dextrose because he started eating. But then, when he was brought outside, PJ vomited again. So the vet advised us that PJ may not be able to eat anything for the next three days.


Friday, March 1, 2013

I decided to take care of PJ personally since I wasn't home last Wednesday and Thursday due to a seminar. I gave PJ and China their hourly medication... a difficult task when you have two little weak pups. PJ looked a lot weaker than China. China wasn't eating, but he  (and PJ) was given an hourly dose of Gatorade(if not dextrose water).

Note: Just in case you guys were wondering, Parvaid is a medication that helps puppies and dogs recover from the deadly Parvo virus. It needed to be administered every 15 minutes for the first hour and every hour until the dog or puppy begins to eat.

Tip: In case the veterinarian prescribes you with recovery food and your puppy or dog doesn't have any appetite for eat it, you can mix it with warm water (1 part recovery food, 2 parts warm water) and have them drink it through a syringe.

I decided to give him the rest of his meds- Appebon syrup and Immunosin ( all human meds) as prescribed by the veterinarian. He was lying sideways in the crate when I opened it. I was shocked when his head dropped. It was AS IF HE WAS DEAD. I tried calling his name and moving him, but his body remained MOTIONLESS. Other than what seems to be labored breathing, he laid there LOOKING LIFELESS. I stared at him for a couple more minutes and tears were streaming from my eyes... I believed that PJ WAS DYING. 

I cried for what seemed like FOREVER. With a muttered curse, I said it out loud. PJ was dying. My brother-in-law went to see what had happened and he himself was in dismay. He asked me some questions and I answered sobbingly. I was doing my best to explain what had happened in a clear voice, but everybody heard it cracking. We CONTEMPLATED whether to bring him to the vet, but it felt like whatever condition PJ was in would worsen even more by doing this. We were scared that it might bring him more pain. A little later, he had a grave dug for PJ.

I waited for the INEVITABLE. PJ remained motionless except for the LABORED RISE and RAPID FALL of BREATHING. His eyes were half open. The pupils no longer showing. I tried carrying him, but nothing changed. I stared and prayed. He was laying there and he peed- a clear indication that his little body no longer had any bladder control. I put a newspaper under the crate knowing what I was expecting to see would scar me for life.

Come 8:30 and PJ was still breathing heavily. My brother-in-law told me that once I was done, we should be eating dinner. I decided to LEAVE PJ's SIDE and take a shower.

After dinner, I checked out on PJ and he was still breathing. I peered through the window and saw what seemed to be movement! PJ ROLLED SLIGHTLY to his right!

Back then, I did not close the crate because it seemed pointless. Half past 9 and I'm in DISBELIEF! PJ got up, wagging his tail weakly, walking around, looking for something to drink or eat. It was CRAZY. Did my eyes deceive me? Was I CRAZY? PJ was limping, but roaming around, WALKING, SNIFFING, looking for  food.

We gave him some rice and fish, a meal that fit in one tablespoon and he DEVOURED it. Of course, he hurled after a couple of minutes but nobody cared! A couple of hours ago, I had honestly thought this was his last day with us!

Saturday, March 2, 2013

It's like yesterday did not happen at all. I still have no idea how to explain what had happened yesterday. It was like he was a different pup. He's more ENERGETIC- SCREAMING at every chance he has to be able to get out.

China ate half a teaspoon of recovery food. He's looking better by the day.

I got my thumb injured which made washing my hands a troublesome task.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

I woke up at 2 am hearing a screaming PJ. The little guy was hungry. I let both of them out of their crates while I prepared a MEAL FIT for PARVO-RIDDEN KINGS.

After doing their business and bossing me around, I put them back in their crate again. China curled into a ball to sleep while PJ decided to scream some more. He eventually gave up. They also woke me up at 5 am.

Today went pretty well. Jenelyn took over for most of the day. We transferred them to another area. PJ is now staying in a bigger cage (so he can  stretch his legs better and walk around). Sleeping beauty, China, will remain in his crate until he gets better.

I, on the other hand, am literally sick so I'll have to stop here for now.

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What Puppies Do...

That's simple... puppies play, feed, look cute and walk clumsily. I forgot to mention they poop and still look cute.

Update: I haven't done much blogging due to the busy schedule. I would like to thank everyone who have left me messages. I am hoping to have everyone vaccinated this month. Having 10 dogs to tend to is no easy business. Both adult and youngins are due for their vaccination except for Chooey.

Good news!I have found a cheap neutering and spaying program in our locality. I also asked permission from the real dog owners (my sister and BIL) if it were okay to have Whitey and the pups neutered (and Chooey and Rin spayed) and they said yes ^___^. But I  can't risk doing it along with the vaccination. I also read that spaying/ neutering should take place just before the 5th-6th month. I plan to finish the vaccination first... then we go Coney Island ^___^.

Puppies... wow, they're cute. They're clumsy and cute. I just had to share our puppy adventures.

WHAT DO PUPPIES DO....

1. Puppies eat.

Puppies eat... in some of the laziest positions.

More often than not, they exhibit "dog pack"sharing behaviors while eating... or maybe the other one has fallen asleep.

2. Puppies play.

Puppies play with toys you let them play with. Sometimes, you catch a glimpse of serenity amidst the puppy chaos. As you could see, Timothy the Turtle is still alive!

Other times, puppies play with something they're not suppose to play with. *Cough... whose slippers are those?!?

3. Puppies are innately curious.

Cherish the days a dog looks at your camera innocently because someday, you'll never get opportunities like these.

4. Puppies are smart!

Beneath that puppy facade is a cunning, sleuthing, super genius canine. So beware the days following their first "sit" trick!

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Vaccination: How Often Should It Be Done?

I've been wondering how often vaccinations should be given. Most veterinarians advice annual vaccination. However, some owners have explicitly disagreed with this type of routine. For one, because it upsets the dog's natural antibody capabilities. And two, because some pets have severe reactions during vaccinations.

Dr. Ronald D. Schultz, Ph.D..- "Annual revaccination provides no benefit and may increase the risk for adverse reactions. The percentage of vaccinated animals (those vaccinated only as puppies) protected from clinical disease after challenge with canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus and canine adenovirus in the study was greater than 95%." Source

The third reason would be because there's such a thing as chronically induced diseases obtained from vaccination e.g. skin allergies. auto-immune.

Why aren't puppies given vaccinations too early?

The mother's milk is rich in maternal antibodies. Colostrum provides the initial protection for the first 12 weeks.

If the vaccine is given earlier than 8 weeks, the mother's antibodies will neutralize the vaccine leaving the puppy with little protection.

I picked up a more detailed explanation from NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY. Credit also goes to srdogs.com from which I tracked its original URL.

Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced. Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 mo) will provide lifetime immunity.

It doesn't sound so complex when you think about it, does it.

Why do you need to stick to the schedule?

A couple of days ago, Peanuts had her third shot. The vet had sent me a reminder message to follow up her vaccination since we didn't come in the day before ( it was raining pretty strong so I decided to go the next day).

In the shortest explanation possible, having the shots too early will over stimulate your puppies immune system hence making its antibodies "think" that any foreign object entering the body should be destroyed.

Having the shots too far apart could leave the puppy susceptible to these diseases.

Is annual vaccination required?

No. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, adult dog booster shots are better given every three years rather than annually. This is just because researchers have discovered that immunity from boosters can last up to three years.

Some vets have noted an increase in cases of  dogs and cats having auto-immune diseases, especially the ones who've been given annual vaccinations.

Any thoughts? Objections? How often do you get your doggies vaccinated?

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A Peanuts Episode: The Black Cat

We brought Peanuts to the Vet last January 17 to have her booster shot. Since the veterinarian had a house-call prior to our visit, we had to wait for him. 

This happened outside the Vet Clinic. I just placed talk bubbles to make it a little more entertaining.

Look, a black kitty!

Black kitty gets snubbed.

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Doggy Proposed Vaccination Schedule and Tests

Since the last three posts were mostly about rabies, I'd like to end these series with a more detailed guide schedule for vaccinations approved by the Veterinary Practitioner Association of the Philippines & Philippine Animal Hospital Association.

3 weeks old- Deworming

6 weeks old- Canine Parvovirus (1st Shot) and Deworming

2 months old- Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Para-influenza (2nd Shot. They usually come in 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 vials) and Deworming

11 weeks old- Booster Dose (3rd Shot) and Deworming

3 months old-  Anti-Rabies, 6-in-1 and Deworming

5 months old- Heartworm Test and Ehrlichia Test

9 months old- Anti-Rabies (2nd dose. With street dogs, we only this once a year.) and 6-in-1

Annually- Immunization against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo-virus and para-influenza, Anti-Rabies and Deworming

Lyme-disease is pretty rare in the Philippines. In fact, I haven't heard of dogs having such cases. However, Leptospirosis vaccination is a must as we are prone to floods during rainy seasons.

Most purebreds being sold in the country have already had their first shots and deworming done.

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Philippine Dog Registration and Anti-Rabies Law

I was reading through the Anti-Rabies act of 2007. This is a Philippine Law which summarizes the rules of what rabies is, what designated people's responsibilities are, and what penalties are to be imposed.

Interestingly, here's some important sections I'd like to share.

SEC. 5. Responsibilities of Pet Owners. – All Pet Owners shall be required to:

(a) Have their Dog regularly vaccinated against Rabies and maintain a registration card which shall contain all vaccinations conducted on their Dog, for accurate record purposes.

(b) Submit their Dogs for mandatory registration.

(c) Maintain control over their Dog and not allow it to roam the streets or any Public Place without a leash.

(d) Be a responsible Owner by providing their Dog with proper grooming, adequate food and clean shelter.

(e) Within twenty-four (24) hours, report immediately any Dog biting incident to the Concerned Officials for investigation or for any appropriate action and place such Dog under observation by a government or private veterinarian.

(f) Assist the dog bite victim immediately and shoulder the medical expenses incurred and other incidental expenses relative to the victim’s injuries.

Unfortunately, it doesn't mention how old a pup should be to have him vaccinated. There was a number of penalties involved in not following rules. What I was disappointed with was that they never mentioned about rules regarding dogs who've had their rabies shots biting a someone.

Sec. 11. Penalties. -

(1) Pet Owners who fail or refuse to have their Dog registered and immunized against Rabies shall be punished by a fine of Two thousand pesos (P2,000.00).

(2) Pet Owners who refuse to have their Dog vaccinated against Rabies shall be liable to pay for the vaccination of both the Dog and the individuals Bitten by their Dog.

(3) Pet Owners who refuse to have their Dog put under observation after said Dog has Bitten an individual shall be meted a fine of Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00).

(4) Pet Owners who refuse to have their Dog put under observation and do not shoulder the medical expenses of the person Bitten by their Dog shall be meted a fine of Twenty-five thousand pesos (P25,000.00).

I understand that the owner is required to pay for the medical expenses of the victim, but does that include vaccination even though the dog has already been observed to not have rabies? It doesn't exactly specify what to do in that kind of scenario. 

The term "medical expenses" and "incidental expenses" weren't included in the glossary of terms, so it can be perceived as either "bitten area's prophylaxis and hospital expenses" alone or "bitten area's prophylaxis, hospital expenses and vaccination".

I'm not a lawyer so I don't have the answers. *sigh*

RA 8485 was Amended last October 2013. To view the changes done on RA 8485 known as the "Animal Welfare Act of 1998. Just click on the link to download the PDF now. 

RA 8485 Ammendment PDF

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Puppy's First Rabies Shot

The article before this post talks about a brief overview on Philippine doggy registration and its perks for dog owners living in certain cities. Owners get a free rabies vaccination once a year once they get registered in Marikina. In my city, rabies vaccination is free for all. All we have to do is go to the center where our address belongs to, wait in the line and viola, free rabies shot. Each area has a designated schedule.

Some US cities require their first rabies shot should be given at the age of 3-6 months of age. Giving it a younger age than the one cited above can be ineffective as the puppy's body won't be able to take action. Besides, at such age, they aren't often exposed to potentially infected animals. I'm sure this logic also applies in Philippines. Of course, the best way to determine when the best time would be is to ask the local vet. I'm sure they wouldn't charge anyone who'd call and ask.

According to my dog's proposed vaccination schedule (this is the little handbook given by the vet), the first rabies shot is to be given when Fido is 3 months old. A second dose is recommended when he's 9 months. After that, it is to be given annually.

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Philippines: Rabies Shots and Dog Registration

We already know what rabies is. It's that virus that causes neurological problems to both the biter and the "bitee". It's known to us that whenever a dog who has rabies bites a human, most likely this dog will die within 2 weeks. It's a rare case that an animal having rabies doesn't pay the price of having bitten.

Look at Old Yeller, he had to be shot by his own master because he went crazy. The first time I saw this movie, I had tears streaming in my eyes even after the credits were rolling. I was such a sucker for dog movies back then... 'til now.

So my first question would be, are there dogs with rabies who survives the biting? I think I'll have to further research on that.

Back to the main topic, the prevalence of giving your doggy rabies shots differ from state. In our country, we're encouraged to have our dogs vaccinated once a year. Since most of the people here cannot afford veterinary visits, the mayor either mandates a visit to the dog pound or the ones doing the shots go to every portion of the city wherein people can bring their dogs to a center near them to get vaccinated for free.

Some cities in the Philippines require dog registrations. Although a hassle, I personally prefer that kind of system. With each registration is a free vaccination. People pay approximately $1-2 to have each dog registered.

In Marikina City, all dogs in your household require registration. Owners need to provide a picture of the pooch to be included with the papers. This is different from what they call "papers" for purebred dogs. Once a dog is successfully registered, the owner can now bring him to the dog pound to be injected.

Not everyone follow these rules. However, the perks of having your dog registered is that whenever he gets caught wondering the streets, you won't have to be fined an exorbitant amount ranging from $10 or more. A neighbor of ours eventually gave up on paying for her Japanese Spitz because it was caught twice. I was pretty disappointed at them because they felt that it wasn't practical anymore to get their Spitz out of the pound due to the expensive fine.  Had they registered him, this wouldn't have happened.

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