Protecting the pups, health and security
The new born litter is initially protected by the mother's immune system but once they no longer have that protection, they commence their own health program.
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Pups are susceptible to all sort of common bugs and you need to protect them., so they are placed in a tight quarantine which may initially include a ban on all visitors and people coming to view the pups.
Handwashing with soap and water is compulsory. Parvovirus is spread in soil and dirt, so shoes should be left outside.
The biggest infectious disease threat to puppies is worm infestation. During pregnancy, the mother’s immunity is lower and worms take the opportunity to migrate into the foetuses via the placenta. At two weeks the pups commence working being wormed and are wormed every two weeks which is the same length of time as the worm life cycle.
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At around six weeks they get a compulsory C3 vaccination which provides their initial protection against canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus and canine adenovirus (hepatitis).
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Between the age of 12-14 weeks the pups receive their first C5 vaccination which protects against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and covers bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza 2 (kennel cough).
At around three months of age greyhound pups are microchipped and registered on the racing authorities data base and soon after they are ear branded which acts as a secondary security identification in their racing careers and during pet life.
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