Shots:
When a puppy comes into the shelter he is given a "puppy shot." Two weeks later he needs another puppy shot and two weeks after that he needs a third puppy shot (we normally don't have them that long). These shots should not be done early. It's okay to be a day or two late, and you must never give the shot on their travel date.
If the dog is four months or older he is given an "adult shot." If he goes into a foster home it is not necessary for him to have another shot before going to NY. However, if he remains at the shelter before being transported to New York he should have a second adult shot. These are the guidelines that New York requires.
Worming:
When puppies come into the shelter they are immediately wormed for 3-5 days. Vicki usually decides how long depending on the circumstances that the puppies were in before arriving at the shelter. They use Pancur which is a white, chalky liquid and the puppies are given 1cc per five pounds once a day. They should be wormed again two weeks following the end of the first worming. This will kill any eggs that hatch out that weren't killed the first worming. Normally, we don't have the puppies long enough to start this second worming, but recently it has come up because of puppies that were fostered longer than two weeks. Also, Vicki has told me that if, say a week or so after the first worming has been done, you notice any worms in the feces it will not hurt to do the second worming then. Call Vicki at the shelter if you have any question whether or not to do that. This worming should take care of roundworm, whipworm and hookworm, but not tapeworm. A fecal exam needs to be done to determine tapeworm and there is a pill that is given for that. Sometimes a symptom of tapeworm will be loose stools which have a little blood in them. If you notice anything like that in your foster puppies, have them checked out at the shelter.
You need to write on the kennel card (or make sure someone at the shelter helps you) the date the second shot is due and the date the second worming should start and make a copy of the kennel card for yourself.
Bordatella: When puppies leave the shelter to be fostered, be sure they are given their Bordatella (for kennel cough). (need more info here)
Ringworm
As a foster parent, ringworm is not something you want to hear. Ringworm is treatable, but sometimes it takes quite a while for the symptoms to go away. The SPCA in New York will not take any animal suspected of ringworm (or usually any littermates) until it's cleared up.
Ringworm is not a worm at all, but a fungus. It is contagious and other pets and humans can get it. The symptom is usually a round shaped hairless lesion which is commonly found on the face, ears, tail or paws. The incubation period is from 10-12 days, which means after the animal is exposed to ringworm the first sign of lesions won't occur until 10 to 12 days later.
Treatment for ringworm consists of topical fungal creams or lotions and fungal baths.
It is very important that at the first sign of a spot of hair loss as described you start treating it right away before it has a chance to spread and get worse. If ringworm is confirmed you will need to bleach any bedding, towels, crates, etc. using one part bleach to 10 parts water.
If you are fostering puppies check them over every day for any sign of problems. If you suspect something call the shelter and Vicki will advise you what to do. Don't wait until it gets worse.
PLEASE BE SURE TO BLEACH EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN GETTING NEW FOSTER PUPPIES.
Panacur dosage - 1cc per 5 pounds once a day for 3-5 days Trimeth dosage - If required - 1cc per 5 pounds two times a day for 10 days
Immodium Anti-diarrheal - If required, 6 weeks or older - 2.5cc liquid per 10 pounds or ¼ of a pill every 8 hours.
Benadryl - Safe to use if the puppy is itching badly - 3cc liquid per 7 pounds or ¼ of a 25mg pill every 12 hours.
1cc =1 ml
