Vaccinations

An initial vaccination series is an important part of preventative health care for your young animal. A series is necessary because the antibodies have a short life span and multiple vaccinations will increase the chances that your animal will have the immunity necessary to prevent contracting the illnesses they are vaccinated to fight against. After the initial series, the necessity for boosters at regular intervals depends on several factors. Is your animal exposed to other animals or is it strictly a house pet? What breed is your animal? What type of vaccine is used? Traditionally, annual boosters have been recommended.

Puppy checklist

1. An initial set of vaccinations beginning at 6-8 weeks old. Usually, a series of 3-5 depending on when they actually begin the series.
2. An exam with your veterinarian including a check for internal parasites.
3. A good quality puppy food and plenty of clean water to drink.
4. Keep your young friend at home until fully vaccinated.
5. Spay or neuter at 4 months or as otherwise directed by the vet.
6. Supervision with toys, consistent quality socialization, and TLC should be available.
7. Appropriate flea control when old enough.

Dog checklist

1. Spay or neuter if it is not already done.
2. Good grooming is important. Clip the toenails, brush, and give your dog an occasional bath…don’t overbathe.
3. Keep the vaccinations updated and apply good flea control, especially in the summer.
4. Give your dog plenty of people time… walk, go to the park. This is good for their general behavior profile.
5. Go through an obedience class…this helps to ensure good socialization.
6. Feed a good quality food and always have fresh water available.
7. When they are in the backyard, provide a clean area and shelter, if needed.
8. Call your vet when medical issues come up and have a medical screening done every few years, especially after your pet is 5 years old.

Besides routine vaccinations and medical exams, there are other things you should do to maintain your dog’s health.

• Watch for signs of illness: Common signs that your dog may be ill are: runny nose, excessive eye discharge, excessive coughing or sneezing, more than 1-2 loose stools in a row, bloody diarrhea, excessive drinking, lowered appetite, vomiting, loss of energy. If you see one or more of these symptoms in your dog, contact a veterinarian.

• Maintain an appropriate grooming schedule: Dogs with shorter fur require less grooming but more skin care. Dogs with longer fur need to be brushed, often 2-3 times a week to prevent mats and tangles. Dogs with hair (such as poodles) require a professional grooming session every six weeks.

• Use flea prevention: Keeping your dog on flea preventative medication means less itching and discomfort for your pet. Fleas can also transmit diseases and the parasites tapeworm and heartworm.

• Discuss heartworm prevention with your veterinarian: Heartworm is prevalent in some areas and of minor concern in others. Talk with your veterinarian about whether your dog should be on preventative medication or not.

• Check routinely for ticks, foxtails and burrs: Dogs with longer coats are especially likely to collect these things, but any dog can get them. Routinely inspect your dog’s body for ticks, foxtails, and burrs. Pay special attention to your dog’s eyes, nose, ears, and between his toes. Ticks can transmit diseases, burrs scratch and irritate the skin, and foxtails can burrow their way through the skin to get lodged inside your pet.