Information for Dog Owners
Vaccinations
We want to help you keep your puppy healthy and happy. Regularly scheduled vaccinations are important for building your puppy's immunity to several serious dog diseases. The examination we perform at each visit will also help us detect any common puppyhood problems or illnesses. Remember that we are always pleased to answer any questions about raising your puppy; please feel free to bring a list with you or call at any time. Here's a schedule of visits and vaccinations that we ask you to follow:
AGE OF PUPPY: VACCINATION / PROCEDURE
Further Vaccinations
There are two other vaccinations available which you may need to have your puppy receive. We can advise you on whether or not they should be given.
BORDETELLA
This is commonly known as the "kennel cough" vaccine. It protects against a severe upper respiratory infection which causes a cough caused by a bacterium know as Bordetella bronchiseptica and Canine Parainfluenza virus. If your dog will be exposed to other dogs in closed situations such as shows, groomers and boarding kennels this vaccine is recommended. In fact, most groomers and kennels require this vaccine before admission. It is a nasal spray vaccine and can be given to puppies over 3 weeks of age. Immunity lasts for 1 year and annual re-vaccination is needed. Dogs which are shown or boarded regularly may receive this vaccine more often.
Spaying/Neutering
We recommend that if you don't plan to use your dog for breeding purposes in the future, it should be surgically altered. Altering should be done between 4 and 6 months of age. Spaying and neutering your dog at this age will prevent many health and behavioral problems later in life.
Heartworm
Heartworms are a worm-like parasite that are transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. They can grow in the heart and cause serious heart disease. There are several medications which we have that you may give to your puppy on either a daily or monthly basis that will prevent it from developing the disease if it's bitten by a carrier mosquito. We will begin your puppy on this preventative medication once it has reached 8-12 weeks of age. You should continue to give it year-round. An annual or bi-annual blood test will be performed to test for heartworms and to make sure the medication is working. We will try to coordinate the heartworm test with one of your pet's annual vaccination visits.
Information for Cat Owners
Vaccinations
Regularly scheduled vaccinations are important for building your kitten's immunity to several serious cat diseases. The examination we perform at each visit will also help us detect any common kittenhood problems or illnesses. Remember that we are always pleased to answer any questions about raising your kitten. Please feel free to bring a list with you or call at any time. Here's a schedule of visits and vaccinations that we recommend you follow:
AGE OF KITTEN: VACCINATION / PROCEDURE
General Information
Flea and Tick Control
There are many new products on the market which can be applied topically or taken orally to control fleas and/or ticks. In general, supermarket products are not very effective. Those available from pet stores work better. However, we have many products available only through veterinarians that work very well. Our clients have been very pleased with their effectiveness and safety. Ask us about Frontline Topspot and Advantage once a month topicals, Program oral flea control preventic and Vetkem Collars and shampoos, sprays and dips. We'll help you find a product that's best suited to your needs.
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