Pet Health

The information on this page is gathered from other internet sites that we believe to be accurate. The information found here is basic. If your pet is need of medical care we suggest you contact your local veterinarian.

When should my pet be vaccinated and for what?

Puppies should be vaccinated with the basic vaccines every 3 to 4 weeks, beginning at 6-8 weeks of age, until they are at least 16 weeks of age. Rabies vaccine should first be administered between 12 and 16 weeks of age. Dogs over 4 months of age either unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated or those of questionable vaccine status should receive basic vaccines which are then boostered in 3 to 4 weeks as well as a rabies vaccine which should be first boostered in 12 months. Basic vaccines include distemper (respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts), adenovirus (liver), leptospirosis (kidneys), parainfluenza (respiratory tract), parvovirus (intestinal tract) and coronavirus (intestinal tract). Once either of the above series is complete, the basic vaccines should be boostered every 12 months. Rabies vaccine should be boostered 12 months after the initial vaccine and at least every 3 years thereafter with a properly licensed vaccine.

Kittens should be vaccinated with the basic vaccines and boostered in 3 to 4 weeks, beginning at 6-8 weeks of age. Rabies vaccine should first be administered between 12 and 16 weeks of age. Cats over 3 months of age either unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated or those of questionable vaccine status should receive basic vaccines which are then boostered in 3 to 4 weeks as well as a rabies vaccine which should be first boostered in 12 months. Basic vaccines include feline viral rhinotracheitis (conjunctiva, oral cavity and respiratory tract), distemper/panleukopenia (gastrointestinal tract), calicivirus (conjunctiva, oral cavity and respiratory tract) and chlamydia (conjunctiva and respiratory tract). In addition, all kittens/cats should be tested for feline leukemia virus (9 weeks or older) and feline immunodeficiency virus (6 months or older). Cats that venture outside or live in multiple cat households should be vaccinated against feline leukemia. This vaccine is boostered 3 weeks after the initial vaccine and then yearly. The first vaccine can be administered as early as 9 weeks of age. Currently there is no vaccine for feline immunodeficiency virus. Once the initial series is complete, the basic vaccines and feline leukemia vaccines should be boostered every 12 months. Rabies vaccine should be boostered 12 months after the initial vaccine and at least every 3 years thereafter with a properly licensed vaccine (up to yearly in rabies endemic areas).

Vaccines should always be administered by a qualified, licensed veterinarian! (Or by a qualified, licensed veterinary technician, under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian!) NOTE: Vaccine longevity is currently being investigated in hopes of safely lengthening the time between vaccine boosters after their initial series. -- Information provided by www.askmyvet.net

Worming: How often should I worm my pet? Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

Strategic deworming is a practice recommended by the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Puppies*Initiate treatments at 2 weeks, repeat at 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. Thereafter use a heartworm preventative medication that is also effective against hookworms and roundworms.

Kittens*In kittens, because prenatal infection does not occur, egg excretion begins later than in puppies, and in most areas, the risk of roundworms and hookworms in cats is comparatively lower; deworming for kittens can be started effectively at 6 weeks of age and be repeated at 8 and 10 weeks.

Adult Dogs and Cats*Treat regularly for prevention. Also monitor and eliminate parasites in pet's environment.

Newly Acquired Animals* Worm immediately, after 2 weeks, and then follow above recommendations.

* Drs. Foster and Smith suggest that owners of newly acquired puppies and kittens should obtain the deworming history of their new pet and contact their veterinarian to determine if additional deworming is needed. Information provided on www.animalplanet.com

Prevention and Protection  -- Canine Parvovirus

With a few exceptions, dogs of any age should be vaccinated to prevent CPV infection. Unless the actual immune status of a pup or litter is known, it is recommended that a series of vaccinations be given to provide adequate protection. Ask your veterinarian about a recommended vaccination schedule.

Proper cleaning and disinfection of kennels and other areas where dogs are housed is essential to control spread of the virus. Remember, the virus is capable of existing in the environment for many months unless the area is thoroughly cleaned. Sodium hypochlorite solution, such as one-quarter cup household bleach in 1 gallon of water, is an effective disinfectant.

An owner should not allow a dog to come in contact with fecal waste of other dogs when walking in a park or playground or along city streets. This is especially true until six months of age. Prompt and proper disposal of waste material is always advisable. Check lawns, sidewalks, and street gutters for fecal waste from neighborhood dogs, and urge friends to do the same.

If you are unsure whether this disease is affecting dogs in your community, check with a veterinarian. The risk of exposure can be reduced if you prevent your dog from contacting other dogs in areas where the incidence of CPV infection is alarmingly high.  -- Information provided by http://www.avma.org