January is a time for resolutions and new beginnings. Whether you have a senior pet or a brand new furry bundle of joy, getting a head start on the new year is a fantastic way to keep your pet healthy.
A cute kitten or puppy can be a wonderful surprise around the holidays, but it is essential to have them examined during the first few weeks at home. Even with prior care, these new pets often arrive with intestinal parasites and other infectious diseases. Giardia and Roundworms are very common parasites found in young animals that have the capability to be transmitted between different species and people. A scheduled deworming under the direction of our veterinarians is an important step in protecting the health of your new addition and your family.
May the new year bring blessings and positive thoughts. Happy New Year!
Vaccines also play a pivotal role in the health of your new pet. Here at Creature Comforts it is our belief that “less is more” when it comes to vaccinations. However, kittens and puppies do not possess the same immunity to these viruses as would an adult. Therefore, we are unable to perform adequate titer testing on puppies or kittens until they have received their initial series of vaccinations at approximately 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. Distemper vaccinations are given at these monthly intervals to help aide in the body’s defense against the virus, followed by a rabies vaccination at 16 weeks of age. Once your puppy or kitten has completed the series, the vaccinations are labeled effective for one year. As our pets age, these vaccines will be given less frequently to prevent over-vaccination. Pets still need to receive a rabies vaccination every three years, as required by law.
Illness can sometimes present itself. If your kitten or puppy is showing signs of sickness, please have them examined before symptoms progress. Young animals are very susceptible to certain illnesses, some of which can be extremely serious and infectious. Bloody stool and lethargy in puppies can be indicative of Parvo and should be seen immediately. Other illnesses or diseases, such as Upper Respiratory Infection, are especially common among animals adopted from shelters and rescue organizations due to the high number of cats and dogs passing through these facilities.
To learn more about titer testing, our vaccination policy, or to schedule an appointment for your pet, please contact the office at 262-534-9392 to speak with one of our educated staff members.
Happy 2017 to all of our Creature Comfort patients!