5 Important Things to Know When Adopting a Pet
Ensuring the health and well-being of your puppy or kitten
Adopting a pet is a memorable and exciting time for all members of the family, but adoption also comes with its share of responsibilities. To ensure your pet's good health throughout its life, your veterinarian is your most important ally!
Learn about basic health care for your new furry friend before your first vet appointment:
1. Vaccinating your pet
Just like babies, puppies and kittens also have immune systems that are not yet ready to fight off many infections and diseases. Vaccinating your pet helps strengthen their immune system and protects them against potentially fatal diseases.
Basic vaccines
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), all puppies and kittens should receive the core vaccine every three to four weeks between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks.
Rabies vaccine
In addition to these core vaccines, all animals should receive the rabies vaccine starting at about 16 weeks of age.
Basic vaccination for puppies
The core vaccine for puppies is DHPP , which protects against several infectious diseases, such as distemper, canine infectious hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
Basic vaccination for kittens
The core vaccine for kittens is PRC , which protects against three infectious diseases: feline panleukopenia, feline infectious rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus.
Complementary vaccines
In addition to these core vaccines, veterinarians may administer additional vaccines to pets based on their lifestyle and location. These include vaccines against leptospirosis and kennel cough (Bordetella) for dogs and feline leukemia (FeLV) for cats.
2. Deworming your pet
The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommends fecal examinations or deworming at least four times during the first year of a puppy's and kitten's life. Dewormers are antiparasitic treatments designed to rid pets of intestinal worms.
How does my pet get internal parasites?
It is not uncommon for young dogs and cats to contract internal parasites. They can be infected with these parasites at birth (transmitted from the mother through the placenta or milk) or become infected through contact with other infected animals.
The most common internal parasites are known as roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, and giardia.
Why should internal parasites be treated?
Failure to treat worms can cause various gastrointestinal problems and potentially lead to their transmission to humans.
3. Protection against fleas, ticks and heartworm
It is essential for your pet's well-being to protect him against fleas, ticks and heartworm by choosing monthly parasite protection.
According to the CPAC, all dogs and cats are susceptible to heartworm if they are not protected. Depending on your pet's lifestyle and location, your veterinarian can recommend effective preventative treatment to protect them from these dangerous parasites.
Fleas and ticks
Fleas and ticks are parasites that attack the skin and feed on blood. They can cause irritation where the skin has been bitten and transmit many diseases : for fleas, tapeworms; for ticks, a variety of potentially fatal diseases including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (rickettsiosis).
Heartworm
Heartworm is a blood-borne parasite transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once infected, it can grow up to 14 inches and resides in the heart. If left untreated, heartworm can lead to heart failure and even death.
4. Nutrition
Puppies and kittens need special nutrition to help them grow and stay healthy. According to the AAHA, a quality food should be high in fat, calories, and protein for maximum growth. The food should have adequate calcium and phosphorus levels to aid in proper bone development.
To choose the right food for your pet, consult your veterinarian and take the time to check the nutritional information on the food bags.
5. Castration or sterilization of your pet
Spaying and neutering are the best methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to preserve the health of your pet.
Sterilization
Neutering a female dog or cat helps prevent several medical conditions, including breast cancer and pyometra (a uterine infection with serious consequences).
Castration
Neutering your dog or cat helps prevent medical conditions, such as prostate and testicular cancer, as well as unwanted sexual behavior.
Conclusion
When you adopt a four-legged friend, you're committing to ensuring their health and well-being. Learn more about the importance of protecting your pet from threats that aren't always visible to the naked eye. Sometimes, prevention can save us a lot of trouble!
To help you, choose a veterinarian you trust to oversee your pet's overall health. Schedule annual checkups to ensure their vaccinations remain up to date and that their flea treatments are adequately protected.