Things to Consider When Adopting a Pet
Adopting a pet is a very exciting and memorable moment for all members of the family, but adoption also comes with its share of responsibilities to ensure that your pet is healthy and lives as long as possible. The veterinarian is your main ally. The first appointment at the clinic can be very exhaustive. Before this first appointment, here are five important points to consider to maximize the health and happiness of your pet.
Vaccines
Just like babies, puppies and kittens also have immune systems that are not yet able to fight off many infections and diseases. Vaccinating your pet will maximize the immune system and protect against life-threatening diseases. According to the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association), all puppies and kittens should receive the core vaccine every three to four weeks between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks.
The core vaccine for puppies is DHPP which protects against several infectious diseases such as Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza viruses.
The core vaccine for kittens is PRC which protects against three infectious diseases: feline panleukopenia, feline infectious rhinotracheitis and calicivirus.
In addition to these core vaccinations, all animals should receive the rabies vaccine at approximately 16 weeks of age.
In addition to these core vaccines, there are additional ones that veterinarians may administer to animals, depending on their lifestyle and where they live. These include vaccines against leptospirosis and kennel cough (Bordetella) for dogs and feline leukemia (FeLV) for cats.
Deworming
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. Some common internal parasites are known as roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, and giardiasis. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommends fecal examinations or deworming at least four times during the first year of life. Failure to treat worms can cause a variety of gastrointestinal problems and potentially lead to their transmission to humans.
Protection against fleas, ticks and heartworms
Choosing monthly protection to protect your pet against fleas, ticks and heartworm is essential to their well-being. Fleas and ticks are parasites that attack the skin and feed on blood. They can also cause irritation where the skin has been bitten and transmit many diseases: for fleas, tapeworms; for ticks, a variety of potentially fatal diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (rickettsiosis).
Heartworm is a bloodstream parasite that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once infected, it can grow up to 14 inches and will reside in the heart. If left untreated, this parasite can lead to heart failure and even death. According to CPAC, new data shows that all dogs and cats are susceptible to heartworm if not protected. Depending on your pet's lifestyle and location, your veterinarian will be able to provide the right treatment to protect them from these dangerous parasites.
Nutrition
Puppies and kittens require specific 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 the right levels of calcium and phosphorus to help with bone development. Your veterinarian and the nutritional information on food bags are some of the best resources for choosing the right food for your pet.
Castration and sterilization
Spaying and neutering are the best methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies and keep your pet healthy. Spaying your female cat or dog will prevent several medical conditions including breast cancer and pyometra (a uterine infection with serious consequences). Neutering your dog or cat will prevent unwanted sexual behavior as well as medical conditions such as prostate and testicular cancer.
Visiting the veterinarian regularly for annual exams and vaccinations will ensure the well-being of your pet and their family.
Just like babies, puppies and kittens also have immune systems that are not yet able to fight off many infections and diseases. Vaccinating your pet will maximize the immune system and protect against life-threatening diseases. According to the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association), all puppies and kittens should receive the core vaccine every three to four weeks between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks.
The core vaccine for puppies is DHPP which protects against several infectious diseases such as Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza viruses.
The core vaccine for kittens is PRC which protects against three infectious diseases: feline panleukopenia, feline infectious rhinotracheitis and calicivirus.
In addition to these core vaccinations, all animals should receive the rabies vaccine at approximately 16 weeks of age.
In addition to these core vaccines, there are additional ones that veterinarians may administer to animals, depending on their lifestyle and where they live. These include vaccines against leptospirosis and kennel cough (Bordetella) for dogs and feline leukemia (FeLV) for cats.
Deworming
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. Some common internal parasites are known as roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, and giardiasis. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommends fecal examinations or deworming at least four times during the first year of life. Failure to treat worms can cause a variety of gastrointestinal problems and potentially lead to their transmission to humans.
Protection against fleas, ticks and heartworms
Choosing monthly protection to protect your pet against fleas, ticks and heartworm is essential to their well-being. Fleas and ticks are parasites that attack the skin and feed on blood. They can also cause irritation where the skin has been bitten and transmit many diseases: for fleas, tapeworms; for ticks, a variety of potentially fatal diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (rickettsiosis).
Heartworm is a bloodstream parasite that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once infected, it can grow up to 14 inches and will reside in the heart. If left untreated, this parasite can lead to heart failure and even death. According to CPAC, new data shows that all dogs and cats are susceptible to heartworm if not protected. Depending on your pet's lifestyle and location, your veterinarian will be able to provide the right treatment to protect them from these dangerous parasites.
Nutrition
Puppies and kittens require specific 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 the right levels of calcium and phosphorus to help with bone development. Your veterinarian and the nutritional information on food bags are some of the best resources for choosing the right food for your pet.
Castration and sterilization
Spaying and neutering are the best methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies and keep your pet healthy. Spaying your female cat or dog will prevent several medical conditions including breast cancer and pyometra (a uterine infection with serious consequences). Neutering your dog or cat will prevent unwanted sexual behavior as well as medical conditions such as prostate and testicular cancer.
Visiting the veterinarian regularly for annual exams and vaccinations will ensure the well-being of your pet and their family.