Beginning Pet Health Care

If you are planning to make a pet, such as a dog or cat, part of your life and family, certain health information can help to make sure that you and your new pet enjoy a long and healthy life together.

In the event that your new dog is a puppy, it is critically important to take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. This will help to ensure that the puppy does not have any health problems as well as to start preventative care to make sure that no serious problems develop.

Depending on your dog’s age and breed, vaccinations will usually be started at around six weeks of age. He or she will need several more vaccinations up to sixteen weeks of age; at which time the first rabies vaccination will normally be given. Other conditions that your veterinarian may look for include fleas, heartworm disease and internal parasites. Treatment will be administered in the event that any of these conditions are present.

Cats and kittens should also be examined as soon as possible for the same reasons. A series of vaccinations will be administered as well, along about the same time schedule as that of puppies. Kittens may also be additionally tested for ear mites and medications will be prescribed, if they are present.

Because of the number of abandoned pets each year, it is extremely important that you have your cat or dog spayed or neutered at the appropriate time, as dependent on their gender. Besides the fact that spaying and neutering can prevent the birth of unwanted and neglected animals, it can also provide many important health benefits. In female dogs, spaying can reduce the chances of your dog developing certain types of cancers as well as other diseases that affect the reproductive organs. The same is true for male dogs and neutering. Due to the fact that cats tend to reproduce so rapidly, spaying/neutering should be strongly considered as well.

Dental care is also an important part of your pet’s health. While we all know that our pets are prone to bad breath, failure to pay attention to your pet’s dental health can result in serious health conditions such as gum disease. In the event that your pet begins to loose teeth because of such conditions, this can also interfere with their ability to eat, which may cause many other problems. Your vet can provide information on removing plaque buildup and ways that you can help prevent gum disease. This may include brushing your pet’s teeth as well as providing pet food that is formulated to reduce plaque buildup.

 
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