Preventive Healthcare
for Dogs & Puppies
Complete Physical Exam
New puppies should be examined as soon as possible to be sure they are in good health and started on preventive care to keep them healthy. We recommend all pets have a comprehensive physical examination prior to vaccination. Just as with people, a physical examination may be the most important component of an office visit, allowing us the opportunity to completely examine your pet and discuss any medical problems. At each visit your puppy will be weighed and we will check your puppy's skin and coat, teeth and gums, eyes, ears, heart and lungs. During the course of your puppy's visits we will discuss diet, exercise, flea and tick prevention, potty training, puppy behavior, Lyme Disease, whether your puppy needs a Bordetella vaccine and the benefits of spaying or neutering.
Stool Exam
A small amount of fresh stool is needed to check for the intestinal parasites that are frequently found in puppies. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, coccidia and several other species are commonly found in this area. Proper diagnosis can only be made by a microscopic examination of a stool specimen in the laboratory. For puppies, we recommend two stool exams.
Drontal Plus
We will dispense a dose of deworming medicine for your puppy that is effective against tapeworms, whipworms, roundworms and hookworms. Drontal Plus will help prevent the shedding of parasite eggs that are a public health concern, especially for children.
Heartgard Plus
We will dispense a chewable heartworm prevention tablet for your puppy. Heartworms are parasites that are spread by mosquitoes and they are prevalent in this area. Heartgard Plus not only protects against heartworms, but also roundworms and hookworms, which can affect humans, especially children. As your puppy grows we will prescribe a dose of medication appropriate for their weight. Heartgard Plus should be given monthly on a year round basis.
Distemper (DHPP) Vaccine
A Distemper Combination Vaccine will protect your dog against:
DISTEMPER
A viral disease that causes diarrhea, pneumonia, ocular and nasal discharge and can cause nervous system abnormalities (twitching, convulsions, etc.). The mortality rate is high.
CANINE HEPATITIS
A viral disease of the liver that has a high mortality rate.
PARAINFLUENZA
A viral disease of the respiratory system.
PARVOVIRUS
The agent responsible for an acute digestive system disease. Vomiting and severe diarrhea accompanied by dehydration result in a high mortality rate.
In order to establish immunity, we recommend a series of three injections, beginning at 8 weeks of age, and given at 4-week intervals. The last vaccine must be given at 16 weeks of age. A single annual Distemper Combination booster is recommended one year following the initial series and on alternating years (every three years) for adult dogs.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a viral disease that can affect animals and humans. Law in Illinois requires vaccination against this disease. Your puppy's first vaccination is given at 15-16 weeks of age and is a one-year vaccine. One year later, your puppy will receive a three year rabies vaccine and every three years during your dogs adult life. Rabies tag fees and requirements vary from county to county. If appropriate we will issue a rabies tag for your puppy and register them with your county. You may elect to receive one year rabies vaccines, however, when possible, we recommend three year vaccinations.
Microchipping
This permanent identification can be done during any office visit or at the time of your pets spay or neuter surgery (about 6 months of age).
Spaying or Neutering
Spaying of females and neutering of males is recommended for all pets not intended for breeding. Risk of breast cancer may be significantly reduced as well as certain undesirable behaviors. We recommend surgery when your pet is about 6 months old.
Other vaccines you should know about:
LEPTOSPIROSIS is a bacterial disease of the liver and kidneys. This vaccine is no longer included with our Distemper Combination due to the risk of reaction and lack of protection against common types of this disease.
BORDETELLA (Kennel Cough) is a highly contagious airborne disease, resulting in a cough lasting up to three weeks. It is not life threatening for healthy animals. An annual vaccination is recommended for all dogs that may be boarded, shown, or in close contact with other dogs. *Many kennels require a current Distemper Combination booster and Bordetella vaccine.
CORONAVIRUS is an intestinal virus. It is not life threatening. Vaccination is only recommended if required by a kennel for boarding.
LYME DISEASE is a tick borne bacterial infection, which can cause arthritis and fever. Vaccination may be recommended for dogs traveling to areas where Lyme disease is prevalent.
CORONAVIRUS is an intestinal virus. It is not life threatening. Vaccination is not recommended unless it is required for travel or boarding.
|
