Thursday, 20 June 2013

Perth Vets | Vet Hospital Perth

New Pets

                                                 Perth Vets         

Introducing a new puppy or kitten to the family is the most important and the most memorable time for both your new pet. Following are some tips to give you an idea of what to expect and prevention of ongoing problems.

Vaccination

Vaccination is recommended to begin at 6 – 8 weeks of age and at 14 to 16 weeks of age.  Maternal antibodies (that protect the body from viral infections) are passed on to kittens and puppies while they are growing and after birth via milk.  These antibodies only last till 16 weeks and start reducing in concentration rapidly after 6 – 8 weeks of age.  By starting vaccinations at this point a puppy or kitten can develop its own immune system to handle the worst of viruses.
Dogs require 3 visits each visit separated by 4 weeks to get full protection against Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Kennel Cough (Parainfluenza 2 and Bordatella Bronchisceptica).
Dog Vaccinations
  • 1stVisit (C3)
    • Distemper Virus
    • Parvovirus
    • Hepatitis
  • 2ndVisit – 4 weeks later (C3 + KC = C5)
    • Kennel Cough
      • Parainfluenza Virus 2
      • Bordatella Bronchiseptica (bacteria)
  • 3rd Visit – 4 weeks later (C5 annual or titre tested from this point onwards)
Cat Vaccinations
Cats require 4 visits but still take the same period of time.
  • 1stVisit  (F3)
    • Calicivirus
    • Panleukopaenia Virus (Parvovirus in cats)
    • Herpes virus
  • 2ndVisit 4 weeks later (F3 + FeLV + FIV)
    • Feline Leukaemia Virus
    • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
  • 3rd Visit  2 weeks later (FIV)
  • 4th Visit 2 weeks later (F3 + FeLV + FIV)

Diet

Puppies and kittens are usually acquired at 6 weeks or older of age.  At this age puppies are completely able to sustain themselves on an all inclusive dry biscuit or wet food diet.  The diet should fall within AAFCO standards and should have a 100% guaranteed analysis (i.e. this allows for you to know exactly what ingredients are placed in the food and that it is tested to meet worldwide standards).  Wet food diets result in approximately 5 times the number of dentals of an equivalent puppy or kitten who is on a good dry food diet.
You should not give cereal, milk, raw eggs or raw meat to young dogs and cats as none of these help with development and all of them are likely to result in an upset stomach with signs such as diarrhoea and vomiting then leading to malnutrition and stunted growth.  Pet milk (lactose free) should only be used as a treat if at all.




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