New Pets
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)
- Kennel Cough
- 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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