Puppy and Dog Health

HEART WORM PREVENTION
What are Heart worms? Heart worms are worm-like parasites that are transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. They can grow in the heart and cause serious heart disease. There are several medications, that can be purchased through Pet Meds with good discounts, which your vet can or may give to your puppy on either a daily or monthly basis that will prevent it from developing the disease if it’s bitten by a carrier mosquito. They will begin your puppy on this preventative medication once it has reached 8-12 weeks of age. You should continue to give it year-round. You can purchase these types of medication by going to Pet meds online. An annual or bi-annual blood test will be performed to test for heart worms and to make sure the medication is working. Try to coordinate the heart worm test with one of your pet’s annual vaccination visits.

FLEA AND TICK CONTROL
There are many new products on the market which can be applied topically or taken orally to control fleas and/or ticks. In general, supermarket products are not very effective. Those available from Pet Meds stores work better. However, there are many products available only through veterinarians that work very well. Many veterinarians will actually have you order online for those same products. These products ordered online at Pet Meds online are as effective and safe.

AGE OF PUPPY: VACCINATION / PROCEDURE

6 – 8 weeks: First examination, first (of 3) DHLPP vaccination. This is the distemper multiple 5 in 1 vaccine. It protects against Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. You may be asked to bring a stool sample so they can check for intestinal parasites.

9 – 12 weeks: Second DHLPP booster and exam. This is done 3-4 weeks after the first vaccine. A second fecal exam should be performed.

12 + weeks: Rabies vaccination. This first rabies vaccine is good for 1 year; subsequent vaccinations last for 3 years.

13 – 16 weeks: Third (and final) DHLPP booster and exam. This is done 3-4 weeks after the second booster. This vaccine will last for 1 year and will then need to be boostered annually. this booster concludes the series of routine puppy vaccinations. If a puppy starts the series at an early age, 4 vaccines may be needed; if it starts at a later age, only 2 vaccines may be needed in the series.

Most Pet Meds stores can advise you on procedures

PET HEALTH INSURANCE
Also know that there are insurance companies that provide Pet Health Insurance. Many of the policies function much like your major medical policy and will provide assistance in paying for illnesses and veterinary emergencies. Ask your vet information on the different types of pet insurance, many of them will have brochures available.