KEEPING YOUR PUPPY HEALTHY AND HAPPY

     Last week we got your pup off to a good start in puppy school. He’s learning rapidly and adjusting to his new home. Great, but now we need to discuss his physical health.

     Vaccinations are key to keeping your pup healthy. Normally he will have had his initial shots prior to taking him home. You should have a vet certificate or a record of vaccination. Puppy shots are often given at 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age with another booster at 4 months. Vets vary on their vaccination schedules, but stick to the schedule prescribed.

     Normally the shots will protect against distemper, parvo, chorona, hepatitis, influenza 1 & 2, and lepto. An annual booster is required after the initial series. Your vet may recommend additional vaccines based on regional or periodic threats such as bordatella and Lyme disease. Vaccination expenses are negligible compared to treatment costs. Rabies shots will be given once the pup is a little older.

     Some people give their own shots. If you don’t feel comfortable vaccinating your puppy, don’t. If you do give the shots, keep accurate records including dates and types. Florida allows individuals to administer rabies vaccines, but beware. Certain counties, including DeSoto, will not recognize these vaccinations in cases of liability. Normal vaccinations protect the dog, but rabies protects people and other animals. The bottom line is that you are responsible for your dog’s vaccines.

     Another immediate and ongoing challenge is parasites, both internal and external. Internal parasites consist mainly of tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms. Most puppies have some level of infestation and should be wormed regularly. Puppy wormings normally occur at the same interval as their vaccinations. Your vet will certainly advise you on a proper product and schedule. Stool samples can be provided to your vet for analysis. I worm monthly and do periodic stool checks.

     Signs of worm infestation include a bloated stomach (in small puppies), dull and lackluster coat, thin body, poor muscle tone, and appetite changes. Of course the easiest sign to detect is worm parts in the dog’s feces. If you see them, get your dog to the vet.

     The worst internal parasite is heartworms. Go the extra mile and have your puppy checked. Follow your vet’s guidance and begin a continuous regimen of heartworm preventative. Do the right thing and keep your dog alive. You live in Florida so heartworm prevention is a year round proposition. ‘Nuff said.

     Your most common external parasites will be fleas and ticks. Technology has provided us with ample medications to alleviate these pests. These critters will gladly reproduce in your home and bite you without remorse. Numerous brands of “killers” are available. Don’t go cheap. You get what you pay for and by alleviating fleas, you also help eliminate tapeworms. Certain ticks also carry Lyme disease. It’s best to kill them all quickly and regularly.

     Another external parasite is ear mites. A dirty build up in your dog’s ears will be a big clue to infestation. As they advance, the dog will shake his head violently and paw at his ears. His equilibrium and hearing can be affected as well as his comfort. Ear mites are not hard to deal with but, again, if you’re not comfortable with cleaning and medicating the ears, get your vet involved.

     Thanks to Dr. Richard Hall and staff at Southwest Florida Veterinary Services for their help.

     Answer to last week’s question: There are three types of schnauzers. Name them?