companions: back to basics

Companions

back to basics: pet care 101

by Gerri Reid dvm

Summertime was a bit different this year for many of us. The world has started to open back up and we began to see more things return back to normal. Many people have started back to work and are even back to taking vacations. As we get back to our way of living, we now have to think about getting our pets back on schedule and back to their normal. This means getting your pet an annual checkup, updating vaccines and keeping them on heartworm/flea/tick prevention. So, here's a breakdown of recommended pet care/vaccines for your dog or cat.

When it comes to caring for your pet, a yearly checkup at your veterinarian is important. Even if your pet is not due for any vaccines, it is good practice to have a physical done on your pet. This checkup is a time for your Vet to check your pet's heart/lungs, dental health and even perform lab tests to check your pet's internal health. When caught early, many issues such as dental disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes and heart disease can be treated or managed. Just as we go to the Doctor yearly for our checkups, we should get in the habit of doing the same for our pets.

Next, we will talk about vaccines. Your Veterinarian may suggest vaccines for your dog such as Distemper/Parvo, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme, and Canine Influenza. But does my pet need all of these? I tend to base the need for certain vaccines on the lifestyle of the pet. If your pet is one that goes to the groomer or needs to go to boarding from time to time, then having the Bordetella vaccine is needed. If you take your pet hiking or camping and your pet's exposure to wildlife is likely, then suggesting to do Leptospirosis and Lyme vaccine is warranted. I recommend to discuss your pet's lifestyle with your Veterinarian and determine what vaccine protocol is right for your pet.

Cats tend to be a bit simpler than dogs when it comes to vaccines. Feline Distemper, Rabies and Feline Leukemia vaccine are the main vaccines needed for your cat. All dogs and cats are required to receive a Rabies vaccine by the state of Virginia regardless if the pet stays indoors or outdoors. Yes, that means your house cat that never goes outside should receive an exam and a Rabies vaccine. The hardest part of caring for cats is taking them to the Vet which can be a hassle. I suggest to consider a Mobile Veterinary Service that comes to your home to eliminate the stress not only for your cat(s) but for you.

Lab tests such as Heartworm test, FeLV/FIV test or Internal Organ Function are done at your pet's annual exam. Heartworm test will ensure that your pet does not have heartworm disease therefore you can continue to give monthly heartworm prevention. Internal Organ Function are performed at the discretion of your Vet but may be recommended yearly or for pets over 5 years of age. This test will help your Vet develop a better understanding of your pet's health so the proper care can be given.

It's Back to School time and back to work for many of us. So, remember, don't forget about your dogs and cats. Schedule your pet's exam Today!

Dr. Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services. 540-623-3029 or reidmobilevetservices.com or facebook @ReidMobileVetServices