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Pets G O O D L I V I NG
It’s only natural to stop and take stock of your own health at the start of the new year. Here’s why— and how—to do the same for your pets. TEXT BY EVELYN BATTAGLIA
THERE’S CERTAINLY no right or wrong time to reassess the care your pet needs to stay heathy and happy. But the beginning of the year—after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, when you’re making resolutions to stick to good habits—is an opportune time to give your pet’s well-being the attention it needs, too. We’ve put together a list of the main tasks to keep in mind.
Stay current on shots. Vaccines are a basic necessity, of course, but which ones—and how many— your pet needs change over her lifetime. “Talk to your vet about putting her on the right schedule, based on age, overall health, location, and lifestyle,” says Alexis Frei feld, associate veterinarian at Vida Veterinary Care, in Denver. Then keep records of all your pets’ shots (along with dates of birth and other relevant information)
on separate index cards or on your smartphone, using notes or an app like Help2Pet, for quick reference. Be aware that all dogs and, in many states, cats (even those that never go outside) are required to have rabies vaccines. The distemper combination, which includes parvovirus and adenovirus (hepatitis) for dogs, and rhinotracheitis and calicivirus for cats, is required in some states as well and is highly recommended by most vets. “Once your kitty or puppy has been appropriately vaccinated in the first year, she needs to get booster shots only every three years thereafter, in most cases,” says Freifeld.
Stock up on meds. Now is also a good time to replenish your supply of monthly preventive medications, since, contrary to popular opinion, they’re essential all year long, not just during the warmer months. Heartworm disease, for instance, has been reported in all 50 states, even in places where it was once considered nonexistent, according to the American Heartworm Society. And while it’s easy to prevent, it’s costly and difficult to cure— so keeping up with the regular treatments is key. Ideally, you should buy heartworm medicine directly from your vet. “We carry
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There are also secondary annual vaccines that vary by location and your particular situation. “I encourage most of my clients to get their dogs vaccinated against bordetella, since that crossprotects against other respiratory diseases,” says Freifeld. “It’s especially important for those that frequent dog runs or day-care centers.” The vaccine won’t prevent 100 percent of these diseases, but it will decrease the risk and severity of symptoms, much as the flu shot does for humans. If your pooch frequently drinks or splashes around in stagnant water, you might also want to consider the vaccine for leptospirosis, a bacterial infection. Secondary-vaccine options for cats include chlamydophila (pneumonia) and leukemia, which is especially important for any feline that is allowed outdoors or is exposed to other cats that are. If your pet has a microchip (which allows anyone who finds your lost animal to easily identify her for return with a quick scan at a vet office or shelter), use a vaccination appointment as a reminder to make sure it’s functioning properly. “Have your vet scan it once a year,” says Freifeld.
