Ask the Doc

This will be the first vaccine in a series of shots given every three weeks until the age of 16 weeks. Some owners will get their pups older, so a series of two will be given three weeks apart. By law in North Carolina, a rabies vaccine must be administered to dogs and cats by the time they are 4 months of age. In addition, a rabies vaccine is not typically given to animals under 3 months of age. Though vaccination protocols can vary slightly from veterinarian to veterinarian, most would recommend boostering vaccines on a yearly basis, with the exception of a rabies vaccine. Again, by law in NC, the first rabies vaccination lasts a year and subsequent rabies vaccines are given at 3 year intervals. At the first visit, your pet will also receive an oral medication to rid your pet of intestinal worms. Most puppies get worms either before they are even born or thru nursing on their mother. Treating your pet for worms is essential for its health. Intestinal parasites can be fatal to young animals, especially to those small breeds. Your veterinarian should also perform a thorough physical exam looking for any abnormalities. During one of your visits, your veterinarian will discuss heartworm prevention and flea prevention. Heartworms are transmitted to pets by mosquitoes and are very prevalent in NC and SC. It is highly advised to start your puppy on heartworm prevention by its last visit for puppy vaccinations. A date for spaying or neutering your pet should be set at this time. At each yearly visit you should get a thorough physical exam, DHPP , Rabies if needed, stool check for worms, and a heartworm check. Bordetella is another available vaccine which is highly recommended if your pet is around other dogs or will be boarded at a facility. Bordetella helps to prevent what is commonly called Kennel Cough and is highly contagious among dogs. This is generally given as an injectable or more commonly intranasal (through the nose).

Lets review:

7 weeks: Deworming, DHPP
10 weeks: Deworming, DHPP
13 weeks: DHPP, Bordetella, start heartworm prevention
16 weeks: DHPP, Bordetella. 1 Year Rabies, spay or neuter appointment
1 year: DHLPP, 3 year Rabies, Bordetella, Worm check and heartworm check
Again, as protocols can vary with individual animals and veterinarians, other recommendations may be made for the health of your pet.

Cats have similar series, usually seen about 8 weeks of age. To start, your kitten will receive a FVRCP vaccine (Feline viral rhinotracheitis, parainfluenza, calici) and a deworming orally. This is repeated every 4 weeks until the age of 16 weeks or for a series of two. At the first visit, it is advised to do a Feline Leukemia test to be sure your new pet has not been exposed to this highly contagious and deadly virus. A simple and fast blood test can be performed in clinic. If your kitten is negative, you may decide to vaccinate against this disease, especially if your kitten will be exposed to other cats or will go outside. This vaccine is given at 12 and 16 weeks of age or for two consecutive series. Again your pet will be dewormed several times and rabies will be given at the last visit when your pet is around 16 weeks of age. Office visits and vaccines will follow yearly as in the dog.

Lets review:

8 weeks: FVRCP, deworm, feline leukemia test 12 weeks: FVRCP, deworm, Feline leukemia vaccine if needed 16 weeks: FVRCP if needed, Feline leukemia, 1 year Rabies 1 Year: FVRCP, Feluk if needed, 3 year Rabies, stool check It is important during the time of your vaccination series that the pet is not exposed to other animals or common areas with other animals as they may still contract these viruses and worms. If you are still slightly confused, don't worry. Your veterinarian will give you a schedule on the first visit. Just be aware for the first few months of your pets life, you will have to repeat visits for 3-4 times 3-4 weeks apart until the age of 16 weeks. The final item to do with your pet, spoil it and have fun.

Cats are a little different. Most cats come into heat about the same time...February through June, and again September through November. They will go in and out of heat during these months, and continue until they are bred or the season ends. Unlike the dog, there usually is no spotting of blood or vulva swelling. ; Instead, cats will cry out and roll around like they are in pain. Contrary to belief, though, they are not in pain. Some cats will stay in heat past these months and throughout the entire year (especially in warmer climates).

Female neutering is called "spaying". This process includes general anesthesia and making an incision into the abdomen. The uterus is extracted and the blood vessels and body of the uterus is tied off. The uterus is then removed with the ovaries. The small abdominal hole is then sutured up.

Male neutering is called "castration". Castration involves the male dog being put under general anesthesia like the females. A small incision is made in front of the scrotum. The testicles are then pulled through, blood vessels tied off, and testicles removed. The incision is then sutured up. Male cats are put under shorter acting anesthesia. The scrotum is then incised and the testicles pulled out, blood vessels tied off, and testicles removed. Suturing the incisions of male cat castrations usually is not necessary. They heal quite quickly.

The ideal age for neutering your pet is around six months, after they have been well vaccinated, though some animals may be done earlier. It is easier to neuter a pet while they are young and not in heat or pregnant.

Now is the time to think about neutering your pet. With Spring approaching you will prevent unnecessary pregnancies, trauma, and dealing with the nuisance of a pet in heat. If you are not going to breed your pet, it is also healthier to neuter them. Animals that are not neutered may suffer later in life with an infected uterus, mammary cancer, or prostate cancer. So, make you appointment with your veterinarian today to have your pet spayed or neutered.