The final series to our Puppy Basics.
How do I take care of a puppy, Herston Vet?
What medical needs do my dog need, Herston Vet?
- Vaccinations - 3 vaccination shots 4 weeks apart starting from 6-8 weeks old. Core vaccine include distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis (commonly called C3). Non-core vaccine include , Bordetella and Parainfluenza (together with the C3, it is called C5). An annual vaccination regime is recommended.
- Worming - Puppies should be wormed every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then monthly till they are 6 months old. Adult cats should be wormed every 3 months.
- Fleas - Easily treated by monthly topical or oral application.
- Ticks - Monthly oral or collars.
- Desexing - Experts claim that desexed female dogs see a dramatically reduction in some diseases such as breast, ovarian, uterine cancers and other uterine infections. Breast cancer in dogs have a higher tendency to be fatal. Castrating dogs also reduce their tendency to roam.
The legal stuff
- Microchipping and registration - It is mandatory in some states of Australia. Some councils will refuse to register your cat if it is not microchipped prior to registration.
- Desexing - An adult cat can have 1 to 8 kittens per litter up to 3 times per year. Do the math and you will find out the reason why there are so many cats at the shelter (not to mention the growing numbers of feral/stray cats!). Up to 38,000 unwanted cats and kittens are euthanized by the RSPCA, so why add to the problem? It is also important that it may be required by law to desex your cat in some states unless you are a registered breeder.
This wraps up the final series of Puppy Basics. Enjoy your wonderful experiences!
