Pets are more than just furry friends; they are family. Looking after a pet is a huge responsibility, and giving them adequate veterinary care is vital to keeping them healthy and happy. From vaccinations to oral care, veterinary care is needed for your pet’s well-being.
What happens during a puppy or kitten’s first visit to the veterinarian?
A puppy or kitten’s first visit to the veterinarian is extremely important. Throughout this visit, your vet is going to do a thorough physical exam to assess your pet’s overall health. This includes examining their eyes, ears, heart rate, and weight. Your kitten or puppy vet in Stockton will also tackle other questions about diet, behavior, and preventative treatment, like microchipping and spaying/neutering.
Why do pets need protection and prevention?
An effective way to keep your pet healthier is by preventing health issues before they begin, which means maximizing preventive measures like vaccinations, flea/tick preventatives, heartworm prevention medications, and more. Vaccinations are crucial as they really help shield pets from dangerous and potentially life-threatening diseases like rabies and distemper. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian about what kitten and puppy shots your pet require based on age and lifestyle.
Cat Vaccinations
Cats must be vaccinated against many common illnesses, consisting of the following:
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Calicivirus Panleukopenia) vaccine gives protection against four different viruses that can cause upper respiratory infections in felines.
- Rabies vaccination is mandated by law in most states for cats over 12 weeks old.
- FeLV (feline leukemia virus) vaccine is also recommended for cats who go outdoors or socialize with other animals regularly. It helps protect them from the virus, which can cause feline cancer.
Dog Vaccinations
Like cats, pet dogs need vaccinations too. Most puppies must receive core vaccines like:
- DHPP (distemper parvo hepatitis) helps protect against multiple viruses that can cause severe health issues in dogs, such as distemper infection, parvovirus as well as bordetella bronchiseptica, which can trigger kennel cough in dogs who spend time at daycare facilities or dog parks.
- Rabies vaccination is also required by law for all dogs over 12 weeks old.
Why is veterinary dentistry important?
Dental hygiene is essential not just for humans but also for our beloved pets. Poor dental hygiene leads to serious health conditions such as periodontal disease, which can cause tooth loss and discomfort when eating or consuming water due to swollen gums causing pain when chewing food items.
Regular professional cleanings at least once a year are advised for optimal dental health. Still, daily brushing at home, along with traditional dental chews, can help maintain teeth clean between vet visits. For more details about the many ways in which professional dental care can improve your pet’s oral health, you may read about that online to get started.
Final Thoughts
As responsible pet owners, we hope for our furry buddies around us for many years to come – That is why proper veterinary treatment is vital. From vaccines to oral good hygiene measures – all these aspects help guarantee our four-legged companions stay healthy throughout their lifetime. Consulting with a veterinarian often will help you understand what type of preventive measures you must take depending on your pet’s age and lifestyle, so do not think twice about scheduling an appointment today.
