What does my pet need and when? As we have seen more and more parasites and disease work its way up from the south with all of the rescue dogs, we have changed some of the things we used to do.
For example, years ago in New England, we only treated pets for ticks in the summer months. Not anymore! We treat all year long! Ticks have figured out how to live under the snow and are around and hungry whenever the ground is clear, and your pets are out than! We also have more types of ticks here commonly compared to years past. The Lonestar tick is here-from Texas! Whether it’s from our lack of snow or the import of many southern dogs that brought enough with them, all we know is that they are here and are thriving! We have to change how we do things.
Talk to your veterinarian about what vaccines they recommend for your pet! Depending on your lifestyle-indoor/outdoor cats, dogs who go to daycare or dog parks and those who don’t, they will need a personalized recommendation for their vaccine schedule.
Why do vets like bloodwork so much? Veterinarians worry about what’s going on inside of their pet and the best way to get that information is from their bloodwork. They can establish and verify your pet’s normal blood values and better detect the onset of diseases before physical symptoms appear. Bloodwork provides clues to help the vet detect little problems before they become bigger problems. They typically check pets for: liver, kidney, pancreas health as well as cell and bloodcount health, electrolytes, and urinalysis. This information will be kept to compare results as they age, to decipher what might be going on and get ahead of any problems.
Preventative care includes anything that helps to ensure a longer, healthier life for your pet and that also includes spaying and neutering. Since COVID the spay/neuter rates are significantly down, and we are seeing the outcomes. Did you know that one female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in just six years? It’s even more shocking with cats- in 7 years one unspayed female cat and her offspring can produce 370,000 kittens! We do not have homes for them all! These unwanted and uncared for pets become sick and diseased and share our backyards. They spread things you do not want for your pet, and they suffer. Your intact pet is also at risk for many more problems by remaining intact. Unspayed females are prone to pyometra (pictured below, fortunately no smellivision) and unneutered males are more susceptible to testicular cancer and prostate problems. Cats are not immune either and are also at risk of these same issues. Ask your veterinarian what age is appropriate for you to spay or neuter your pet. Science has taught us that we don’t just spay/neuter everything across the board anymore when they turn one. Size, breed and other factors can come into play here. Ask your vet-not Dr. Google because he doesn’t know your pet or your lifestyle! The vets at LVH are always ready to discuss how to increase your pets health and longevity!