Vaccination and worming for your puppy

While the puppy is nursed by his mother receives the necessary defenses to protect against many diseases, but once it exits the maternal environment is exposed to them. It is very important to deworm and vaccinate your puppy, if you want to keep it healthy. Better safe than sorry.

The age for initiating vaccination puppy vary, depending on their physical strength and the environment in which to unfold. However, we suggest this effective scheme of preventive medicine for your puppy.

1.5 months: Deworming lightly with non-aggressive.

2 months: Vaccine against canine parvovirus.

2.5 months: Vaccine triple-distemper, leptospirosis and hepatitis B.

3 months: Strengthening the canine parvovirus vaccine.

3.5 months: Strengthening the triple vaccine.

4 months: Vaccine against rabies. After this application should be vaccinated each year.

On your approach the same situation of vaccination in the year following its first application, without reinforcements, so that your dog develops a greater resistance to disease.

Recommendations

Do not take it to the street before the implementation of the first vaccine booster.

We also recommend that your puppy does not live with other dogs inside or outside the house before vaccination.

It is best to start vaccination at two months old, but if you insist that the puppy out early, it is preferable to start the month and a half old.

If a dog was infected with parvovirus at home, disinfect water, detergent and bleach all the areas visited and rinse carefully. This should do so when you leave the infected dog and at least three days before a new puppy comes into your home.

If your dog does not often visit public places deworming every 6 months, but if you do, every 4 months deworming. It is desirable to use a different drug each time, the parasites develop resistance to the active substance.

The biochemical profile is the measurement of certain minerals or substances found in the blood and give us information about the status of various organs.

We have already discussed in another article as interpreted changes in the CBC (which analyzes the cellular portion of blood). Here we see the main measurements obtained from the plasma and its clinical significance.

-Blood glucose: Glucose is a simple sugar that circulates in the blood when the body needs energy to reach the different tissues. Normal values ​​are between 60 and 120 mg/dl. If blood glucose is below the minimum, the animal is hypoglycemic, can be weak, uncoordinated or even seizures.

This is common in toy breeds, young puppies or in animals depleted by chronic illness, prolonged lack of appetite or have been subjected to excessive exercise. The pathologies that occur with a fall in blood glucose levels are some liver diseases, pancreatic tumors and infections.

When blood sugar is slightly increased, may be due to stress, especially in cats. Values ​​above 180 mg/dl indicate that the patient usually suffers from diabetes, a disease in which the tissues to utilize glucose from the blood.

Uremia: urea nitrogen compound is a product of protein digestion. It is a waste product that must be removed from the blood by the kidneys. When these organs do not function well, they can not filter this material and begins to accumulate urea in the blood, hence its value indicates how well the kidneys are other pathologies that can also raise uremia. Any obstruction in the flow of urine causes bladder and kidney replete can no longer produce urine, for example in the lower urinary tract syndrome in cats or bladder stones.

A lack of blood flow to the kidneys also prevents the formation of sufficient amount of urine, this would be the case in severe dehydration or heart failure. As pyometra infection causes accumulation of antigen-antibody complexes in the kidneys that filter also prevents normal. In these situations the value of uremia returns to normal once the primary problem solved. Uremia may be lower than normal in animals with liver disease. Although this is the most common cause, we must not forget that

-Creatinine is a substance that accumulates degradation only in cases of kidney failure. While it is not toxic to the body, is a very reliable parameter for measuring the activity of these organs. The normal value is up to 1.5 mg/dl.

-Calcium: This mineral is not only important for bone structure is also essential for muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Its value is fairly stable in the blood, but may be decreased during pregnancy and lactation in cases of eclampsia and some hormonal or nutritional disorders. Hypercalcemia may be caused by various causes, including some tumors.

Total plasma-proteins: proteins that are measured are the albumin and globulin. Its normal value is around 7 mg / dl, well below this value almost always indicate poor nutrition, liver disease, chronic infections, malabsorption or protein loss through the kidneys. Rarely are elevated total protein per se, when the value is high is usually due to dehydration. Globulins include immunoglobulins, can therefore be higher in the feline infectious peritonitis.

-Bilirubin: red blood cells are constantly renewed. When they are destroyed, hemoglobin released is captured and separated by the liver. There is recovering iron and bilirubin is eliminated. When bilirubin in the blood increases may be due to liver failure, a blockage in the bile flow or an increased destruction of red blood cells as Hemobartonella infection in cats or autoimmune anemias.

Serum alkaline phosphatase (FAS): This is an enzyme with normal values ​​vary widely for different reasons in each species. In dogs is an indicator of tumor when it is too high.

ALT-GPT: a specific enzyme found in liver cells. A high value indicates a destruction of these cells, which may be due to various liver diseases: infection, inflammation, tumors, obstructions, congestion.

-Cholesterol in dogs and cats cholesterol is not the same interpretation as in humans. These species do not suffer from clogging or hardening of the arteries by cholesterol. Instead it is important to this value as an indicator of other diseases such as hypothyroidism, or prolonged malnutrition.

-Sodium and potassium: these electrolytes are the main indicators of balance in the internal and not routine call. Are important in animals with severe renal failure or who are in shock or severe dehydration and require intensive and prolonged fluid therapy.

There are other substances that can be measured, such as phosphorus, triglycerides, iodine, etc, but these are not routine in the profiles and are asked only to a specific suspect veterinarian.

The biochemical profile and provides fairly accurate information específicaevaluar response to treatment and to monitor the evolution of a disease over time. Alone do not provide a diagnosis or prognosis, but help, along with clinical evaluation of the patient by the veterinarian, to have a complete idea of ​​its current state. on the functioning of the kidneys, liver, adrenal glands, pancreas and the presence of some types of tumors. These values ​​can be used to

credit to: Dr. Isabel Iglesias

When an animal of any species is sick and you take it to the doctor, the veterinarian checks to try to determine the source of the problem. Many times it is sufficient physical examination and the questions you do, but others will ask him to do some studies, among which is the CBC.

This analysis provides valuable data on the health of your pet. Sometimes the response to make an accurate diagnosis and others indicate that this area is quite normal and should keep looking. It is also a valuable tool for preventive medicine, especially in older animals, as they can detect problems at an early stage and start treatment.

Blood is composed of millions of cells to “navigate” through the blood vessels floating in a liquid called plasma. The solid components are red blood cells, white cells and platelets, while in the plasma are plenty of electrolytes, minerals, clotting factors, proteins, nutrients. Let us review a brief description of the solid elements of blood to be able to understand the results of a CBC. There are slight variations in normal values ​​between different laboratories, so that the report included the reference value for each.

“Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to all body cells, using for this hemoglobin. Each has a half life of 120 days, so that the bone marrow is responsible for manufacturing and constantly replenished. The number of red cells is measured by the hematocrit quickly and more accurately with blood cell count. Also measured to know their hemoglobin concentration.

If less than normal, means that the animal is anemic. Clinical signs in severe cases are pale mucous membranes, poor appetite and fatigue, because the tissues do not have enough oxygen to function. A regenerative anemia may be, in which the bone marrow releases a large amount of immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) to the movement to try to overcome the lack of oxygen, or aregenerative, in which bone marrow is unable to restore the normal number red blood cells. The first is caused by loss of red blood cells, such as bleeding or certain infectious diseases of the blood. The second is given for lack of production, such as kidney failure and other deficiency diseases.

In some cases the number of red blood cells is higher than normal. This usually occurs from dehydration (not really there are more cells, but less plasma), but is also seen in some lung diseases, tumors or bone marrow in high altitude areas where there is little oxygen in the air. To any lack of oxygen to the tissues, the body responds by producing more red blood cells.

“White blood cells are also called leukocytes and are the cells responsible for defending the body. There are different types and each has different functions in the control of microorganisms. The white blood cell count in a group and then each type separately. Almost all of them are formed in the bone marrow.

When the count goes up, almost always due to an infection, but also rise in cases of extreme stress or in some leukemias. If the count is below normal, this indicates that the animal is very weak or suffering from immunosuppressive disease, usually viral.

Different WBCs are:

* Neutrophils are found in greater numbers and those responsible for destroying bacteria. They are the first line of defense in the body. When bacterial infections are rapidly increasing their numbers (neutrophils), both in their mature forms (segmented) and immature (in band). By contrast, many viruses do lower the amount of circulating neutrophils (neutropenia).

* Eosinophils, normally found in much smaller numbers. Their function is to engulf foreign particles, and their numbers increase (eosinophilia) in the case of parasitic infections or allergies. They are the “guilty” to recognize as foreign and attack harmless particles and cause allergic reactions of various types. Their number may decrease (eosinopenia) in cases of prolonged stress.

* Basophils: its function is not well known, and it is rare to find in counts, so their number is usually 0.

* Lymphocytes: These cells are important in defense against infectious diseases. B lymphocytes are responsible for form and release antibodies against various microorganisms, including viruses. T lymphocytes can be “direct” the activities and help combat other cells to fight disease. They are produced in the lymph nodes, spleen and other lymphoid tissues.

The number of lymphocytes is usually increased, but it can take in case of very prolonged disease or leukemia.

They can be decreased (lymphopenia) at the beginning of viral diseases or as a result of excessive use of corticosteroids.

* Monocytes: the count is fairly low and stable. Their function is to engulf microorganisms and also release several proteins involved in inflammation. Their number remains virtually unchanged, except in cases of leukemia involving this cell type.

-Platelets are the building blocks necessary for blood clotting, along with other key factors in this process. Their number gives an idea of ​​the body’s ability to clot, if it is too low a risk of bleeding, and if too high, formation of thrombi.

In all cell types is important to also evaluate the shape and size, as these are modified in some types of leukemia or infectious anemia.

The CBC is a simple and inexpensive test that provides valuable information that, together with a physical exam and a good history may be sufficient to reach an accurate diagnosis and initiate treatment to restore the health of your pet.

credit to: Dr. Isabel Iglesias

Turkey Allergy
1. Dogs usually develop allergies to a protein source in food such as turkey or milk. Food allergies can develop at any age and in any breed of dog.

Symptoms
2. A dog experiencing an allergic reaction to turkey will develop itchy skin all over its body. In a severe reaction, a dog’s muzzle might swell and it could develop welts on its face, according to the book “The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats.”

Immediate Treatment
3. An antihistamine or a cool bath can help soothe a dog’s itchy skin. If a dog is having a severe allergic reaction to turkey, the owner should contact a veterinarian immediately.

Long Term Solutions
4. In the long term, the best treatment is to avoid giving the dog anything to eat that contains either turkey or turkey-derived protein. Dogs with severe allergies could require home-cooked meals to eliminate the risk of accidental exposure, according to the ASPCA.

Considerations
5. Food allergies in dogs are fairly rare. A veterinarian can help determine if a dog has a turkey allergy by designing an elimination diet for it.

1. Determine what ails your rabbit by observing his behavior and taking note of any changes in habits.

Behavioral changes or physical changes such as diarrhea, constipation, loss of fur or not eating can all be indicative of an illness.

2. Separate the sick rabbit from other rabbits. If you have more than one rabbit and you suspect that one is ill, it is best to keep it away from other rabbits to keep any contagion from spreading.

3. Bring your rabbit in the house, if you usually keep it outdoors, so you can observe it more closely.

4. Keep food and water available to your sick rabbit. If the rabbit isn’t moving around much, keep food and water close to it. Try to get the rabbit to drink often, as dehydration is deadly to rabbits.

5. Clean the rabbit’s cage often. Put towels or a blanket in the cage to keep the rabbit warm as sick rabbits will often not move much and stay close to a wall. Make sure the rabbit is not in a draft.

6.  Treat some symptoms with medications you might have in the house. For instance, a small amount of Pepto-Bismol can be given for diarrhea, or mineral oil can be administered if there seems to be an intestinal blockage. However, it is best to consult your veterinarian before giving any medications.

7. Bring your sick rabbit to your vet so the proper diagnosis can be made and the proper medication or treatment plan be administered.

The following diseases require immediate attention:
* Unusual behavior (viciousness or lethargy)
* Downloads abnormal body openings
* Limping or difficulty in physical movement
* Significant change in appetite or excessive water consumption
* Loss of hair or open sores
* Excessive tartar deposits or foul breath.

Pet Health Insurance
Vaccinations, medications and other surgical procedures are very expensive. The pet health insurance helps in reducing these costs. Owners should plan on pet insurance before they adopt their pets. Health insurance for pets also covers accidents and illnesses. The costs incurred in routine care such as immunization and vet visits could also be reduced with the help of pet insurance. The policies of pet health care also contain annual awards and plans of coverage. The health insurance policies vary for different animals. The pet owner must carefully assess the pet health care insurance before opting for it.

Pet Insurance
An insurance policy covers pet veterinary fees, the responsibilities of others, and compensation in case of theft or accidental deaths. Pet owners can also sue insurance payments if their holidays are canceled due to illness of the pet? S. The owners of exotic pets often have to pay more prizes. The breed, age, location and the file of the disease in domestic animals determine the insurance premium. Owners should make sure that the pet insurance also covers foreign travel.

Veterinary Pet Insurance
Insurance pet veterinarian protects animals from injury, emergencies and illnesses. The tours cover VPI policies, prescriptions, diagnostic tests, x-rays and lab fees. The insurance veterinary pet is different from that of a human insurance policy. The prizes for dogs and cats depend on their age and type of plan while the prize for exotic birds depends on their size and classification.

The following are the benefits of insurance veterinary pet:
* It’s easy and affordable
* Has a cover for dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and other exotic pets
* Allows pet owners can visit any licensed veterinarian throughout the world
* There is no administrative hassle
* Offer discounts
* Offers portable policies

Pet Care
Pet care is a critical aspect of adopting a pet. If you are feeding, housing, hygiene or medical care, pets must be well looked after. Books and leaflets for the pet care are available in stores and libraries of the pet. Here are some tips for pet care:

* Food
1. Keep pet dishes clean always.
2. Never overfeed your pet.
3. Feed your pet a balanced diet. Ask your veterinarian prescribed by the right diet for your pet.
4. Give your pet a treat from time to time
* Cover
1. Give your pet a good home.
2. The pet bird cages should be appropriate for their size and activity.
3. Dogs and cats living inside must have a warm, comfortable and dry.
4. Dogs that live outdoors should have a comfortable home free of drafts and sheltered from the elements.
5. Set up a shelter for your pet according to their various needs.
* Hygiene
1. While most domestic animals are kept clean, pet owners should ensure that pets offer their surroundings clean.
2. Do not bathe your dog or cat very often.

Pet Medication
Pet Medication should only be given to the veterinarian’s prescription. The pet medication is quite expensive. Owners may find it difficult to administer medication to your pet. The drugs could be concealed in food items. For example, cubes of cheese are found to be effective in covering up the medication. The syringe or medicine dropper can also be used to administer pet medications. Many websites offer pet medications at lower costs than what’s available in stores. Consult your veterinarian before ordering medication online.

Pet Otoscope
Pets may exhibit signs of an ear problem vigorous shaking their heads or scratching their ears. Pet owners should not attempt to place any material in the ear while the ear can get involved. The Otoscope is a tool to help veterinarians identify the infection or inflammation in the ears of the pet. This instrument provides the extension and the light that helps veterinarians to see the ear canal. Early signs of infection in the ears could be diagnosed with the help of an otoscope. Ear mites can also be detected easily with the help of a Pet Otoscope.

The pet Otoscope is used to check:
* The intactness of the eardrum
* Tumors or foreign bodies in ears
* Bacteria, yeast or ear mites

Pet owners must constantly check the ears of pets to know if there is discharge or odor. The ears of domestic animals must be kept dry to prevent infection. The ears of domestic animals must be kept clean of dirt and wax. Most ear treatments have no side effects. Frequent ear infections could encourage surgeons recommend surgery of the ear.