Good Animal Health Counts
Wellness exams and vaccines are as important to our pets as they are to our children. They find potential issues before they become a problem and they protect our pets against disease. This is also the time to ask our clinic about any concerns you might have as a pet owner. Our pets can’t tell us when they are sick; therefore we need regular wellness exams.
Canines need a series of vaccines. They start at six weeks and are needed for the rest of their lives. Some vaccines are every six months, while others are once a year or even every three years. All vaccines are needed for the health of your pet. There are a few exceptions to this rule.
Dog Vaccinations
At 6 weeks of age, each pet should be thoroughly examined, including a parasite screen. This is where the technicians at Forum Veterinary Clinic will take a fecal sample and check it under a microscope. If your pet is healthy, vaccines can begin.
The first series of shots at six to eight weeks include, DHPP #1 (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), and Bordetella. Also recommended for your canine is a fecal exam, , heartworm prevention (most veterinarians will only give one of these because your pet is still growing), and flea control at this time. Let Dr. Klenofsky and the staff at our clinic know immediately if your pet has an adverse reaction to the vaccines. However, some pets may be lethargic most of the day of receiving vaccines.
In 3 to 4 weeks after the initial vaccinations you need to return to the veterinarian for the second round of shots, which include DHPP #2, Lepto#1, and the second fecal exam, heartworm prevention and flea control. Talk to the doctor about any concerns at this time. If your pet has had an adverse reaction to the first set of vaccines, the doctor will give a shot to prevent other reactions.
At the third visit, which is 3 to 4 weeks after the second, your pet will receive DHPP #3, Lepto#2, Rabies, heartworm prevention, and flea control. These are the vaccines that are recommended by your Veterinarian.
Cat Vaccinations
Cats are different…they still need vaccines, but they cannot have a dogs’ vaccine. At 6 to 8 weeks they should have an exam, internal parasite screen, RCP #1 (Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (feline distemper), fecal exam, and heartworm prevention. Let the veterinarian know if your cat has any adverse reactions to the vaccines immediately.
3 to 4 weeks after initial vaccine, your kitten should have a Felv/FIV test (Feline leukemia Feline Aids). If your pet is healthy, vaccines can be given. Leukemia #1, RCP #2, fecal exam, heartworm prevention, and flea control. Talk to Dr. Klenofsky about any concerns and watch the cat for any reactions.
3 to 4 weeks after second set of vaccines. Leukemia #2, RCP #3, heartworm prevention and flea control. This is the time your cat can be micro-chipped. Spay and neuter at 6 months. You can also wait until this time to have your feline micro-chipped. Cats need a rabies vaccine every year along with their other vaccines.
At the Forum Veterinary Clinic we love your pets like our own. Dr. Lawrence Klenofsky strives to see that all your pets’ health care needs are taken care of and all your questions are answered. Our animal clinic is located in Chesterfield, Missouri and provides care for pets from St. Louis. Click through our website to find information for all your pet care needs.