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Dog Care

4 Parasites Dogs/Cats and People Can Share

Each year, millions of people are treated in doctor’s offices and even emergency departments due to animal bites and scratches. From rabies to bacterial infections including Pasteurella, we know these can be serious events that can even be life-threatening to humans. But even if you’re not bitten or scratched, there are still parasites that can be transmitted to humans from their pets.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Typically, cats pick up this parasite by eating an infected rodent, bird or other small animal. Once infected, a cat’s feces then carries the parasite, and humans who come into contact with those feces can accidentally ingest the parasite.

Although most cats infected with Toxoplasmosis do not show symptoms, some cats have symptoms including fever, loss of appetite, mild diarrhea and lethargy. In humans, the symptoms can mimic the flu.

In addition to washing your hands after cleaning your cat’s litter box, it’s also important to wash fresh produce before eating it because Toxoplasma gondii can live in the soil.

If your indoor cat has recently hunted, it’s a good idea to bring them to your veterinarian for a simple test. If they’re infected, your vet will probably prescribe a course of antibiotics.

Hookworms and Roundworms

These intestinal parasites are most commonly found in kittens and puppies, but can also infect grown cats and dogs. Pets pick up these parasites by sniffing or ingesting infected feces or recently contaminated areas. They can also pick them up from their mother during nursing. The parasites are transmitted to humans from contact with infected feces, or by walking barefoot and stepping on larvae.

Pets with hookworm or roundworm can experience diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal swelling, itchy paws, vomiting or weight loss. These can be serious infections, and your pet needs to be examined by your vet immediately.

The most common result of hookworm infection in humans is a skin condition called cutaneous larva migrans, which is an itchy, raised, red rash that appears where the larvae move. Humans with roundworm can experience symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea and fever.

All puppies and kittens should be tested for hookworm and roundworm from their vet, who can treat these parasites with medication, and suggest appropriate treatment and prevention strategies to keep you and your pets healthy.

Ringworm

Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection within the top layer of the skin. While it’s a fungus and not technically a worm, it is highly contagious. Pets and humans can pick up this fungus through direct contact with an infected animal, or via contact with a contaminated object, such as bedding or toys.

Symptoms in pets include circular areas of hair loss, brittle nails and hair, and scabby or inflamed skin. In humans, it causes a ring-shaped, reddish rash that may be dry and scaly or wet and crusty. It may also be itchy.

Your veterinarian can diagnose ringworm with a simple physical examination or a blood test in some cases. Treatment depends on the case, but it could be done either topically or with a prescription antifungal medication.

Serving more than 20,000 pets throughout the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area, PetWow has offered top-notch animal care since 1998. Our fully mobile home veterinary care service can help you prevent parasites from spreading among your pets and family. Call or schedule an appointment with Pet Wow today at 513-738-9691 or email Info@PetWow.com.

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4 Parasites Dogs/Cats and People Can Share2020-08-17T16:15:52+00:00

Understanding the Dangers of Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus, more commonly known as Parvo, is a highly contagious disease with incredibly high mortality rates within days if left untreated. Puppies, as well as unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs, are most at risk. Although it’s not entirely understood why, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Doberman Pinschers and English Springer Spaniels are at higher risk than other dog breeds.

How Is Parvo Transmitted?

The most common way Parvo is transmitted is by direct contact through the nose or mouth with infected feces.

Another way Parvo is transmitted is through indirect contact with a contaminated dog, person, object, soil or air. Parvo is a hardy virus that can survive indoors at room temperature for months or even years if not in direct sunlight, and even in soil for one year. It is resistant to most cleansers, and can survive on clothing, surfaces and even human skin.

Dogs love to sniff and explore their surroundings, especially during walks. One sniff of another dog’s poo, or even a surface where infected poo has been is all it takes to pick up this horrible disease.

Parvo Vaccine

Parvo is a mostly preventable disease, but even vaccinated dogs are not 100 percent protected from the virus. Parvo vaccines are recommended for all puppies and are usually given in a series of three shots when the puppy is between six-to-eight weeks old, again at 10-to-12 weeks, and at 14-to-16 weeks. A booster shot is administered one year later and every 3 years after that.

Parvo Symptoms

Because dogs infected with Parvo are at serious risk, it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows any of these symptoms: bloody diarrhea, fever or low body temperature, vomiting, weakness, lethargy, refusal to eat, depression or dehydration. The wet tissue of the mouth and eyes may become noticeably red, and the heart may beat too rapidly. Parvo can also take a cardiac form, attacking the dog’s heart muscles.

Parvo Treatment

Parvo is diagnosed with a physical examination, blood tests and a special test for the parvovirus in feces. A urine analysis, abdominal X-rays and abdominal ultrasounds may also be performed.

Infected dogs will be separated from other dogs at the veterinarian. Depending on your dog’s condition, he or she may need antibiotics, fluids, nutrition and other medications.

Even after your dog has recovered from parvovirus, they will still have a weakened immune system for some time, and will be susceptible to other illnesses. He or she can also spread Parvo for about two months after recovery. Your veterinarian may also recommend an easily digestible diet, as well as give you tips for cleaning your dog’s environment.

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Understanding the Dangers of Canine Parvovirus2020-08-17T16:13:26+00:00

7 Tips for Traveling with Your Pet

Traveling alone isn’t any fun and if you’re looking for a travel buddy, pets can make great companions. But before you start planning your trip with your four-legged friend (now that we can move about more!), it’s important to know what you need to do and what to bring to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Whether you’re traveling by car, plane or train, here are some helpful tips for traveling with your pet.

Bring Identification and Health Records

Regardless of how you’re traveling, make sure your pet has proper identification and health records. Make sure your pet is wearing ID tags during your trip and if possible, have them microchipped for easy identification. Additionally, if you’re traveling across state lines, be sure to bring proof of their rabies vaccinations as some states require proof at certain interstate crossings

Put Together a Pet Travel Kit

Before you depart, it’s important to make sure your pet has everything they need. This includes bowls, leash, waste disposal equipment, medication, food, bottled water and travel documents. Don’t forget to pack a favorite toy or pillow to help make your pet more comfortable while traveling.

Train Them for Traveling

Traveling can be incredibly stressful for inexperienced pets, and this is why it’s important to help them adjust to it before you embark on your trip. If you’re traveling by car, take your pet on short drives at first and gradually make them longer so your pet becomes accustomed to spending time on the road.

Have a Travel Feeding Schedule

Pets can make a mess when they’re stressed and just like humans, they can also get motion sickness. The best way to avoid unnecessary delays on your trip is to have a travel feeding schedule ready for the day of your departure. Rather than sticking to his or her normal feeding schedule and food amount, it’s recommended feeding your pet a light meal three to four hours before you leave to help them avoid any stomach discomfort and unwanted accidents.

Keep Your Pet in a Safe and Secure Crate or Carrier

Regardless of how you’re traveling, make sure your pet is safely secure and comfortable in a sturdy, well-ventilated pet crate. An ideal crate offers your pet enough room to stand, sit or lie down, helping ensure they stay comfortable. Getting your pet used to spending time in the crate before your trip can also help him or her adjust and relax on your trip.

Take Them to the Vet

Before you travel anywhere, be sure to take your pet for a check-up with your veterinarian. Not only can you make sure your pets are up-to-date on their shots and healthy enough to travel, but your vet can answer any questions you have about taking your pet on vacation.

Before you take your trip, schedule an appointment to see us. Our team will help make sure you and your pet are ready to travel and enjoy your vacation. For more pet care tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or LinkedIn!

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7 Tips for Traveling with Your Pet2020-05-26T14:31:58+00:00

5 Symptoms of Asthma In Pets

5 Symptoms of Asthma In Pets

Asthma is a prevalent and occasionally disabling condition that impacts millions of people around the world. While it’s associated with humans, it’s also a frequent issue for many of our pets. Asthma is often a frightening condition and, if left unaddressed, can endanger the life of your pet. It is critical to recognize the symptoms of asthma and to contact your veterinarian if you believe that your cat, dog or other pet suffers from the condition. Below are some indications that your pet may battle asthma.

Severe Panting

Animals don’t possess many sweat glands, and as a result, pant when overheated and exhausted. This is entirely normal and shouldn’t be alarming if it is taking place when anticipated, like in hot weather or following exercise. However, if you observe your pet panting heavily and for extended periods, even with little exercise and in routine conditions, contact your veterinarian. Be aware of broad-mouth breathing, in addition to heavy chest movement.

Decreased Appetite

Asthma might cause the lungs to grow hyperinflated, compressing the animal’s stomach. These complications may result in stomach pains or a sense of fullness, even though the animal has not consumed an adequate amount of food. This is dangerous as it can cause poor nutrition, further aggravating your pet’s asthma. Monitor your pet’s eating patterns if you think they may have the condition.

Difficulty Breathing

Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and always being out of breath are strong signs of asthma. These things can accompany specific colds and flu, yet if they are persistent then your pet could have the condition. If your pet is exhibiting these signs, even temporarily, contact your veterinarian. They can aid with diagnosis and care.

Reduced Energy

Because of insufficient oxygen, your pet may experience a general shortage of energy. This can include becoming sluggish and showing intolerance to any substantial level of exercise. They may not be capable of handling extended walks or might even object to going for walks altogether. If you observe that your pet has become reluctant to exercise like they once did, contact your veterinarian.

Pale Gums

If your pet’s gums look blue or pale, promptly seek support. This indicates a potentially serious asthma attack and may result in significant complications including death if not handled correctly. If your pet has been demonstrating additional signs of asthma, it is essential to examine their gums routinely for this condition.

Thanks to a wealth of treatment options, most asthmatic pets can live regular, enjoyable lives, as long as their owners closely follow their veterinarian’s directions. Also, by adopting measures to minimize asthma triggers—like not smoking and dusting routinely — the prevalence of asthma symptoms decreases.

There may be no cure for pet-related asthma, but there are numerous ways to ensure the condition doesn’t hinder a pet’s ability to lead a good life. Remain alert, be aware of the warning signs mentioned above, and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions.

For the past 48 years, more than 20,000 area pet owners have trusted PetWow with their animals. Give our team of professionals a call today at 513-738-9691 to schedule an appointment. For more pet care tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or LinkedIn!

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5 Symptoms of Asthma In Pets2020-05-11T13:13:14+00:00

8 Best Durable Dog Toys For Your Power Chewers

We know you love your dogs, but you might not be a fan of how quickly they can destroy a toy. Whether it’s out of excitement, curiosity or over-playing with their new obsession, some dogs are natural power chewers. And while dog owners are thrilled when we bring something home our pups love, it’s normal to feel a ping of regret that the toy you spent money on is ruined within hours. Here are a few of our favorite indestructible dog toys.

Nylabone

Pet parents of power chewers probably already love the Nylabone line of nylon “bones,” but did you know they also make toys? Check out the Power Chew Double Action Chew Toy that is soft enough for carrying yet durable enough for chewing. Also check out the Power Chew Double Action Ball and the Power Chew Dental Dinosaur for a little variety. All of these products freshen your pup’s breath and massage their gums. Talk a win/win/win!

GoughNuts

Many manufacturers claim their toys are indestructible, but GoughNuts guarantees it. They’ve even built indicator lights into its toys that turn red if the toy becomes compromised. The toys are also easy to clean, float in water and are recyclable. The original GoughNut is shaped like, well, a doughnut (hence the name), but they also make sticks and balls.

Planet Dog

Planet Dog’s products are durable, eco-friendly and made in the USA. For power chewers though, its Orbee Tuff line is among the best. Its simple fetch ball, available in green or pink, is great for tossing or self-play in or out of the water.

Kong

The folks who started Kong are also pet parents of power chewers so they understand what you need. While they don’t make fun balls or chew toys, the Kong Extreme line might just be what your pup needs. Its erratic bounce will throw your dog off a bit, which in our experience helps make for a toy that keeps your pup’s interest longer.

Fluffy Paws

Your dog loves a squeaky toy, right? Problem is, they last about an hour. And you have to watch them closely because the pieces that actually squeak are a choking hazard. We feel your pain. When nothing but a squeaky toy will do, try Fluffy Paws Durable Bone-Shaped Toy. It lasts much longer than other squeakers, but that’s about the best you can hope for with this style of toy.

We know you love your pet, and the team at PetWow loves him or her, too! During the COVID-19 crisis, we are waiving transportation fees to pick up your pet from your home in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for their vet appointment. We’ll call to speak with you about their visit, and will bring them home afterward. You pay only for the vet appointment.

We also offer Home Veterinary Care, where our state-of-the-art mobile unit will park in your driveway or in front of your home and treat your pet there. It is sanitized and fully equipped with a pet pharmacy and all tools our vet needs. The prices are comparable to an office visit.

To schedule your appointment or to ask questions, please call us at 513-738-9691 or email us at info@petwow.com. For more pet care tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or LinkedIn!

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8 Best Durable Dog Toys For Your Power Chewers2020-03-31T17:59:53+00:00

Proper Techniques and Benefits of Brushing Your Dog’s Hair

While brushing your dog’s coat may seem like a chore for both you and your pup, regular brushings are actually an essential part of keeping your best friend happy and healthy. It doesn’t matter whether your dog’s coat is short, long, thin or thick, regular grooming not only helps keep him looking good, it helps him stay free of pests and prevent skin problems while giving you valuable time to bond. Even if your dog doesn’t like getting groomed, all it takes is a good brush, knowing the right techniques and a few minutes a week to make it an enjoyable part of her routine.

Benefits of Regular Brushings

Even if your dogs are professionally groomed, it’s still important to brush them regularly between appointments. Regular bushings should be done every couple of days, regardless of the length of your dog’s coat. That’s because brushing his fur doesn’t just improve his appearance, but helps keep him healthy. Brushing prevents painful hair mats, and it removes dirt and debris. It also distributes natural oils that help keep her coat and skin healthy. Additionally, brushing also helps remove loose fur, which means less shedding around the house.

Using Proper Brushing Techniques

Proper brushing depends on the length of your dog’s coat, which means not every brush is right for every dog. The brush you use makes a big difference in making regular brushings enjoyable for your pet.

Pin brushes are commonly used by pet owners for grooming, but often are the least useful brush to use. Slicker brushes have short, fine wires making them ideal for grooming and removing mats for dogs with medium to long hair or curly hair, while rake-brushes work well on dogs with thicker coats. For dogs with smooth coats and short hair, bristle brushes work best to remove loose hair and help minimize shedding.

Once you have the right brush, getting your dog comfortable with being brushed simply requires a few treats on hand. Let your dog examine the brush and reward good behavior with treats or a chew-toy as you slowly and gently brush down and out in the direction of coat growth. Before long, you and your dog will look forward to spending this time together.

The best way to maintain a healthy coat for your pet is by taking your dog to a professional groomer. At PetWow, our professional grooming services provide everything you need to keep your pup looking great, from standard cuts and shaves to baths and custom cuts. Contact us or call 513-738-9691 to set up an appointment today either for you to bring your dog into us, or for us to send our Pet Grooming Taxi to you for pick-up. For more pet care tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or LinkedIn!

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Proper Techniques and Benefits of Brushing Your Dog’s Hair2020-01-18T19:29:01+00:00

4 Dangers Of Matted Pet Hair

Matted pet hair not only forms unsightly clumps in your pets’ coat but may also become dangerous to the point of putting your pet’s health – or life – at stake. By knowing about some of the dangers of matted pet hair, as well as doing some simple do-it-yourself grooming and pet maintenance, you can help avoid four major dangers of matted pet hair.

Matting Can Cause Pain

Pet hair that is severely tangled and becomes matted pulls tightly against your pet’s skin. This condition, in turn, causes pain similar to someone pulling your hair. Attempting to brush or comb out matted hair can cause severe pain for your pet because tugging on the hair pulls on nerve endings in the hair follicles where the hair grows.

Matting Affects Circulation

The twisting and pulling of the hair caused by matting also negatively affects your pet’s blood circulation and may cause bruising. By trapping blood near the surface of the skin, matting may keep blood from flowing to the feet, ears and tail, which can cause severe wounds (like bed sores) or allow your pet to overheat in the summer or contract frostbite in the winter.

Parasites Hide In Matted Hair

Tangled and matted pet hair give parasites such as fleas and ticks a place to hide and breed on your dog or cat. When fleas and ticks are hidden in your pet’s coat, they can breed and continually bite your pet, causing anemia (low red blood cell count). Flea and tick bites left untreated can become infected and cause your pet to become ill. Additionally, if feces or urine become trapped in matted hair, it can attract flies, which then may breed and irritate the skin.

Movement May Be Limited By Matting

Severe matting may limit your pet’s ability to move freely, especially if the hair on their feet or legs becomes matted to adjacent areas. Matting of facial hair may restrict the movement of your pet’s mouth and keep them from adequately eating, drinking or breathing.

What You Can Do

Bathing your pets one a month not only helps de-tangle their hair, but it also diminishes the possibility of matting. Blow-dry your pet if possible. Dampness can weigh down pet hair and cause matting. Daily brushing will deter matting of your dogs’ and cats’ coats, naturally keeping them looking good between trips to the groomer. Combing after brushing not only removes additional trapped hair, but also helps to smooth wavy coats and fluff up tightly curled coats. Pets with wiry or curly coats should have professional grooming about once every month to six weeks to decrease the likelihood of matting and skin problems.

Have a question about matted hair or about grooming? Call 513-738-9691 or email Info@PetWow.com to schedule an appointment today. Our fully mobile Home Veterinary Care has provided top-notch animal care for more than 20 years in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati! For more pet care tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or LinkedIn!

4 Dangers Of Matted Pet Hair2020-01-18T19:29:34+00:00

Double-Coated Dogs: To Shave or Not to Shave?

Double Coated Dogs: To Shave or Not To Shave? - PetWow

Before deciding to have a groomer shave your pet’s coat, it’s important to know whether your canine has a coat of hair or a double coat. A double coat is a combination of fur and hair. And while some dogs with long hair may require regular trimming of their coat, some definitely shouldn’t be shaved!

Keeping Cool

It’s important to note that shaving any dog for the summer months will not necessarily help him stay cool. Why not? Because dogs don’t sweat through their skin like people do. Dogs stay cool mostly by panting and also by sweating, but only though their paw pads. Grooming your dogs, however, is always an important part of their care, especially bathing and brushing. Grooming not only ensures that they look their best, but you’re also making sure their coats don’t become tangled or matted, and that they are free of parasites such as fleas and ticks.

What’s in a Coat?

Next, you need to determine if your pet has a coat of hair or a double coat. Hair is coarse, uniformly about the same length, and you’ll be able to see the skin between the individual hairs as you brush them to one side. Fur, on the other hand, is very soft and fluffy – almost like cotton, and it lies close to the skin. Dogs with double coats will have both the soft, fluffy fur and the coarse hair. While dogs with longer hair may be safely shaved to diminish the effects of shedding, pooches with double coats should not be shaved, and here’s why.

Purpose of a Double Coat

Shaving a dog’s under-coat of fur takes away his body’s natural means of keeping heat out in warm weather and retaining body heat in cold weather. As well, shaving a double-coated dog shortens the longer coat of hair that covers the fur. The hair actually helps to protect a canine’s skin from sunburn and insects like mosquitoes, fleas and ticks.

Finally, shaving a double-coated dog could result in limited re-growth of their hair, especially if your pet is older than five years of age. And when shaved hair regrows unevenly, your dog’s coat can look patchy and scruffy. Besides, a patchy, uneven coat may expose your pet’s skin to harmful sun rays and parasites.

Questions?

As always, if you are unsure about any form of care for your dogs — including grooming — check with your veterinarian. What can PetWow do for you? Since 1998, our fully mobile Home Veterinary Care has offered top-notch animal care, and we also provide round-trip transportation for animals to be groomed at our location. Schedule an appointment today by calling 513-738-9691 or email Info@PetWow.com. For more pet care tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or LinkedIn!

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Double-Coated Dogs: To Shave or Not to Shave?2019-09-17T16:09:58+00:00

Myths and Facts about Grooming Your Doodle-Haired Dog

Dog Grooming Services Near Me - PetWow

In recent years, there has been a trend among dog lovers to choose doodles instead of many other varieties of mixed-breed dogs. Labradoodles, Goldendoodles and other poodle-mixed breeds tend to make great family pets because of their good nature, intelligence and trainability.

However, one reason that some pet parents are choosing doodles – low grooming maintenance – actually isn’t true. For those who have or are considering a doodle for their family pet, let’s take a look at the facts about their grooming requirements. Knowing the facts will not only help keep your doodle happy and healthy, but also help align your grooming expectations with reality.

No-Shedding Myth

Some doodle owners are misinformed on the topic of shedding. There is a popular belief that poodles and poodle-mixed breeds do not shed. In reality, they do shed. However, especially among the varieties that have tightly curled coats, the shed hair becomes trapped in the curly coat and does not spread around your house. Thus, it appears that doodles do not shed. Along with the trapped hair, then, comes additional responsibilities in the area of maintenance and grooming.

Low Maintenance Myth

Some pet parents are choosing doodles because they’ve heard they are low-maintenance pets when it comes to their grooming needs. Actually, because most doodle varieties have curly or wavy coats, they require almost daily brushing and combing. Using a slicker brush (the kind with fine metal pins) will remove the shed hair that becomes trapped beneath the curls. Daily brushing will deter matting, which is important because matting can lead to other serious health problems.

After brushing, comb through your doodle’s coat using a metal greyhound comb (also known as a finishing comb). Combing after brushing not only removes additional trapped hair but also helps to smooth wavy coats and fluff up tightly curled coats.

Bathing and Grooming Myths

As the owner of a dog with doodle-hair, you may hear that you can save money on grooming by bathing him at home. The truth is, a professional groomer is better equipped to manage a doodle’s bath. First of all, playful doodles may be hard to handle in a tub (especially Labradoodles, who mostly enjoy playing in water). Additionally, they shouldn’t be towel dried and allowed to air-dry when damp. Dampness can weigh down their hair and cause matting. Doodles must be gently – and completely – blown dry to avoid matting and to ensure their coat remains fluffy and soft.

Furthermore, along with bathing, doodle-haired dogs require professional grooming about once every month to six weeks to decrease the likelihood of matting and skin problems. Only doodle puppies younger than one year old won’t require frequent grooming because their coats must first undergo some developmental changes.

Doodle-dog parents, it’s always best to become educated by talking with a professional groomer, your veterinarian and other doodle-dog owners. PetWow can help! Schedule an appointment today by calling 513-738-9691 or email Info@PetWow.com. Our fully mobile Home Veterinary Care has provided top-notch animal care for more than 20 years, and we offer a pet taxi to provide round-trip transportation to our expert groomers. We now serve more than 20,000 pets throughout the Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky area, and are looking forward to getting to know you and your pets. For more pet care tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or LinkedIn!

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Myths and Facts about Grooming Your Doodle-Haired Dog2019-09-17T16:13:34+00:00

Puppies and Kittens: The Basics of Vaccinating and De-Worming

The Basics of Vaccinating and De-Worming - PetWow

The addition of a new kitten or puppy to your family can be exciting. Along with the excitement and fun that a new pet brings, the responsibility of caring for your pets’ health will also become a new priority in your life. And while they certainly are adorable, both puppies and kittens can develop serious health problems if they don’t receive the basic care they need in their early lives. This includes having their necessary vaccinations to prevent serious illnesses and medications to prevent parasitic worms.

Puppies and kittens who nurse with their mothers build up anti-bodies in their systems to fight off sickness and infection in the first 6 to 8 weeks of their lives. That’s why it is important to begin vaccinations and preventive medicines immediately following this period in their development, to add to their bodies’ ability to resist disease.

Vaccinations Against Serious Illnesses

Upon reaching the age of 6 to 8 weeks, the first significant vaccination for both cats and dogs to have is for distemper. Distemper is a serious, contagious illness among dogs and cats that typically results in death if it’s not prevented via vaccination. For dogs, veterinarians use what is called the canine 5-in-1 vaccine, which includes the distemper vaccine plus vaccines for parvovirus (an infection of the immune system), two vaccines for adenovirus (hepatitis), and one for parainfluenza (canine flu). Similarly, for cats, the feline 3-in-1 vaccine provides protection against distemper plus herpesvirus and calicivirus (two types of serious respiratory infections).

Preventive De-Worming Medicines

Additionally, at the age of 6 to 8 weeks, most puppies and kittens should have their first de-worming medicine. These preventive, complete de-worming medications eliminate heartworm and any of the intestinal parasites including roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm. Heartworm is a deadly parasite, while the others are intestinal parasites that can cause a host of digestive problems and may be transmitted to other pets and humans if left untreated.

Ongoing Prevention

Booster shots of each vaccine should be scheduled every 3 to 4 weeks up to the age of 16 weeks for both cats and dogs. Rabies vaccinations, required in most states for puppies and kittens, can be given as early as 12 weeks and must be updated annually. Preventive medicines for heartworm and flea/tick control, given monthly, will also help reduce the risk of serious health problems for your pets. Be sure to consult with a veterinarian before beginning any treatment plan.

Do your pets have all the right vaccinations? Are they protected against the various worm-parasites? PetWow’s fully mobile home veterinary care can help! Serving more than 20,000 pets throughout the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area, PetWow has offered top-notch animal care since 1998. Call or schedule an appointment with us today at 513-738-9691 or email Info@PetWow.com. For more pet care tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or LinkedIn!

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Puppies and Kittens: The Basics of Vaccinating and De-Worming2019-09-17T16:15:52+00:00
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