Pet ownership Be a responsible pet owner.  Your pet gives you a lot of love and joy and deserves the best care. Remember his/her well being depends on you! Your pet should receive a yearly physical exam and vaccinations as well as routine fecal analysis to check for intestinal parasites.  Heartworm preventive should begin every spring in order to protect your dog (or cat) from adult heartworm disease, which is fatal.  A small  amount of blood is tested to ensure your pet is heartworm negative before beginning a monthly preventive program. All puppies should be routinely vaccinated against the viruses that threaten their health most (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, and Parainfluenza virus).  Vaccinations (DA2PP) should begin at 8 weeks of age following a wellness exam.  A "booster" vaccination is given 3 weeks after and then repeated at least one more time up until 16 years of age.  It is not until your puppy is "fully vaccinated" that he or she be allowed outdoors. Prior to completing the series of vaccines, you should not allow your pet to be in contact with other dogs (both puppies and adults) as well as in contact with feces and urine on the streets and sidewalks. SPAY/NEUTER Dog and cat owners should consider spaying and neutering their pets - not only to control overpopulation, but more importantly as a means to extend the life of your pet. In females, this prevents the risk of breast cancer (the risk increases in aging, intact females), uterine infections (pyometra), cancer and also "false pregnancies".  In males, neutering prevents testicular cancer, prostate disease (including prostate cancer and prostatitis), "humping" and to curtail aggression in some dogs. MICROCHIPPING A microchip implant can aid in finding your pet if he or she becomes lost.  It is inserted under the skin in between the shoulder blades.  The procedure which takes only a few seconds, takes place on the exam table during a typical visit.  Each microchip has a persona; i.d. # much like a S.S. # for your pet.  It makes finding your pet that may have ended up in a shelter, possible.  Think of it as "Lojack" for your pet.  Visit our clinic or call for details. NY RABIES/LICENSING LAWS All dogs in New York State are required to be licensed and vaccinated against Rabies.  Failure to comply can result in a fine.  All dogs and cats should be vaccinated at a minimum of 12 weeks of age.   Copyright © 2008 Oliver's Dog & Cat Clinic, all rights reserved Reproduction or duplication of original content without written authorization is strictly prohibited

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