Whether you have a dog, fish, cat, or rabbit, there are many pet health questions that are often asked. Everything from reproductive concerns to pet health care questions is asked. To give you a hand with a few questions you might have of your own, here are 6 frequently requested groups of pet health concerns.
- When if a puppy or kitty begin vaccinations? And how regularly are vaccinations necessary?
While the answer to these frequent pet care questions varies, the general rule of thumb is that pet vaccinations should commence at roughly 8 weeks old. It is often thought that further vaccinations should be given 4 weeks apart from one another, meaning puppies get vaccinations at 8 months, 12 months, and 16 months, whereas kittens receive them months and 12 weeks. But, although a lot of vets would nevertheless have you believe that annual vaccinations are essential, all veterinary protocols now indicate they are not. Many experts believe that no vaccinations are required beyond 12 weeks of age. Others feel boosters could be required every 3 to 5 years. Click this link for more details about pet vaccinations.
- Is it essential to give preventative heartworm treatment?
This is an extremely important pet health issue to pay attention to since heartworms can get deadly to your furry friend. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, so in the Northern Hemisphere heartworm is certainly more prevalent from June to November. Heartworm prevention therapy is indispensable. Heartworm is considerably more common in dogs, but can and does happen in cats as well.
- Are rabies vaccinations necessary? Are rabies vaccinations compulsory?
Because of the serious impact rabies has on pets, it is crucial that you give your dog the proper pet care, and vaccination for rabies is one such step you can take. Rabies affects all mammals and the argument for inoculating your pet is that there is always the potential of a bat or other form of animal with rabies getting in your residence. But really, how likely is that in a city or suburban area? Check your regional laws before deciding against vaccinating your pet from rabies.
- How long does pregnancy last in a cat or dog? Is veterinary-assisted labor and birth necessary?
This is a frequent pet health care concern because all species undergo a reproductive cycle. The timeframe that a dog is pregnant for is 63 times and cats are pregnant for 61 days. Although pet owners that are experienced in overseeing dogs and cats give birth may not need the support of a veterinarian for the true labor and birth, as soon as the puppies or kittens are born, they should be examined by a vet within 24 hours.
- How soon can a cat or dog be spayed after giving birth? Is spaying required?
If your dog or cat has undergone an unwanted pregnancy, then you should be quite concerned to make sure it does not happen again. There are far too many unwanted puppies and kittens in this world. Generally, you want to wait to spay your cat or dog until the kittens or puppies are weaned the mother’s milk has dried up. The moment both of these stages have happened, you can spay your pet.
- Is it normal for a cat to vomit hairballs? What do you do to prevent hairballs from forming?
Surely, it is common for cats to groom themselves and ingest a lot of furs while doing so. But if a cat is vomiting hairballs, then this usually means that the hair is not moving out of the gut into the small intestines. The correct pet care because of his problem is to provide your kitty pastes, treats, or food that is made to help dissolve the hairballs.
If you’re a pet owner, you probably have an array of pet health concerns on your mind. Although there are hundreds of common questions pet owners have, these are a few of the most frequently asked pet health questions.
In Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital we believe in focusing on preventative care to keep common diseases and conditions from ever-growing in the first place.
When combined with annual routine care, vaccinations and preventative maintenance form the foundation of your pet’s routine healthcare routine.
Our team will work with you to make a custom preventive care plan for your pet, tailored for their unique needs.
Our Berkeley vet team can help you protect your pet from a wide assortment of serious diseases and ailments with routine vaccinations and preventative maintenance. Click here to learn more.