2012 is here! Time to plan your Vaccinations!

Welcome 2012! This year we’ve joined a gym, filled the fridge with nutritious food and are determined to get healthy! Part of this process means getting into gear and getting into the doctors office for our annual check-ups and to get our flu shots! No pesky bug will be getting in the way of our family fitness action plan this year — No sir!

This is also a great time of year to arrange the vaccination schedule that can help reduce the risk of your lovable family pet suffering from a number of aliments and ensure that they remain happy and healthy for a very long time.

Understanding exactly why and when your dog need shots can sometimes be a touch confusing. That’s why working closely with your vet to keep track of their vaccination schedule can ensure that your dog doesn’t miss an important treatment at a critical time of year when they are most at risk. In order to help you with this process we’ve outlined this handy guide to help keep you in the know of what shots your pup might need:

Distemper - Attacks the respiratory system and nervous system, and if not treated, it can cause serious damage, and even death.

Parvo Virus – Attacks the intestinal system and can cause vomiting and diarrhea, so severe that it can be fatal. This disease is preventable with proper vaccines.

Leptospirosis – Affects the kidneys and liver and can cause severe pain and suffering.

Rabies - Infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death.

Bordetella (or kennel cough) - Targets the trachea and bronchi and is commonly diagnosed by a dry cough. It is similar to whooping cough in kids, but not contagious to people, luckily.
Vaccination – It is vital that you get your dog vaccinated against bordetella before they start to mix with other animals, be aware that the vaccine starts to lose its efficiency after around six months, so it’s extra important to keep on top of this one. Dog parks, walking programs, boarding, grooming, or anytime your dog engages in lots of social activity will put him at risk of exposure.

Lyme disease – Transmitted by ticks, which are prevalent in humid, forested environments.

Vaccinating your dog is one of the easiest ways to protect them and keep them at your side for many years to come. To work out your vaccination schedule contact one of the friendly staff at the Pet Wellness Network who will be happy to work with you to determine what works best for you and your pet. We don’t just vaccinate pets, we assess your pet and will tailor a program based on their individual needs.

Contact the Pet Wellness Network vet near you today to book an appointment.