Why your pet needs more than just a Rabies shot

When I talk to my clients about vaccinating their pets, everyone immediately thinks about rabies. Rabies is a very serious disease, as well as a public health concern, which is why this vaccine is required by law. Rabid dogs used to be a real threat to the public until vaccines became mandatory. Many counties have rabies officers that will go door to door, and ask to see rabies certificates, which prove your pet has been vaccinated (The tag is not adequate, they will want to see the actual certificate, signed by a licensed veterinarian). As important as this vaccine is, there are many other vaccines and tests that should be part of your pet’s yearly vet visit.

The Physical Exam

One of the most valuable things for your pet is an annual physical exam performed by a licensed veterinarian. Our pets cannot talk to us or tell us when something is wrong, and usually they do not show signs of illness until things are serious. Many illnesses can be detected by your vet during their physical exam. During a thorough physical examination, all body systems are evaluated including the skin and coat, eyes and ears, mouth, teeth, and gums, heart and lungs, joints and muscles and the abdomen. During the abdominal palpation, your vet should be able to feel any areas of pain or discomfort, any masses or tumors, as well as if all organs are normal size and shape. Veterinarians undergo extensive training to do this, and their skills cannot be replaced by anyone else.

Parasite Testing

Fecal testing and heartworm testing should also be a part of your pet’s annual visit. These tests ensure that your pets are safe and free of parasites. Many people do not think these tests are necessary if their pet takes a monthly parasite prevention product i.e., heartworm prevention. However, annual testing is recommended to make sure the product is working and your pet is actually receiving the prevention. Sometimes pets go outside and vomit up the tablets and no one ever knows. All preventatives bought by your vet (or THEIR online pharmacies) carry a guarantee, and if your pet is found to be positive, the manufacturer will cover the treatment. This guarantee only applies if the owner has proof of purchasing the product from a licensed veterinarian AND proof of annual testing.

Bloodwork & Urinalysis

Blood work and Urinalysis can help your veterinarian look inside to detect underlying health issues before they cause clinical signs of disease. These are health issues which may not be apparent on physical examination. Lab work is available to any pet of any age, and in young healthy dogs, these tests provide a baseline for comparison in the future. These tests are especially important for aging pets. We detect many problems in lab work, and quite often we can intervene early and begin medications, supplements, or special diets that will delay the onset of clinical signs and symptoms. We offer in clinic lab testing which will give us results within minutes, or for reduced prices, we can send lab work to the reference lab. There are many panels to choose from that fit a variety of different budgets.

Vaccines

Finally, there are several other vaccines that your vet will recommend based on the lifestyle of your dog. Your pet is at risk of many viruses and diseases just from being outside. This is true even if your pet only goes outside to use the bathroom. For example, parvovirus lives in the soil, and can survive in the ground for least 7 years. Coyotes can carry parvo and distemper viruses, and these days coyotes (not to mention stray dogs) are in many suburban areas. Booster vaccines are very important for complete protection, especially against parvo. One vaccine IS NOT going to keep a dog, especially a puppy from getting parvo. If you take your pets to grooming or bathing facilities, boarding kennels, pet stores or dog parks, your pet is at risk for contagious respiratory diseases such as canine influenza or kennel cough. Dogs along the East coast are highly susceptible to Lyme if they are not on strict tick prevention. Our feline companions need to be vaccinated against feline leukemia if they spend any time outdoors or around cats from unknown backgrounds. There are respiratory diseases that cats should be protected against as well including Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus & Panleukopenia.  Most communities have large feral cat populations, and these cats are in your yard and flower beds. These cats can leave parasites for your pets to pick up, especially if your pet eats feces. Monthly parasite prevention should be administered to keep your dogs and cats safe.

Most people that learn about these things want to do what is best for their pets, however they feel the expense is too great and choose to opt out. I ask you to think of these tests and vaccines as an insurance for your pets. The medical treatment and diagnostics if your pets become ill is much greater than the costs of these annual visits. Also, who wants to see their pet get sick? Some people also have heard that too many vaccines can be bad for your pet. There are some pets who are sensitive to vaccines, and your veterinarian should be able to help guide you as to which vaccines are needed. They may even recommend giving an antihistamine prior to vaccinating to avoid any vaccine reactions. However, most pets handle all vaccines with no problem whatsoever. Just remember to take your concerns to your veterinarian and listen to them, not Dr. Google. Your veterinarian wants to help you and your pets, we have dedicated our lives to doing so. We want you to have all the information to keep your pet healthy and happy for a very long time.

Wag More, Bark Less,

Dr. Macie

 

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