Your Puppy’s First Year
We all know that a new puppy in the house is a bundle of joy, but they’re also a bundle of hard work, training, and medical care. Here at Sauk Point Veterinary Clinic, we’ve put together some information to help you understand exactly what to expect during your puppy’s first year!
Exams, Vaccines, and Preventatives, Oh My!
Puppy Progress Exams
As your puppy gets older and grows, we want to check in with their health frequently to ensure they’re growing appropriately and we can provide early intervention should any concerns arise. Generally, these progress exams line up well with when your puppy will need their core vaccines boosted, which is every 3-4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. We may make some slight changes to your puppy’s vaccine protocol based on their size and how they respond to their boosters.
Distemper/Hepatitis/Parvovirus (DHP) Vaccine Series
The DHP vaccine is part of our core vaccine series for puppies. Depending on the age of your puppy and whether or not they have previously received a DHP vaccine booster, they will need 1-3 more boosters in order to achieve adequate protection. Click on the following drop-down menus to learn more about what this vaccine protects against.
Canine Distemper Virus
Canine distemper virus can lead to a serious, sometimes fatal infection that may result in permanent nerve damage leading to irreversible neurological changes. The virus spreads through airborne droplets when an infected animal sneezes or coughs, or through shared water and food dishes. There is currently no cure for canine distemper virus infections and affected dogs are given supportive care until the infection is cleared. The best method of prevention is adequate immunization throughout a dog’s life.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis
As its name suggests, infectious canine hepatitis is a contagious disease that affects a variety of organs and systems in the dog’s body. Infectious hepatitis spreads through the bodily secretions of infected dogs. Dogs that have recovered from the disease can still shed the virus in their urine for another 6 months. Although the disease is not commonly fatal, younger dogs have a higher mortality risk, and dogs that have recovered from the disease may suffer long-term consequences to their health. The DHP vaccine provides an easy, safe, and affordable way to prevent your dog from developing infectious hepatitis.
Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious, often fatal disease that can present with lethargy, inappetence, vomiting, fever, and severe diarrhea. Parvovirus spreads through dog-to-dog contact, via the feces of infected dogs, or through surfaces contaminated by an infected dog. Treatment for parvovirus includes supportive therapy to ensure dogs remain adequately hydrated while they fight off the infection. There is currently no drug available that can kill the virus. Administering the DHP vaccine and maintaining appropriate kennel hygiene are the best methods of preventing parvovirus in dogs.
Leptospirosis Vaccine Series
The leptospirosis vaccine series is a lifestyle-based vaccine that can be started as young as 12 weeks old. This vaccine needs to be boostered 3-4 weeks after the initial shot before your pup achieves adequate immunity. After that, the leptospirosis vaccine requires an annual booster. This vaccine is combined with the DHP vaccine to reduce the number of “pokes” your puppy gets at each visit. Learn more about the risks of leptospirosis below.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that spreads through the urine of infected animals, including free-roaming wildlife. Dogs that are prone to drinking from or playing in puddles and standing water are most at-risk. Although leptospirosis is not common in Wisconsin, infection can lead to kidney and/or liver failure, or even death. Dogs that have recovered from a leptospirosis infection may have lasting kidney or liver damage in the future. Leptospirosis is also zoonotic, meaning it can be spread from animals to humans, putting you at risk if your pet becomes infected. The leptospirosis vaccine protects dogs against the 4 most common strains of the Leptospira bacteria and is strongly recommended for dogs exposed to wildlife areas.
Bordetella/Parainfluenza Vaccine
The initial Bordetella/parainfluenza vaccine is administered intranasally and is protective for 1 year. This vaccine is generally given at your puppy’s very first appointment with us. Most boarding, daycare, and grooming facilities require Bordetella vaccination to care for your puppy, and we recommend this vaccine for any social dogs. Learn more about the components of this vaccine below.
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIDRC or Kennel Cough)
The Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium and the canine parainfluenza virus are both common causative agents of CIDRC. CIDRC spreads through direct dog-to-dog contact as well as via airborne droplets from the cough or sneeze of infected dogs. Infection presents with a loud, honking cough and is generally self-limiting, but may become severe in geriatric or immunocompromised patients. Infected dogs are often contagious before clinical signs first appear as well as after they resolve. Vaccination against Bordetella is an excellent preventative measure for CIDRC.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is an incurable, fatal viral infection that spreads through the saliva of infected animals and people. Wisconsin state law requires that all dogs be vaccinated against rabies by 5 months of age. The rabies vaccine is a safe, effective, and affordable way to protect your canine companion and your family from this deadly virus. Your puppy’s first rabies vaccination is good for 1 year and can be given to puppies as young as 16 weeks old.
Lyme Vaccine Series
The Lyme vaccine series is another lifestyle-based vaccine that can be started as young as 12 weeks old. This vaccine needs to be boostered 3-4 weeks after the initial shot before your pup achieves adequate immunity. After that, the Lyme vaccine requires an annual booster. Because the Lyme vaccine isn’t a part of our core vaccine series for puppies, it’s only recommended for dogs with more extensive outdoor exposure. Your first line of defense against Lyme disease in your pets is through the use of flea and tick preventatives. Learn more about Lyme disease by clicking below.
Canine Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and spreads when an infected tick takes a blood meal from an uninfected animal or human. Lyme disease in dogs can present with shifting-leg lameness, fever, and other signs. Although rarely fatal in dogs, Lyme disease may lead to chronic health problems, especially if left untreated or in severe infections. Not all dogs infected with Lyme disease show clinical signs. The best way to prevent Lyme disease is with reliable monthly flea and tick prevention, but the Lyme vaccine provides additional protection.
Initial Fecal Test and Deworming
Intestinal parasites are a common issue for puppies. In severe cases, puppies can become lethargic, anemic, malnourished, and have their growth stunted. Because of this, we ask that you bring a fresh stool sample (less than 12 hours old) to your first puppy appointment. Many puppies carry intestinal parasites without showing any clinical signs, and some intestinal parasites in dogs are transmittable to humans, so parasite screening is an important component of puppy ownership.
Initial Heartworm Prevention and Test
Through the generosity of our providers, we are able to provide single samples of heartworm preventatives for your puppy for free! We strongly recommend year-round heartworm prevention in dogs. Because puppies are still growing, and heartworm preventatives are weight-based medications, we’ll need to check your puppy’s weight frequently to ensure they’re getting the appropriate dose. Once your puppy is 6-7 months old, they’ll also be old enough to be tested for exposure to heartworm disease with a simple blood test. Continue reading below to learn more about heartworm disease and prevention.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworms are a blood parasite spread through the bite of an infected mosquito which deposits immature larvae on a new host. Both wild and domestic canids are susceptible to disease. Between dogs rescued from southern states and a changing climate, heartworm disease is on the rise in Wisconsin. Heartworm preventatives work by killing immature larvae in a dog’s bloodstream before the larvae can fully mature into adults that cause disease. Heartworm treatment involves costly, painful injections and strict kennel rest for affected dogs and is fatal if left untreated. Year-round, monthly heartworm preventatives are the best method of preventing heartworm disease.
Annual heartworm testing also provides early intervention leading to easier treatment and a better prognosis. Our heartworm blood tests can only detect the presence of adult female heartworms which take 6 months to fully mature after being deposited on a new host.
Spay/Neuter Procedure
Depending on the age and size of your new puppy, recommendations about the age to spay or neuter your pet differ. Our veterinarians are happy to discuss when will be the best time for your puppy to be altered based on their breed and the most recent peer reviewed studies. We also work with a specialist who performs laparoscopic procedures if you’re interested in this for your puppy. Whether you decide to have your puppy altered or keep them intact, we will be here to help guide you to make the best decision for your pet and your family!
Your Kitten’s First Year
There are few things as fun and funny as a new kitten (or two) being brought home! Here at Sauk Point Veterinary Clinic, we’ve put together some information to help you understand exactly what to expect during your kitten’s first year.
Exams, Vaccines, and Diagnostics, Oh My!
Kitten Progress Exams
As your kitten gets older and grows, we want to check in with their health frequently to ensure they’re growing appropriately and we can provide early intervention should any concerns arise. Generally, these kitten wellness visits will align with when they are due for their next core vaccine boosters, which is every 3-4 weeks until they’re about 16 weeks of age.
FIV/FeLV Test
Both Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) are spread through cat-to-cat contact. All kittens that have had contact with other, unknown cats are at risk. Without a cure for these diseases, testing provides important guidance for your kitten’s health as they age. It’s especially important to test your kitten before they have contact with any other cats in your home to prevent potential exposure. The test is very simple, requiring only 1 drop of your kitten’s blood, and will provide results the very same day.
Initial Fecal Test and Deworming
Intestinal parasites are a common issue for kittens. In severe cases, kittens can become lethargic, anemic, malnourished, and have their growth stunted. Because of this, we ask that you bring a fresh stool sample (less than 12 hours old) to your first kitten appointment. Many kittens carry intestinal parasites without showing any clinical signs, and some intestinal parasites in cats are transmittable to humans, so parasite screening is an important component of kitten ownership.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis/Calicivirus/Panleukopenia (FVRCP) Vaccine Series
Also known as the “Feline Distemper” vaccine, the FVRCP vaccine is part of our core vaccine series for kittens. Depending on the age of your kitten and whether or not they have previously received an FVRCP vaccine booster, they will need 1-3 more boosters in order to achieve adequate protection. Click on the following drop-down menus to learn more about what this vaccine protects against.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
Feline viral rhinotracheitis is an upper airway infection in cats caused by feline herpsevirus-1 (FHV-1) and spreads through direct contact with secretions from infected cats. While disease is often self-limiting, feline herpes can lead to complications in geriatric or immunocompromised patients. The FVRCP vaccine protects other household cats from infection when introducing a new feline friend.
Feline Calicivirus
Feline calicivirus is another upper respiratory infection that can lead to serious complications in severe cases, or in very young, immunocompromised, or geriatric patients. The virus spreads through direct contact with secretions from an infected cat and is highly contagious. The FVRCP vaccine protects other household cats from infection when introducing a new feline friend.
Feline Panleukopenia
Feline panleukopenia is caused by a feline parvovirus and affects rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the bone marrow and intestines. Very young kittens are at greater risk of mortality, however serious illness can occur without early intervention and supportive care. The virus spreads through secretions from an infected cat. Although cats only shed the virus for 1-2 days when infected, the virus can survive in the environment for up to a year and is resistant to many disinfectants. The FVRCP vaccine protects other household cats from infection when introducing a new feline friend.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is an incurable, fatal viral infection that spreads through the saliva of infected animals and people. Even strictly indoor cats are at risk of rabies if a bat enters the home or if they sneak out an open door. The rabies vaccine is a safe, effective, and affordable way to protect your feline companion and your family from this deadly virus. Your kitten’s first rabies vaccination, which is good for 1 year, can be given to kittens as young as 16 weeks old.
Spay/Neuter Procedure
Many kittens are already spayed or neutered before being adopted out. However, if your kitten remains intact at the time of adoption, our veterinarians will happily discuss when is the best time to have them neutered or spayed. Spaying and neutering your cat is a beneficial procedure that reduces the risk of certain cancers as they age and also prevents undesirable behaviors, such as marking inappropriately.
