Basic Healthcare For your Dog

Vaccination

Vaccination can protect your dog against killer diseases, including distemper and parvovirus. Two initial injections are required, followed by annual boosters. Your dog should not be taken outside in areas where other dogs have been until the vaccination course is completed. Your vet can advise how long to wait.

However, research suggests it is beneficial for puppies to socialize (that is, learn to make friends with other dogs and people, and to cope with a range of situations and experiences) while young, before vaccination is complete. Discuss the risks and benefits with your vet. Many vets now run puppy classes where puppies can learn to socialize with minimal risk of disease.

Vaccinations may be controversial, but the diseases they prevent are still around and still kill. If you do not know if your pet has been vaccinated, it does not hurt to repeat the course.

Flea Control

Most dogs get fleas at some point, and they are most common in summertime. They can be hard to spot as they spend little time actually on the dog. Fleas and flea eggs can survive outdoors in summer. Regular treatment is recommended, especially for an itchy animal. A single application of any treatment is not enough for effective control – treatment usually needs to be repeated monthly.

The best treatments come from your vet. Pet shop and supermarket products are less effective. All dogs and cats in the household need to be treated as does the home (usually with a spray, although some treatments for pets help as well). Regular vacuuming reduces flea numbers, and the house should be treated after vacuuming as vibration stimulates hatching of flea eggs. Pay particular attention to dark crevices, such as down the sides of chair cushions and round skirting boards, as eggs accumulate in cracks. Remember to read all instructions for treatments carefully before proceeding.