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New Puppy? We Got You Covered!
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What are TITERS?
Titers are Blood tests to determine the antibody levels against certain diseases, distemper and parvo, to asses their level of protection. the test results take approximately 2 weeks to receive. if the antibody levels are low, a booster vaccination is recommended at no charge.
while it costs more to do the blood testing than to vaccinate your pet, there are times when it may be more appropriate for your pet.
please note, titers are done only after a dog has received one 3 year vaccine in its life unless otherwise recommended by a doctor.
What vaccines will my puppy be receiving?
Rabies vaccinations are required by law every 3 years after the initial set of puppy vaccinations. bordetella, also known as "kennel cough", vaccinations are administered intranasal every 6 months. this vaccination is especially important in dogs that are boarded or groomed. leptosporosis and lyme vaccinations are given to at risk dogs or those traveling to endemic areas. distemper and parvo Virus vaccinations are given together in a series as a puppy matures and then every 3 years unless the veterinarian recommends titers (see above).
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The importance of heartworm and flea prevention.
One of the most important things for a pet owner to be educated on is the proper protection of their pet from internal and external parasites. this is important not only for the sake of your furry friend, but also for your family and yourself. some of the parasites your pet may carry can be transferred to you, such as fleas, ticks, hookworms, and roundworms. you can decrease your chances of being exposed to these risks by being aware of the products available and recommended by us, your veterinarian. depending on your pet's living conditions and chance of exposure to these products may vary. please ask your veterinarian or veterinarian nurse to discuss which product will be best for your pet in further detail.
At home dental care.
your personal daily routine includes taking care of your teeth. your pet's teeth have the same needs. it is your job to keep those pearly whites sparkling! here are a few steps to help make your pet's dental home care routine a little easier.
1. acceptance - pick a relaxing time with your pet and gradually allow him or her to get used to having their mouth touched.
2. brushing - apply a small amount of toothpaste (pet approved) to your finger, finger brush, or small gauze square. let them become familiar with the taste. do this for a few weeks and when your pet is comfortable you may move on to a pet toothbrush if you wish to do so.
3. commitment - once your pet is used to having his/her teeth brushed you should set aside time each day to commit to your pet's dental health care.
following this routine will improve your pet's quality of life, help improve overall health by removing harmful bacteria living in their mouth, and make them a lot more kissable!
brushing is the number one way to keep your pet's teeth beautiful, however we do understand that some animals may not be very cooperative. if this is the case, we recommend trying dental chews or rinses specially formulated to kill bacteria and remove debris.
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Harmful plants and food.
as a pet owner, it is important to be educated on the harmful substances for your pet. we have provided you with a brief list of some of the foods and plants that are harmful to your pet.
if you have any additional questions about any of these items, please do not hesitate to ask one of our staff.
harmful plants:
-lily
-oleander
-mistletoe
-azalea
-castor bean
-hydrangea
-lantana
-mushroom
-aloe
-sago palm
-tulip
-poinsettia
-phodoendron
harmful foods:
-chocolate
-onions
-coffee
-macadamia nuts
-rising bread dough
-grapes/raisins
-xylitol (found in mouthwash, mints, gum, and candy)
Housebreaking tips.
1. essential veterinary care is necessary for success.
other than vaccinations, It is impertinent to rule out any medical conditions that may contribute to issues when it comes to housebreaking your new puppy. symptoms to look for are urinating too frequently, consistently drinking large amount of water, and diarrhea.
2. have the right equipment.
be sure your puppy has a safe space such as a crate to prevent destructive behavior or accidents when your not home. you may also want to try leashing in the house for immediate correction and keeping your pet our of harms way. Neutralize odors as well, to discourage accidents from happening in the same area.
3. proper diet
avoid sudden dietary changes and too many treats, as it in cause diarrhea or the need to defecate more.
4. create a schedule
be consistent and create a schedule for your puppy. this will facilitate learning and increase effectiveness of your pet's training.
5. be patient.
housebreaking can be frustrating at times as there are bound to be mistakes. seek help from a professional dog trainer or your veterinarian whenever you feel the need to do so.
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Registering your microchip!
When your pet receives a microchip it is important to register them. it only takes a few minutes to receive life-long protection.
REgistering ensures that you're the first to be called when your lost pet is found. and guarantees that your contact information is linked to their chip. when your baby is lost, timing is everything. millions of pets end up in shelters where in only a matter of days, they can be lost forever.
If your pet receives a microchip through island animal hospital, it is an avid chip. you can register that online at avidid.com or by calling 1-800-336-2843.
when you register with avid it is a one time only fee of $19.99 for a lifetime of protection. you also have 24/7 access to staff at avid to help you locate your pet. avid will never share any personal information, other than with veterinarians and pet recovery professionals.
If you do not know your pets microchip number or if you are unsure if they have one, a nurse can always scan your pet at anytime and provide their microchip number to you.