Heartworms are a parasite transmitted by mosquitos. Here in Georgia our mosquito season is so unpredictable, that is why we recommend that you keep your dog on heartworm prevention all year long. Heartworm disease can be treated, but not every dos is a good candidate for treatment so be sure to give heartworm prevention every month. Unfortunately, heartworm disease left untreated can be fatal. Heartworm prevention is a tablet or topical solution that you give once a month to prevent your dog from contracting this deadly disease. By law all veterinary hospitals require a heartworm test with negative results every year to keep them on heartworm prevention; we usually do this at the time of their yearly vaccines. It is run in the clinic and only takes 10 minutes. Also, the heartworm prevention products that we sell also serve as a monthly dewormer which helps prevent your dog from getting some intestinal parasites.

• If you have just adopted a new puppy, we recommend that he/she be seen by your veterinarian before introducing them to your household. A doctor should examine your pet to check for disease, illness, fleas and intestinal parasites. Our staff is always more than happy to provide you with information about proper care, diet and all the things you need to know about your new pet.

• We recommend that you spay/neuter all pets in your home to reduce the risk of inappropriate elimination problems and any unwanted litters. Spaying and neutering also greatly reduces the risk of some cancers.

• Always keep a close eye on your pet when they are playing with toys. Some dogs can swallow objects large enough that they become lodged in the digestive tract and require surgery to be removed. Never give a puppy toys with eyes and noses that can be chewed off and never let your dogs play with socks or towels, they can shred and swallow them. And always make sure that your trash cans have lids or are out of reach to keep unwanted noses out.

• We carry licensed 3-year vaccines for our patients who have an adequate vaccine history. We are finding now through research that the duration of some vaccines is longer than 1 year as previously thought. That is why we recommend a 3-year vaccine protocol, especially for our senior patients. Feel free to ask a member of our veterinary staff for more information and to see if your dog is a good candidate for a 3-year vaccination protocol.

• The Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine is only recommended for dogs who board in kennels or boarding facilities, go to grooming or are exposed to multiple dogs in places like dog parks or doggy day care.

• Leptospirosis, or "Lepto" is a disease that dogs contract by coming in contact with urine of infected animals, usually wildlife. Unless your dog is a sporting dog or spends a lot of time near creeks or streams and is exposed to wildlife on a regular basis, we do not routinely vaccinate against this disease.

• Senior dogs require special care; our doctors are always happy to answer your questions and help you do what is best for your senior pet. A yearly blood panel can be very helpful in monitoring your dog's organ functions and can detect certain diseases in their early stages.

• Our doctors can also help you with behavioral problems such as separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobias and inappropriate urination/defecation.


TYPICAL DOG VACCINE PROTOCOL

• ALL puppies under 6 weeks of age are NOT to be vaccinated

• The Rabies vaccine can ONLY be given to puppies 3 months of age and older

• The Rabies vaccine can be given by a licensed veterinarian ONLY

• 6-11 weeks- DHPP (distemper/parvo vaccine) ONLY. The DHPP vaccine is to be boostered every 3-4 weeks until approx. 15 weeks of age

• 12-15 weeks- DHPP & Rabies. Bordetella to be given if needed and does not need to be boostered for 1 year.

• 1 year- DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella (if needed) and heartworm test.

• 2 years and up- Talk to your veterinarian about a 3-year vaccine protocol. 3-year DHPP and Rabies

• Unfortunately the Bordetella vaccine is not approved for a 3-year protocol at this time, it must be given yearly to dogs who require it.

• The Lepto vaccine should NOT be given to puppies less than 12 weeks of age. If the Lepto vaccine is needed it must be given annually. Like the Bordetella vaccine it is not approved for a 3-year protocol at this time.

• We recommend deworming all puppies at every booster visit and all dogs every year with their yearly vaccines. Routine deworming will keep your dog healthy and free from intestinal parasites.

• Our goal is to tailor your dog's vaccine to their age, vaccine history and lifestyle.