wvah.net - Dog Answers Keizer, OR

How long does it take for a dog/cat to deliver after being bred?  The average is 63 days (60-65). Pregnant dogs should be checked for worms and be up-to-date on immunizations. It is recommended that you have the female & litter examined by a veterinarian the morning after delivery. back to top

I think my dog has mange. What should I do?  There are a number of things it could be (different types of mange, bacterial, or fungal infections, ringworm, or allergy). The pet should really be examined by a veterinarian to determine the proper treatment or medication. back to top

What are the signs of distemper?  The signs of distemper can be confused with many different diseases. If your pet is sick in any way you need to bring it in for examination. Runny eyes, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite are early signs of distemper. back to top

How old do pups need to be to start vaccines?  Usually, six weeks of age, or as soon as they are weaned from the mother. Also, it is preferred to start deworming pups at three to four weeks of age due to the severe problems that hookworms and roundworms may cause. back to top

How long will my dog/cat stay in heat?  Dogs stay in heat an average of three weeks. They usually come in heat every six to nine months. Cats are very different then dogs. They will almost constantly stay in heat until they are bred. The act of breeding is necessary for ovulation to occur in the cat.   Even if your pet is in heat you are able to spay them, additional fees may apply so give us a call for pricing, (503)393-7462. back to top

My pet is scratching its ears. Should I bring it in to be checked?  Yes. It could be a bacterial infection, ear mites, fungus, foreign body, or allergy causing the problem. A vet needs to examine the ear secretions under a microscope to determine the exact cause and proper medication. back to top

My dog is in labor. What should I do?  A vet needs to examine the pet if the discharge is anything but clear, (green, bloody, etc.) or the pet has been straining for two hours with no results. It is recommended that you have the female examined be a veterinarian the morning after delivery back to top

What are the chances of my pet dying during surgery?  Vets use similar anesthetics to those used on humans. Pets are constantly monitored just like in a human hospital. Of course, there is always some risk anytime a person or animal is anesthetized, but the risk is really very small. When you bring your pet in, the doctor will examine him/her to make sure he/she is healthy and possibly recommend some tests, if needed, to help ensure a safe procedure. We are more than happy to make sure all your concerns are addressed so you can feel good about leaving your pet with us. back to top

Will spaying/neutering make my pet get fat and lazy?  No! This is an old wives tale which probably started many years ago when the only pets spayed were pets that got no exercise, laid around all the time, and ate too much. Spayed pets live longer and are less prone to develop cancer or reproductive infections. Proper exercise and diet are important to prevent obesity in ALL pets. back to top

Is my pet a senior citizen?  Believe it or not, your pet is aging. The good news is that today's dogs and cats are living longer than ever! In fact, while the average life expectancy for a cat just 20 years ago might have been 4 to 6 years, today it is not uncommon for cats to live 15 years or more. Life expectancy for dogs have also increased, and with proper care, many age-related changes in dogs and cats can be treated successfully or at least slowed.  As dogs and cats age, they, like people, have a greater risk for developing certain diseases and conditions. For example, we know that the incidence of problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, malignant and benign tumors, arthritis, loss of hearing, loss of vision, and oral/dental disease increases with advancing age. However, when such conditions are diagnosed in their early stages, treatment to cure such disorders or delay their progress can be given in most cases.  Consult your vet and find out the best way to care for your older pet to maximize both the length of their life and the quality of it. back to top

How often should I bathe my dog?  The frequency that or every other day. Whatever the frequency of the bathing, high quality shampoos and conditioners especially formulated for dogs should be used. dogs need to be bathed depends on a number of factors. Some dogs essentially keep themselves clean and never really need to be bathed. Others seem to love to get their hair coats dirty and may require bathing on a frequent basis. Other pets may have skin problems and require bathing as frequently as daily. back to top

Should I give my dog the vaccine for kennel cough even if he will not be kenneled or boarded?  Assuming your pet does not ever leave your house and yard, the chance of exposure to kennel cough is minimal. But as many pets are part of the family, and go on family outings, walks down the street or to the dog park, the chance of exposure to the causative agents of kennel cough which are airborne, is increased. Therefore, the vast majority of dogs should have the kennel cough vaccine, called Bordetella, even if you do not plan to board your pet. back to top

My dog has been scooting a lot lately. What could make him do that?  Scooting may be due to a number of different causes including: internal parasites, impacted anal glads, infected anal glands, rectal tumors/polyps, and allergies. The most common of these would be due to the anal glands being full and uncomfortable to the dog. The dog thus scoots in an attempt to remove the material that is making him uncomfortable. It would be recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian to determine which of the many causes is affecting your pet. back to top

What is the drug I hear about on TV called Rimadyl really for and should my dog be on it?  Rimadyl is a rather new oral, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug that is licensed and safe for use in dogs only. The drug is indicated for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. It is also commonly used following surgery to offer pain relief at home following the in-clinic procedure. One of the main benefits of this type of medication is that it causes minimal gastrointestinal tract irritation as can occur with other non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin. Whether your pet would benefit from Rimadyl, would be a decision you should make with your pets veterinarian. back to top

Can I give my dog aspirin?  We strongly recommend that dogs not be given aspirin for pain or fever. It has been shown that even a single tablet can lead to severe gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. If you feel that your pet is in pain or has a fever, it would be best to take the pet into your veterinarian for a complete physical examination and consultation. back to top

When can I take my new puppy to the dog park?  We recommend that your adorable new puppy remain in either your own house or yard until the vaccine series for parvovirus is complete. This may vary with the clinic or veterinarian, but generally would be after the last vaccine is given at three to four months of age. back to top

How long should I keep my puppy on puppy food?  Recommendations vary with food manufactures and veterinarians on this question. As a general rule though, small breeds of dogs should remain on puppy food through the first year of life, and large breeds of dogs should remain on puppy food for the first year and one half of life. Medium sized dogs should be on puppy food for at least one year. After the initial time feeding puppy food, the pet should be slowly switched to a maintenance dog food. After 6 to 7 months of age, if your puppy is too fat, ask your veterinarian if you should switch to an adult maintenance food. back to top

What are those little rice like things in my pets poop?  Those little rice like structures are actually part of a longer worm in your pets intestinal tract, called a tapeworm. The worm breaks into little segments that you and I may see in the pets stool or on the hairs around the anus. As the segments may be only intermittently passed, seeing the segments one day and not the next do not mean that the problem is gone. It simply means that at that time the worm is not breaking into small segments and being passed in the pets stool. Deworming medication and flea control should be administered to resolve the problem. back to top

Where do tapeworms come from?  Tapeworms are transmitted to dogs and cats through ingestion of a flea when the pet is licking and cleaning itself. Once inside the pet, the tapeworm egg, which is inside the flea, develops inside the pets intestinal tract. The worms may then reproduce and more tapeworms will be present. Intermittently segments of the tapeworm will be passed in the pets stool and that is usually when owners realize their pets have tapeworms. Special types of deworming medications that are not available over the counter are required to kill the intestinal tapeworms. In addition, placing and maintaining the pet on flea control will prevent tapeworm infestations in the future. back to top

What are those long skinny worms that look like spaghetti in my pets stool called?  The internal parasites that you describe are roundworms. Roundworms are passed to the puppy either while it is in the uterus or after birth while the puppy is nursing. The worms then develop in the puppies intestinal tract and may be either vomited out or passed as worms or eggs in the stool. As the worms can be transmitted to people, it is extremely important to ensure that your puppy is checked for internal parasites and dewormed as necessary. Generally, the deworming process takes at least two treatments of deworming medication and the stool sample should be rechecked following the second deworming to ensure that the parasite has been cleared from the pets body. back to top

My dog found and ate a box of chocolate candy. What do I need to do?  Ingestion of chocolate can lead to death in some pets that ingest chocolate. The amount that the dog ingests and the size of the pet are important. Also important is the type of chocolate. Bakers chocolate, used for baking, is much more toxic than dark or milk chocolate, with a higher content of theobromine, the toxin in chocolate. Pets that have recently ingested chocolate should be induced to vomit by a veterinarian. If you come home and find the chocolate ingested but do not know when the pet ate the candy, a trip to your veterinarian for a physical examination of your pet is well warranted. back to top

Why should I microchip my pet?  Each day pets wander from home, escape through an open gate, and one way or another, become lost. Collars fall off and many pets are never found again. If the pet is picked up and taken to an animal shelter or a veterinary hospital that does have a microchip reader, then once the pet is scanned, the pet can be returned back to you. So, even if you think your pet will not stray from home, accidents happen and this is a safe and inexpensive may to give your pet the best chance of getting back home to you. back to top

Should my pet be on flea control?  Fleas are a pesky little parasite that lives on the skin of many warm blooded animals. Fleas bite the pet, walk around on the pets body and cause a lot of irritation and bother the pet. These days there are new flea products that make flea control much easier on the pet and easier on the owner to apply or administer. Most of these products are used only on a monthly basis. A once a month application is quite a change form years past when flea control involved baths, dips, and sometimes-daily application of topical insecticides. Depending on where you live your pet may or may not need year protection from fleas. Consult your veterinarian. Many products now perform multiple functions, such as flea control, heartworm control, and internal worm control at the same time, so are recommended for all year round use. back to top

Is it ok to free feed my dogs and cats?  The answer to that question all depends on the individual dog or cat. Many pets do not do well with this system as they overeat and become obese. Once the pet is overweight, weight loss is not an easy task. Hence, as with many situations, prevention is the key. Other pets only eat when hungry and will not become overweight. If you elect to feed your pet set meals rather than free choice, two meals daily rather than one is best. This way the pet is not as hungry throughout the day. back to top

I recently noticed a growth on my pet. What should I do?  We recommend that anytime you find a growth on your pet that your pet has a physical examination with your veterinarian. Depending on the type of pet, the age of the pet, the way the tumor looks and feels and how fast it is growing, will determine whether the tumor should be removed or not. Generally speaking, tumors that are rapidly growing should be removed and biopsied. back to top

My dog vomits and/or has diarrhea occasionally but isnt ill. What does this mean?  This usually indicates that there is a build-up of waste matter in the dogs system. The vomiting or diarrhea is a way of discharging this waste thus helping to cleanse the system for a time. There is probably some sub-clinical disease present. This pattern of behavior is usually associated with feeding low-quality pet food and a change to decent feeding regime will usually solve the problem. back to top

My dog seems to be constantly hungry, what should I do?  Some dogs seem to be always hungry and to want to eat non-stop. This occurs even when it is clear that the dog does not need more food. Many humans are similar in this respect. Sometimes there is no solution to this problem of feeling guilty that the dog is being deprived. Very often, the desire for food is conditioned. That is, the dog has learned from past experience that if the owner is eating then the dog will be given food. The best way of dealing with this is by providing diversion and stimulation in the form of a walk or play. The more you give food on demand, the more the dog will expect it. back to top

My dog has arthritis. What should I do?  Arthritis is extremely common in older dogs. There are now many approaches to help these pets and their pain. Pain medicine, available in multiple different classes of drug can be used solely or together to help with pain and inflammation. Most veterinarians would use Non-steroidal, Anti-inflamatories, or NSAIDS for pain and inflammation. They can be very effective in improving quality of life, but they can also have side effects, and your veterinarian will want to do blood work before starting and periodically to make sure organ systems are not damaged by the drug. For a dog with more severe pain, other drugs like narcotics can be combined for stronger results. Also popular for arthritis are nutritional supplements that show a lot of promise in keeping joint cartilage and joint fluid as protected as possible. The best of these supplements have a combination of glucosamines, grape seed extract, essential fatty acids, and other ingredients which appear to help older dogs be more comfortable. The visible results are variable, but there are really no contraindications and the products are very safe. back to top

My dog is underweight, should I feed him more?  It is first necessary to establish if the dog really is underweight. There are so many overweight dogs that a fit, lean dog looks underweight. Forget what the charts and scales say. You should be able to feel the dogs ribs with only a thin covering of skin. In a short coated dog you should not be able to see the ribs and the bones should not be prominent. Many dogs are lean because they are active, not because they need more food. Often, increasing the food intake will reduce the efficiency of digestion so the dog may not put on weight. back to top

Can I feed my pet anything it wants?  It is generally recommended that pets be fed a high quality pet food appropriate for their species. Feeding pets indiscriminately from the table has been shown to be a factor in may preventable diseases and conditions such as: Obesity; diabetes; heart failure; liver disease; kidney failure; and may promote tooth decay. Some pets are blessed with good sense when it comes to what they eat they limit the quantity they consume, and also will limit the types of things they eat. Most other pets, though, rely on us to feed them healthy food and to control the amount they eat. back to top

Oops. I forgot to give the heartworm preventative to my pet last week.  Although this is a big concern for the caring pet owner when it happens, your pet should be safe as long as you give the preventative as soon as you can, preferably within a few days of the date it was supposed to have been given. It is a good idea to have your pet heartworm tested after 6 months have passed to be sure that no heartworms slipped past the preventative. Note that this is only true with the monthly heartworm preventatives. If you are giving your pet daily heartworm preventative it is imperative that they receive the preventative every single day. If they miss a day, that is a day when they could get heartworms if a mosquito bites them. back to top

Does my pet need anything besides annual vaccinations if its healthy?  All pets benefit from a thorough physical exam, regardless of health. Many illnesses are very subtle in the early stages, and a physical exam by a veterinarian may reveal an illness that is not yet causing major problems. As in people, diseases are usually easier to treat and cure in the early stages than later. back to top

If a dog foams at the mouth after receiving a rabies vaccination does it mean the dog now has rabies?  The rabies vaccines on the market now all use pieces of the rabies virus (killed vaccine), rather than the entire rabies virus (modified live vaccine). What this means is that there is effectively no way an animal can contract a rabies infection from being vaccinated. There are several reasons why a dog or cat may foam at the mouth besides rabies infection, and most all warrant a visit to the vet to determine what is going on. Foaming also occurs when your pet has ingested something that is bad tasting. Check your house and determine what that might and see your veterinarian if you are concerned or believe your pet has consumed something toxic. back to top

How long does it take for a dogs hair to grow back after the mange?  In dogs the mange is not a single disease. There are actually two different types of mange, both of which are caused by microscopic mites that either burrow in the skin (Sarcoptes) or live in the hair follicles (Demodex). Assuming the dog is in good health after the mange has been cured this means no lingering infections or excessive scar tissue the hair should start to regrow within a few months. Some dogs hair grows very quickly, others more slowly. It may also grow out the first time a slightly different color, but in time should revert back to its normal color. back to top

How often should kennel cough (bordetella) vaccinations be given?  Most veterinarians agree that the optimal frequency for vaccination for kennel cough is every six months for those dogs who are groomed or boarded frequently. For those dogs who are less at risk once a year may be sufficient. Ask you veterinarian which applies to your dog and if you are boarding your dog call the kennel and inquiry about their vaccine policy. back to top

Why does my dogs breathe smell so bad?  Most often, bad breath is caused by dental or periodontal disease. Some dogs do not adequately chew their food; thus they don't clean their teeth naturally by the chewing process. Also, some dogs and cats are just prone to dental plaque, tartar and disease. These pets may need more frequent dental cleanings and treatments. Internal diseases such as kidney disease can also cause bad breath. A trip to your veterinarian is recommended in order to pinpoint the cause of your dogs bad breath and to ensure he is in good health back to top

How do I test if my dog is deaf?  A quick test that owners can use is clapping your hands while the dog is not looking or aware of your presence and watch for a response. Beyond this method of testing, only a specialist can asses deafness via medical means, such as a Brain Auditory Evoked Response Test. This test is based on monitoring brain activity of the dog, measuring sensitivity to electrical impulses and will give you the answers to your hearing related dog health questions. back to top

How can I tell if my dog has heatstroke?  The main signs of heatstroke are: Rapid or heavy breathing, bright red tongue, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, unsteadiness, hot dry nose, thick saliva. Dogs are more susceptible to heat exposure than humans. In a hot climate, ensure there is sufficient shade and water is available. If you have to leave your dog in the car, be sure to park in the shade and leave windows open for air flow. Be sure to return to your car as soon as possible. Heatstroke can and often is rapidly fatal. If you see any of these signs, take your dog directly to the veterinarian or emergency clinic. back to top

What does it mean when my dogs eyes are cloudy?  This is one of the most common dog health questions of senior dog owners. Cloudy eyes could result from cataracts, which will impair the vision of your dog. Cataracts will require veterinary inspection. Sometimes older dogs will have cloudy eyes which are only lenticular sclerosis, a normal aging change that has little effect on vision. back to top

How can I help my dog who has separation anxiety?  First you need to confirm this diagnosis with a veterinarian. Treatment of a separation anxiety disorder includes desensitizing your dog to your absence and redirecting its energy toward something that is not destructive such as a favorite toy or chew treat. Your vet or behaviorist can help you design a treatment that is right for your dog. back to top

Is it true that our dog will not attain his full growth if I have him neutered too early?  Skeletal development in the dog results from an interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors not from having them neutered. Neutering a dog before he is six months of age can prevent testicular cancer and behavior problems like roaming, fighting and marking his territory. back to top

What I can I do about puppy chewing problems?  Puppies like human babies have teething problems. Puppies will have their baby teeth until they are about six months old. To relieve the pain and discomfort, they will chew on just about anything. You can help relieve some of their discomfort by wetting a cotton rope toy and putting it into the freezer until frozen. When they chew on the cold toy it will numb the teething pain! Its also great for summer heat relief too! back to top

My dog chews on its leash while we are walking. How can are prevent this?  Many dogs love to take you for a walk. Chewing on the leash is their way of telling you to hurry up and that they're very excited. Keep this in mind, try to deter the habit by planning your walk and making sure you are in control of where the walk is to go. When your dog chews on the leash, stop, say no and walk back the way you came or just change directions. Reward your dog when he is not chewing on the leash. If he continues to chew, try adding bitter apple or other foul tasting repellents to the leash. back to top

Vaccination – Are Booster Vaccines Necessary for Dogs

Primary vaccination is essential in order to prevent the once common puppy diseases that caused high levels of fatality from returning. However, recent research indicates that not all vaccines require yearly boosters.

There is no evidence that annual booster vaccination is anything but beneficial to the majority of pets. Published research has shown conclusively that omitting to re-inoculate against some of the major diseases can put your pet at risk. To establish whether boosters are necessary for your pet, blood tests to measure the amount of antibodies (antibody titers) are sometimes recommended. Unfortunately, these tests are often more expensive than revaccination and may be stressful to your dog.

"High serum antibody may not ensure disease protection if your pet becomes exposed to a virulent strain of disease."

In addition, a high serum antibody may not ensure disease protection if your pet becomes exposed to a virulent strain of disease.

Government regulatory bodies have strict guidelines for vaccines, and manufacturers must prove that a vaccine is safe and effective before it can be used in your pet. Through vigilance and high standards, the veterinary vaccines used today are the safest and most protective ever.

I would prefer my pet to have boosters only when necessary. Is this okay?

It is possible, but in order to determine when boosters are necessary, the level of immunity against any of the preventable diseases has to be established by individual blood tests for antibody titers. If a specific antibody titer is found to be low, your pet will require a booster vaccine. Currently, inoculation against a single disease may not be available, and it is likely to cost as much as a multivalent vaccine. From your pet's point of view, it is preferable to receive one injection against the common diseases rather than a series of single disease inoculations.

"For patients that have low-risk lifestyles or whose owners want less frequent vaccination, your veterinarian may recommend giving certain "core" or essential viral vaccines to your dog on a three year schedule."

For patients that have low-risk lifestyles or whose owners want less frequent vaccination, your veterinarian may recommend giving certain "core" or essential viral vaccines to your dog on a three year schedule. It is important to note that this is an off-label use for some vaccines and may violate government regulations. You should discuss the pros and cons with your veterinarian before making a decision. Recent studies have demonstrated that some viral vaccines may convey at least three years' immunity. This is not the case with bacterial vaccines, which usually still require annual boosters.

Ultimately, how frequently your pet should be vaccinated is determined by your pet's lifestyle and relative risk. The issues are complex and often contentious. Ask your veterinarian about the type and schedule of vaccines that is appropriate for your pet.

Are there any other advantages of annual vaccination?

Not all vaccines confer protection for a year.

"You and your veterinarian should decide which vaccinations your pet receives based on your pet's lifestyle, age and health status."

You and your veterinarian should decide which vaccinations your pet receives based on your pet's lifestyle, age and health status. If you routinely board your dog, or if she is exposed to other dogs on a regular basis, some vaccines, especially those for infectious bacterial diseases such as kennel cough, may be necessary annually.

Your veterinarian performs an annual health examination prior to administration of a vaccine injection. You are asked specific questions about your dog's health status, and the veterinarian checks your dog's head, neck, chest and abdomen, as well as any other areas that might be indicated. During this consultation, veterinarians frequently detect infections of the teeth or ears, and sub-clinical problems such as a heart condition or other organ dysfunction. Early diagnosis allows more effective and successful treatment and may improve the quality of your pet's life.

"If you want to ensure that your pet receives the highest standard of care and protection, he or she should be seen by your veterinarian for a "wellness examination" on at least an annual basis."

Since pets age at a more rapid rate than humans do, it is important to their health to ensure that they receive a complete physical examination on at least an annual basis, and more frequently as they approach their senior years. Regardless of the vaccine schedule that is deemed to be appropriate for your dog, if you want to ensure that your pet receives the highest standard of care and protection, he or she should be seen by your veterinarian for a "wellness examination" on at least an annual basis.

Ernest Ward, DVM

Vaccination – Are Booster Vaccines Necessary for Cats

Primary vaccination is essential in order to prevent the return of the once common infectious diseases that caused high levels of fatality in kittens and cats. Recent research indicates that not all vaccines require yearly boosters. However, there is no evidence that annual booster vaccination is anything but beneficial to the majority of pets. Published research has shown conclusively that omitting to re-inoculate against some of the major diseases can put your pet at risk.

"Just because your cat has a high serum antibody, these antibodies may not ensure adequate disease protection if your cat is exposed to a virulent strain of disease."

To establish whether boosters are necessary for your pet, blood tests to measure the amount of antibodies (antibody titers) are sometimes recommended. Unfortunately, these tests are often more expensive than revaccination and may be stressful to your cat. In addition, just because your cat has a high serum antibody, these antibodies may not ensure adequate disease protection if your cat is exposed to a virulent strain of disease.

I would prefer my pet to have boosters only when necessary. Is this okay?

It is possible, but in order to determine when boosters are necessary for an individual cat, it is necessary to test the cat's blood to determine the antibody titers, or actual level of immunity against each specific disease. If a specific antibody titer is found to be low, your pet will require a booster vaccine. Currently, few monovalent vaccines, or vaccines that protect only against one disease, are available; when they are available they are likely to cost as much, if not more, than a multivalent vaccine that protects against multiple diseases. From your pet's point of view, it is preferable to receive one injection against the common diseases rather than a series of single disease inoculations.

In the past, veterinarians recommended booster vaccinations for cats on a yearly basis. However, as research into vaccines progresses, recommendations for frequency of boosters continue to evolve. The appropriate interval for boosters will vary with individual circumstances. Recent studies have demonstrated that some viral vaccines may convey at least three years' immunity. This is not the case with bacterial vaccines, which usually still require annual boosters.

"Most adult cats .... re-vaccinated every one to three years based on lifestyle risk assessment."

Most adult cats that received the full booster series of vaccines as kittens should be re-vaccinated every one to three years based on lifestyle risk assessment. Current AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) vaccination guidelines recommend that low-risk adult cats that received the full booster series of vaccines as kittens can be vaccinated every three years for the "core" vaccines (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Panleukopenia and Rabies), and then as determined by your veterinarian for any "non-core" vaccines such as Chlamydia, Feline Immunosuppressive Virus (FIV), Bordetella, or Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). Some members of the AAFP consider feline leukemia virus (FeLV) to be a "core" vaccine while other experts classify it as a "non-core" vaccine.

A cat that is totally indoors and lives in an apartment building would be a reasonable candidate for less frequent vaccination, while a cat that goes outdoors or is in frequent contact with other cats would be considered to be at high-risk and should be vaccinated more frequently.

Some vaccine manufacturers have developed approved three-year vaccines for many of the core antigens; these vaccines are not available in all countries. It is important to note that administering a vaccine that is labeled for annual administration at a different interval such as every three years is an "off-label" and may violate government regulations. Before adjusting your cat's vaccination booster schedule, it is important to thoroughly discuss your cat's lifestyle with your veterinarian and determine which vaccines are appropriate for your cat and how often they should be given.

"Ultimately, how frequently your pet should be vaccinated is determined by your pet's lifestyle and relative risk."

Ultimately, how frequently your pet should be vaccinated is determined by your pet's lifestyle and relative risk. The issues are complex and often contentious.

Are there any other advantages of annual vaccination?

Not all vaccines confer protection for a year. In particular, vaccines that protect against non-viral diseases such as Chlamydia and Bordetella confer immunity for less than a year. Some experts also recommend annual revaccination with Feline Leukemia vaccine if your cat is exposed to other cats on a regular basis. You and your veterinarian should decide which vaccinations your pet receives annually based on your pet's lifestyle, age and health status.

Your veterinarian performs a health or wellness examination prior to administration of a vaccine injection. You are asked specific questions about your cat's health status, and the veterinarian checks your cat's head, neck, chest and abdomen, muscles, skin, joints and lymph nodes. During this consultation, veterinarians frequently detect infections of the teeth or ears, and sub-clinical problems such as an underlying heart condition, metabolic problem or organ dysfunction. Early diagnosis allows more effective and successful treatment and may improve the quality of your pet's life.

If we decide to use a less frequent vaccination schedule, how often should my cat get a health or wellness examination?

Cats age at a more rapid rate than humans do. Therefore, it is important to ensure that they receive a complete physical examination on at least an annual basis. As they approach their senior years, they should receive a complete physical examination more frequently, such as twice a year. In general, a cat that is more than 10 years old is considered to be a middle-aged to senior cat. Regardless of the vaccine schedule that is deemed to be appropriate for your cat, if you want to ensure that your pet receives the highest standard of care and protection, he or she should be seen by your veterinarian for a "wellness examination" on at least an annual basis.

Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH