Dog vaccinations & other preventative care necessities – is yours covered?
February 14, 2022
At Edgewood Vets we know only too well that prevention is better than cure when it comes to harmful dog diseases and health conditions. We see these ailments every year at our Purleigh vet practice, many of which could have been prevented.
In this article, our experienced veterinary surgeons have collated their top preventative healthcare ‘must-haves’ for all dogs in Essex.
Before we dig in, if you are ready to get your dog’s preventative healthcare routine on the right track, get in touch and our team can talk you through the best combination of treatments.
Four important preventative healthcare needs
Dog Vaccinations
Annual dog vaccinations not only protect your dog, but also help stop the spread of extremely harmful yet preventable canine diseases. It is important to keep up to date with the dog vaccination schedule recommended by your Vet to give your pet optimum protection against:
- parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis – all highly contagious and often deadly
- leptospirosis – a bacterial infection from contaminated water and soil
- kennel cough – highly contagious, can be picked up anywhere, not just in boarding kennels
Not sure if your dog’s vaccinations are up to date? Get in touch with our team.
Parasite Control
It is true that some parasites are more prevalent during warmer months however worms, fleas, and ticks pose a threat all year round – therefore an ongoing preventative plan is essential. As well as being irritating, parasites can carry nasty diseases and cause harm to your dog, your human family, and other pets too. Lungworm is particularly concerning as it can be fatal in dogs. Contact our team to get your dog’s next parasite treatment ordered.
Neutering
The obvious reason to neuter your dog is to stop unwanted pregnancies. However, there are many more benefits of dog neutering including:
- prevention of testicular cancer and pyometra (uterine infection)
- reduced risk of mammary and prostate cancers
- can stop/reduce some hormone-related behaviours (wandering to find a mate, territorial marking, sexual aggression and boisterousness)
- prevents phantom pregnancies and seasons, which can be stressful
- can make pets easier to live with
Talk to us about the right time to neuter your dog
Dental & Health Checks
Getting your dog’s dental and general health checked every 6 – 12 months is key to helping them stay in tip top condition for longer. With 7 years to every human year, a lot can happen in a short time for your dog. Check-ups allow our Vets to spot any issues and begin the necessary treatment as soon as possible. Book a check-up.
When talking to Essex dog owners about preventative care, our Vets and Nurses also advise a few more measures such as behaviour training, nutrition, nail clips, and anal gland expressions. Every dog is different so a consultation with one of our team will ensure you get the best advice for your pet.
If you would like any more advice on the above or wish to book an appointment for your dog, just give us a call.
