Coping with Shedding
In early Autumn, pets begin shedding their summer coat to allow room for their winter coat. For many pet owners, this means pet hair on your couch, your clothes, and everywhere in between.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Make time to brush your pet weekly, if not daily, depending on your pet’s shedding habits.
Brushing your pet will allow you to catch most of the unwanted hair before it ends up around your home.
Vaccinations
VACCINATION IS KEY
There are several preventable, infectious diseases which have the ability to make your beloved pet very sick or even kill. Prevention is possible with regular vaccinations. Your vet is the best person to advise you about your pet’s vaccination and health requirements as it may vary, depending on their age, where you live and the health and lifestyle of your pet.
VACCINATING YOUR DOG
Diseases covered by vaccination in NZ include: Parvovirus, Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Canine Cough (previously Kennel Cough).
Parvovirus and Canine Cough are the diseases kiwi dogs particularly need protection against.
The first vaccination of a puppy can be administered as early as 6 weeks of age if considered at high-risk, but are normally given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. These early vaccinations are particularly important for the prevention of Parvovirus and Canine Cough. After this, your dog will need to be vaccinated annually.
It is very important that your puppy has good “socialisation” with other dogs before they are fully protected against these dangerous diseases. Until 10 days after your puppy has had it’s 16-week vaccination, it is advisable to provide this socialisation with dogs which are healthy and fully-vaccinated, in a “safe” environment (usually this is at home).
Your dog will need to be fully protected (at least 10 days) prior to going into a boarding kennel and will require a vaccination certificate. Note: some boarding kennels require a Canine Cough vaccine to be given within 6 months prior to boarding, as protection does wane over 12 months.
VACCINATING YOUR CAT
Cats in NZ are vaccinated against the very common FLU viruses, as well as the nasty, often fatal, Feline Enteritis virus.
In addition, cats can be protected against FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). This virus is contracted when your cat is bitten by an infected cat so any cat with access to the outdoors is at risk.
Kittens are vaccinated at 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age, followed by annual boosters. The appropriate vaccines given each year are selected by your vet.