Oregon Vet Clinic 1145 Park St., Oregon, WI 53575

Your Adult Dog.

Vaccinations:

You have three options for vaccines covering the DHLPPCVK diseases vaccinated against as a puppy. Your dog can receive that same vaccine annually, a combo vaccine that covers each of those diseases as well as Lymes, or can receive a Leptosporosis vaccine annually, with the rest of the diseases covered by a Duramune vaccine given every three years.

Rabies is given every three years. Rabies is a deadly disease, to animals and humans alike. It can be carried by a variety of animals. In Dane County the carriers are often bats.

Lymes vaccine is given annually. Lymes disease is carried by ticks and can affect dogs as well as humans in a variety of ways. To prevent Lymes we recommend the vaccine as well as tick preventative.

Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine is given annually. Kennel cough is a loud cough which can take weeks to run its course. Bordetella is available in injectable form or as a nasal spray. We recommend Bordetella vaccine for dogs who go to dog parks, kennels or dog day cares. Some groomers require Bordetella as well. It is typically not necessary for dogs that are not exposed to other dogs. Parasites:

Worms. Fecals are recommended annually to check for parasites. If you have a hunter (eats rodents of any kind), fecals should be done every three to four months. Fecal samples should be less than two hours old or refrigerated. Remember that keeping your pet on heartworm medication throughout the year also keeps them free of certain intestinal parasites.

Heartworms are parasites, carried by mosquitoes, that block the valves of the heart. At a minimum your dog should be receiving heartworm medication April through November. We carry three types of heartworm medication, each of which is a monthly tablet which most dogs will eat as a treat. Each of the medications work retroactively, killing the parasites picked up in the previous 30 days. If your dog is not on heartworm medication year around, he or she should be tested for heartworms in the spring prior to starting on the medication. If your dog is on heartworm medication throughout the year, heartworm tests can be done every third year. If you miss a dose of heartworm medication you should have your dog tested prior to giving the next pill. Giving a dog with heartworms a heartworm pill could cause the dog to go into anaphylactic shock.

Ticks and fleas are external parasites that bite your pet and sometimes you. To prevent fleas and ticks we recommend monthly applications of Frontline or Advantix at least April through November, but year around is safe and thorough. If you have cats you should stick to Frontline as Advantix can be toxic to cats. If you find either on your pet, call your veterinarian to determine the best plan of action for you. Fleas can be very difficult to get rid of!

Ear Mites are extremely irritating to your pet and can be detected in a regular exam. If your dog is shaking his or her head or scratching at his or her ears, you should schedule an appointment. If your dog has ear mites, your cat may as well! Fortunately ear mites are easily treated once diagnosed.

Spay/Neuter:

There is no set point where it is too late to spay or neuter your dog. Remember that the earlier you do it the easier it is on your dog and the lower risk your dog has of developing a number of reproductive related problems.



© Oregon Veterinary Clinic
1145 Park St.
Oregon, WI 53575
608-835-7323
Updated: April 27, 2007