VACCINES

Distemper Combination (includes parvovirus)

All pups need a series of vaccines to help protect them against potentially deadly diseases.  We recommend all puppies receive vaccines every 3 weeks from the time your get them until they are at least 16 weeks old.  Puppy vaccines help to protect dogs against distemper and parvovirus as well as several other serious diseases.  It is very important for puppies to get the complete vaccine series to ensure their protection.

Rabies vaccine

Rabies vaccines are required for licensing your dog in Kent County.  We recommend that pups receive their rabies vaccines between 4 and 6 months of age.

Bordatella (kennel cough vaccine)

If your dog will be boarding, going to a groomer, obedience classes, or dog shows, vaccines should be given to protect against kennel cough.  Kennel cough is highly contagious, and easily transmitted in public parks and other places where there are lots of dogs.  You may wish to have your puppy vaccinated if you anticipate much exposure to other dogs.

Lyme Disease

While the prevalence of Lyme disease in West Michigan is uncertain, if you will be traveling to the UP, Saginaw/Bay City region, Wisconsin, Minnesota, or the East Coast, you may want your pet protected.  If you take you dog hiking, camping, or hunting a lot (areas where ticks are found), your pet can be protected through vaccination.

PARASITES

Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a potentially deadly disease dogs get from being bitten by mosquitoes that are infected with heartworm larvae.  Heartworm disease is present in our area.  It is easily prevented by a blood test every spring, followed by monthly heartworm preventative medication (Heartgard-plus or Interceptor).  It is very important that all dogs older that 6 months of age be tested each spring.  All dogs need to be on heartworm preventative from April through December in Michigan.

Intestinal Parasites

Internal parasites commonly encountered in puppies include roundworms, hookworms, and coccidia.  All are easily treatable.  Since it is possible for people ( especially children--wash those hands!) to contract parasites from animals, we strongly recommend fecal examinations for all puppies.

Fleas

We recommend Frontline Top-Spot applied to the skin between the shoulder blades every 30 days, or a monthly tablet called Program to help prevent or control flea problems.  We will also be happy to discuss safe, effective products for use on your pets as well as for your house and yard.

SPAY/NEUTER

Having your dog spayed (females) or neutered (males) does more than just prevent unwanted puppies.  It is important preventative medicine.  Spayed or neutered dogs live an average of 1-2 years longer than intact animals.  Females spayed before their first heat cycle will decrease the incidence of mammary (breast) cancer by 90%!  Spaying also protects against reproductive tumors and diseases.  Neutered males are less likely to have prostatic disease or testicular cancers.  We recommend all dogs be spayed or neutered at 6 months of age.

PERMANENT IDENTIFICATION

We recommend microchip identification for all pets.  A small computer chip is inserted under the skin which can be detected by scanners at animal shelters, humane societies, as well as many veterinary clinics.  To date, the AKC has a 100% success rate in recovering microchipped animals.  Visit the Home Again web site for more information about microchip identification for your pet.