DOG VACCINATIONS-THE PRICE OF PET CARE

If you get a dog as a puppy, you might consider pet insurance to help offset these costs.  We generally recommend it for pedigree dogs because these puppies can be prone to all sorts of issues due to inbreeding. And to particular health issues. They can also catch illnesses from their parents, particularly the mother, such as intestinal worms.

You mey not be one for going to the doctor much yourself, but vaccinating your pet regularly and being observant about its overall health and condition will help keep your expenses down.

Vaccinations as part of your dog’s overall health care
Other good dog care care besides vaccinations, depending on your breed of dog,  should include regular proper baths, toenail clipping, checking ears and anal glands, and feeding your dog properly.

You’ve see the ads for 1800PETMEDS. There you can get supplies for their heartworm treatment, definitely a must in addition to dog vaccinations. It can be given once a month easily, since it resembles a liver or beef treat.

Flea and tick protection has never been easier, and protects you and your family as well. It comes in a little ampule that you squeeze between the shoulder blades, onto the animal’s skink, not fur.

Just make sure you follow the instructions, and don’t bathe your dog too close before the treatment, or for several days after. We would also recommend not sleeping with the dog for a day or two after (we don’t generally recommend sleeping with them anyway, see more about Pet Crates inour articles on that topic).

KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR PET’S OVERALL HEALTH

I am haunted by a poster at my vet’s of a gorgeous dog, which says HOW DO YOU KNOW IF HE IS ILL? I looked at it the day I brought my Irish terrier in for what seemed ordinary diarrhea, and within 6 weeks she was dead. As I already said in this article, giving her vaccinations when her immune system was already bad caused her to destroy her own red blood cells.

But most of the time, vaccinations are safe. It is just a case of being vigilant, and keeping an eye on your pet.  How do you know if he is ill-there can be a lot of little signs, but the most obvious ones are changes in food, water, or bowel habits. There can be many reasons for these, but again, vaccinations and a watchful eye is a big help to you and your dog.  If you know the dog is up to date with its shots, you will have peace of mind to a certain extent, that they are not suffering from the nasty diseases a dog is prey to.

Most health problems arise in a dog that is either genetically susceptible or environmentally susceptible, such as allergies, or poor nutrition.

Before you get your puppy or dog, if it is a pedigree, research the breed to see what diseases it is prone too.  Be observant once you get your dog. Do you see it chew its feet? It could be alleergic to grass. Grass seed is very bad for pets too-it can work its way into paw pads and even ears and nostrils, and can become dangerous.

The phrase “you are what you eat” is especially true of dogs. They can develop allergies or sensitivities to foods, and so you should try a good commercial dog food first,and never give table food. There are diets for allergic dogs as well now, or if your dog is really sensitive, you can learn how to cook healthy meals for your pet according to guidelines your vet can give you, and depending on what the health issue is.

The Importance Of Regular Dog Vaccinations As Part Of Your Dog’s Overall Care Part 3 will deal with more key aspects of vaccinations and your dog’s health.