For those of you who missed our Feb. general meeting, this is some of the items that was covered:

Vaccinations:

          Distemper/Parvo Combo 7, 10, 13 & 16 weeks, booster in one year, then every three years

            Rabies are required by law at 16 weeks, booster in one year, then booster every three years

            Bordetella (Kennel Cough) twice yearly if you board or show your pet.

*Vaccines are rotated on a yearly basis according to the American Animal Hospital Assoc. guidelines

Deworming:

All puppies should be dewormed every 3 to 4 weeks starting at 6 weeks of age continuing until

four months of age.

Heartworm Disease and Internal Parasite Control:

All dogs should be treated with Heartgard Plus, Revolution, or Interceptor monthly for the prevention of roundworm, hookworm and heartworm and have a fecal exam and heartworm test annually.

Fleas and Ticks:

Comfortis or Revolution should be used monthly to prevent fleas.

Frontline should be applied monthly to prevent both fleas and ticks.

Preventic tick collar can be used with all of the above for superior tick prevention.

Preventative Surgery:

          Male dogs should be neutered at 4-6 months of age.

            Female dogs should be spayed at 4-6 months of age.

Bathing and Grooming:

We recommend that your dog receive professional grooming and bathing with Epi-Soothe Shampoo on a monthly basis or more frequently depending on the breed and requirement of your dog.

Dentistry:

Dog’s teeth should be brushed daily using CET Toothpaste, Maxi/Guard Oral Cleansing Gel or apply OraVet Plaque Prevention Gel every 2 weeks.  I also, recommend giving your dog Greenies and rawhide chews to help control tarter buildup.   Professional cleaning and polishing should be performed at least once yearly beginning at 2 to 3 years.                   

Diet:

We recommend feeding Science Diet or Eukanuba Puppy formula up to one year of age, then switching to Science Diet Adult, Science Diet Adult Light, Canidae, Eukanuba F/P, or Z/D Ultra until 7 years of age.  Dogs 7 years of age and older can be fed Science Diet Senior or Eukanuba Senior for longevity.   (rev. 2/24/10)

(Disclaimer:  The SMKC does not endorse or endorse time specific spay/neuter guidelines or vet specific food.  Spay/neuter and food is a personel choice and should be discussed with your vet.)