Page 331 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

HEAL TH 331

VACCINATIONS NEUTERED DOGS
Typically, puppies have their first vaccinations with the breeder and Most owners have their pet dogs neutered to
will need a second vaccination shortly after moving to a new home. prevent accidental matings and unwanted
Routine vaccinations protect against a number of potentially lethal puppies. Your vet can advise you on
diseases, such as distemper, hepatitis, and parainfluenza. the best time to get this done.
many people eager to take an interest in your puppy, so ask
them to make a fuss over him, but don’t put him down on the
floor unless he has been fully vaccinated. Microchip
During the consultation, your vet will want to examine
your puppy all over and give him an injection. Take the
process slowly, speak reassuringly to your puppy, and Syringe used to
implant
provide him with lots of treats throughout the examination, microchip
both from your hand and the vet’s.
Preventative measures
If your puppy has not already been microchipped by the Microchip
injected into
breeder, ask your vet to do this for you. Although your fold of skin
puppy should wear a collar and tag at all times, having a
microchip means he is identifiable even if he loses his
collar. Get your vet to check the microchip’s location
every year when your dog gets his booster vaccinations.
In between routine visits to your vet, you need to take
steps to protect your dog against common parasites. There
are a variety of highly effective worming and flea treatments
available; your vet will advise which are best for your puppy.
Unless you intend to breed from your dog, you may want
to discuss neutering on one of your early visits. Apart from
unwanted pregnancies, female dogs benefit from a reduced
risk of life-threatening conditions, such as mammary cancer CHIPPING
and pyometra (pus in the womb). Neutered males are less YOUR DOG
likely to be aggressive and to go wandering. Your vet will Microchipping is
a quick and painless
fully explain the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure to insert a
procedure and recommend when to have it done if you small chip under the
decide to go ahead. Neutering is carried out under skin. It enables your dog
to be identified at
anesthetic, so ask about postoperative care of your all times and returned
dog (see p.333). to you if he is lost.

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