Ask Dr. Dave - New Year Check-Up
Well, the holidays are over, the
property taxes have (hopefully) been paid and now is the perfect time to
turn your attention to your pets. Since we’ve all been busy, it is very
likely that Pooky and Fluffy are in need of a little TLC.
A good going over to check for lumps,
bumps, growths and sores that may have gone unnoticed is a good idea. If
you have a geriatric pet, a geriatric exam is something to consider.
This is also a great time to be sure that all vaccinations are current.
If it has been awhile, or if your pet has never had vaccines, it may be
necessary to have a series of vaccines to insure that your pet is
protected. Generally speaking, disease is far more prevalent in the
warmer months, therefore, vaccinating now gives your pet’s immune system
time to build up before spring. Most diseases are viral and are
airborne. Even if your pet is an indoor pet, they need to be vaccinated.
Remember, prevention is cheaper and easier than treating disease once it
has occurred. Checking your pet’s teeth is important too. Tartar and
periodontal disease can cause, among other things, bad breath, heart
disease, liver disease and kidney disease.
Now is also a great time to spay and neuter. The puppies and kittens
from the summer months are ready. Spaying and neutering will be cheaper
now than when a pet is mature as most vets charge by weight of the
animal. Spaying and neutering also helps to prevent some of the cancers
and diseases that un-neutered pets are prone to. Most importantly, there
are way too many unwanted pets in shelters and on the streets.
It is a fallacy that female dogs make
better pets when they have a first heat or a litter of puppies. Male
dogs tend to be far better pets as they don’t feel the urge to go forth
and procreate. Animals do not have the emotional attachment to their
parts that we humans do. Guys, if I may be blunt, neutering your male
dog or cat will have no affect on your parts or performance. Women don’t
seem to have the issues that men do with regard to this subject. Bottom
line, your pets will be BETTER pets. If you are still not convinced, pop
on over to the shelter in the spring and watch them euthanizing litters
of kittens and puppies on any given day. These animals never get the
chance to be good pets. In fact, they never get a chance at all. A
female cat can start to have kittens at about 4- 6 months of age. Once
sexually mature, a female unspayed cat is either in heat, pregnant or
nursing. Think about the number of kittens a female cat can then be
responsible for producing in her lifetime. Remember, each of her
offspring will be doing the same thing. The theory regarding coyotes
taking care of it in the country is irresponsible and incorrect.
The coyotes are not going to differentiate between wild cats and your
neighbor’s cats, dogs poultry or livestock. They may be drawn to the new
batches of kittens, but they’ll stay for the other stuff. Again,
prevention is the easiest way. As I mentioned in a previous article,
there are organizations that will help with the cost of spaying and
neutering if money is an issue. Please do not let that stop you from
having it done. There are also organizations that will help with the
trapping and neutering of feral cats on your property.
A safe and happy New Year to you and your pets.
Dr. Dave Gantenbein
Antelope Valley Animal Hospital
(661) 273-1234
Need assistance?