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Health Issues > Puppy and Kitten Vaccinations
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Sat 9am - 2pm  
Sun 10am - 12pm  
Public Holidays Closed  
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(03) 9751 2999

Email:
drvc@bigpond.com
Address:
1449 Mt Dandenong
Tourist Road
Olinda 3788

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Date posted: 11/7/2003

Vaccinations

All dogs should be vaccinated against Parvovirus, Hepatitis and Distemper. Puppies need a program to minimise the risk of them contracting these potentially fatal viruses as well as the less deadly Canine Cough. At D.R.V.C. we also vaccinate puppies against Coronavirus (a serious diarrhoea virus) and Leptospirosis (C2 vaccine). The recommended vaccination program is :

At 6-8 weeks C3
At 12-14 weeks C5 and C2
At 16-18 weeks C5 and C2

An annual booster is required every year thereafter. A C5 is the advised adult vaccination as it offers protection against Canine Cough (Parainfluenza and Bordatella.) which is highly infectious.

Worming

Dogs need to be wormed regularly to remove intestinal worms. These include whipworm, round worm, hookworm and tapeworm. Worming should be done from:

0 to 12 weeks - every 2 weeks
12 weeks to 6 months - monthly
6 months and over - every 3 months

Supermarket wormers are not 100% effective

Heartworm

Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and is present in many areas of Australia. Your puppy should begin heartworm prevention by 6 months of age. If your puppy is overdue for a dose by 6 weeks then a blood test is advised before resuming prevention. Most heartworm products are administered monthly, however there is now a convenient yearly injection for adults.
Click here to view heartworm products

Fleas

It is important to de-flea your pup. Fleas carry tapeworm, and can even cause anaemia. Most flea treatments are administered monthly by topical application. There are a variety of extremely safe products that can incorporate heartworm, flea, mange and ticks.

De-sexing

It is recommended to de-sex your pet at the age of 6 months. De-sexing is a routine procedure that only requires your pet to be in hospital for the day. By neutering your dog, you prevent unwanted pregnancies and help reduce the risk of later health problems, including prostate complications and mammary tumours. There are behavioural benefits, such as inhibiting wandering and aggression. Whilst your pup is being de-sexed this is an ideal time to have it microchipped.

Microchipping

A microchip is a tiny chip (which is about the size of a grain of rice), that contains a unique identification number that is linked to you and your pet. It is their ID! Dandenong Ranges Veterinary Centre use an accredited microchipping registry. This means if you move interstate or even overseas your pet’s microchip will be recognised. All you need to do is update your contact details. Microchipping is as easy as inserting the minute chip under the skin and can be done during a consultation at any age. You will also receive a certificate of verification to keep.

Council Registration

One of the many things you will need to do as a pet owner is register your pet with the council. Pets should be registered from six months of age. When registered they receive a tag to wear on the collar which can easily be referenced to you, should they get lost. If your dog is found without a valid registration, you may be fined. You receive a discount on registration when your pet is de-sexed or microchipped. Registration should be renewed yearly.

Nutrition & Diet

It is especially important to give your puppy a head start with the correct diet! Premium foods that we stock, are designed by a nutritionist and provide all the nourishment your pet needs. Complete nutrition, without excesses or deficiencies, helps avoid health problems. Feeding the right food throughout their life also helps your dog avoid adult diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart and kidney disease to name a few. Talk to us to see which diet is right for your pet. Premium foods can be purchased in bulk and offer great value for money by comparison to home prepared and supermarket diets. We also supply prescription foods for animals with specific needs.

Hydrobath/Grooming Services

Brushing: Use a pet brush or comb and brush in the direction of hair growth. Brush before baths to avoid knotting. Brushing should be done weekly for normal coats and daily for heavy-coated breeds.

Nails: Use dog nail clippers to keep nails short. Trimming monthly will keep the quiks short and prevent overgrown nails.

Teeth: Brushing teeth with a toothbrush and paste designed for animals is the best way of keeping them clean. Give them raw bones regularly.

Ears: Use cotton wool balls and ear cleaning solution to keep ears wax free every month.

Eyes: Wipe eyes with a cotton wool ball and eye cleaning solution weekly to prevent debris build up.

Bathing: Use a mild shampoo designed for animals that won’t upset the pH balance of their skin. Bath your dog when they are dirty or when you detect an odour.

Clipping: Every 6-8 weeks is ideal to keep their coat manageable. Bookings can be made with the surgery for a full groom.* Make sure you book so we can dedicate ample time to your dog’s grooming requirements!

* Full grooming includes a: brush, clip, hydrobath, ear clean, eyes wiped, nail trim, expressing anal glands, blow dry and conditioner.

Training and Socialisation

All dogs benefit from training, so they can become an agreeable member of the family unit. Training is the best way of bonding with your dog and it serves as a means of communicating what we require. It provides them with mental stimulation and exercise. Socialisation should be started from 6 weeks of age to assist their mental development, but a dog can begin at any age.

Useful Contact Numbers

Vets: Dandenong Ranges Veterinary Centre. Consultations for all species, farm visits, Microchipping, desexing, grooming, pet food, pet accessories, health care products and puppy pre-school. On call 24 hours.
Phone: 9751-2999

Council: Shire of Yarra Ranges. Pet Registration, local laws and lost pets.
Phone: 1300 368 333

Breeders: Victorian Canine Association. List of breeders, showing and membership information.
Phone: 9788-2500 or visit www.vca.org.au

Lost pets: Shire of Yarra Ranges and RSPCA. Lost animals, re-homing and rescue shelter.
Phone: 9224-2222 or visit www.rspca.org.au
Coldstream Animal Aid -
Phone: 9739-1042

Dog Training: Alpha Dog Training. Obedience classes, socialisation, behavioural problem solving, agility, trick training, boarding school and private tuition. All breeds.
Phone: 9753-5766 or visit www.alphadogtraining.com.au


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© Copyright Moss Siddle of Dandenong Ranges Veterinary Centre, 2003
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