Ullavet
DOG PAGE

A slightly smaller number of vets obtained their dog or cat from a breeder. A smaller percentage again obtained them from an animal welfare group, with less than 10% (the smallest number) purchasing pets from a pet shop.

Vets have a higher-than-average ownership of pets (1.2 dog per vet and 1.4 cat per vet). Ninetyseven per cent of vets own one or more animals. A majority of the cats or dogs owned by vets are cross bred rather than pure bred.

The "favourite" breeds of dogs listed by vets (in order) are:

1.Labrador
2.Golden retriever
3.Cavalier King Charles
4.Staffordshire bull terrier
5.Cross bred dogs
6.Border collie
7.German shepherd
8.Kelpie

Recommendations may vary depending on where you live, but generally if your puppy is six weeks or older and has not yet been vaccinated, you should contact your veterinarian to arrange for this to be done. In our part of Australia puppies require two or three separate vaccinations in puppyhood, starting at six weeks and being completed at 4 months of age. Older dogs require an annual booster vaccination to re-inforce their immunity.

Vaccinations in Australia are aimed at preventing infection with Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, and Kennel Cough. Leptospirosis and Tetanus may be included if thought necessary by your veterinarian. In other countries dogs are vaccinated against Rabies, but Rabies is not present in Australia and dogs here are not vaccinated against this disease.

In certain areas or under certain conditions this programm may need to be modified. Be guided by your own veterinarian. Your vet will also advise you on which worm medicines are the most effective and safest to use for your pet.
If you suspect that your dog still has worms despite this programme your veterinarian can test your dog's faeces for worm eggs, and advise you on a specific programme of worm control for your pet.

The signs of worm infestation in dogs may include any of the following:
loss of weight or condition, vomiting, diarrhoea, anaemia, lethargy, rough dry coat, or an itchy bottom. Some worms affecting dogs are also harmful to humans, so it is important to worm your dog regularly.

Heartworm infestation can be prevented by keeping your dog continually inside an insect proof mosquito free enclosure, or by giving your dog regular medication to prevent development of heartworms in the bloodstream.There are two types of medication available. You should seek the advice of your veterinarian before starting your dog on a course of heartworm prevntion tablets. Generally we recommend starting your puppy on heartworm prevention at twelve weeks of age and continuing the medication throughouthis life.

Diethylcarbamazine tablets (DEC tablets) are sold under a number of trade names by veterinarians, pet shops, and supermarkets. The tablets must be given DAILY at the correct dose for your dog's weight. If you have an older dog that has not previously been on heartworm prevention it is essential that your dog have a blood test by a vet to ensure it is heartworm free before starting the tablets. If it already has heartworm it could have a serious, possibly fatal, reaction to these tablets.

In recent times more effective and safer heartworm prevention tablets have become available and with these the medication is given ONCE A MONTH.Brand names (in Australia) include Heartgard, Proheart, Endovet, and Sentinel. These tablets are available only from veterinarians.

1. Take plenty of walks and naps.
2. Drink lots of water.
3. Don't think too much.
4. Never bite the hand that feeds you.
5. Bark when you feel like it.
6. Don't let people make you dress up.
7. Stop to smell the roses - and the grass, and the trees......
8. Make friends with everyone in the neighbourhood,
9. Don't go for a run without your ID.
10. Make the people you love feel welcome when they come home.
11. Wag your tail a lot (eg. smile and laugh) - it's good exercise for body and soul.
12. Every now and then, stand out in the rain.