Spring arrives soon, and with it, more outdoor time with your dog. That also means dog vaccine time, so you can keep her safe from dangerous environmental factors. Many pet owners are confused about vaccine schedules and need a little guidance from their vet in Cannon Falls, MN. Here are the vaccines and exams you should schedule this spring:
- Core vaccines (all dogs): The core vaccines include canine parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and rabies. Many dogs receive the DHLPPC combined vaccine, which covers Distemper/Hepatitis/Leptospirosis/Parainfluenza/ Parvovirus & Corona Virus. Depending on lifestyle, we administer DHLPPC once every year or every three years. Rabies also has a three-year schedule, while other core vaccines have a once-a-year or six-month schedule (again, depending on lifestyle and environment).
- Non-core vaccines (some dogs): The non-core vaccines are important if your dog is exposed to those infectious diseases. Bordetella (kennel cough), canine influenza, leptospirosis, and Lyme fall under this category. Dogs with active outdoor lifestyles or who spend time at dog shows or doggie daycare may require these vaccines. If your dog receives the DHLPPC vaccine, she gains immunity for core and non-core illnesses. The Lyme Vaccination is also an annual vaccine while Bordatella is every 6 months.
- Wellness testing (age seven and up): Wellness testing is a series of exams and checkups to determine hidden diseases. The goal is early detection so we can find health conditions and treat them before they become serious. If your senior dog has chronic health problems, wellness testing monitors these conditions and ensures they remain stable.
- Complete blood count (age seven and up): Complete blood count (CBC) tests red and white blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the heart, and white blood cells fight infection and inflammation. Tests check for blood cell abnormalities that may indicate illness. The CBC reveals early cancer development as well as persistent infections.
- Biochemistry profile (age seven and up): This testing panel checks organ and tissue function. It detects kidney and liver diseases and other abnormalities like diabetes. If the test shows minor irregularities, vets order another profile within a few days, weeks or months and then recheck results. When results remain consistent and abnormal, vets perform a more extensive profile and check blood pressure. In some cases, imaging tests (like ultrasound and x-rays) are necessary.
- Urinalysis (age seven and up): As dogs grow older, their chances of kidney issues rise. A urinalysis helps determine kidney function after dogs turn seven years old. It also detects diabetes, and this test is usually a part of all wellness exams for senior dogs. If your dog suffers kidney infections, urinalysis detects them early and allows us to treat them more quickly and effectively.
- Thyroid testing (age seven and up): The thyroid regulates metabolism. Older dogs face a higher chance of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid underperforms. We perform this test if your older dog experiences unexplained weight gain, fatigue, skin or ear infections or hair loss.
It’s dog vaccine season at Cannon Veterinary Services Ltd.! Our vet office in Cannon Falls, MN is ready to get your dogs ready for spring. Call us today to schedule wellness exams and vaccines.