September 14, 2011

A Client Asks:

As the weather finally turns cooler I want to start bringing my dog to the local dog park for some fun and exercise.  He has been to obedience classes, so he listens to me and seems to get along well with other dogs.  But are there certain shots or anything else that he should have before we go?

Our Response:

Congrats on the successful training classes!  That hard work should definitely help make the dog park fun for both you and your dog!

As far as veterinary care, there are quite a few things that can be done to help save you and your dog from the pain, distress, and expense of some preventable diseases and infections.  First of all, the rabies vaccine is, of course, required by law (every year or three years depending on your pet’s health and age).  It’s important that your dog wear his rabies tag while he is at the park, and it’s really a good idea to have a copy of the most recent and complete vaccine and testing history on hand just in case.

Other vaccines offer protection against illnesses that can be spread from dog to dog (such as canine influenza, distemper, and bordetella) or from local wildlife to your dog (such as leptospirosis and lyme).  You should also have your pet tested for heartworms and intestinal parasites so you can feel comfortable that he wouldn’t pass those on to other dogs at the park.  Keeping him on heartworm and flea/tick prevention year-round can give you an extra bit of insurance.  If you need to set up an appointment for any of these vaccines or tests, or if you need a refill of preventative, give us a call at (703) 723-1017.

So, in essence, we recommend the same set of vaccines, tests, and preventatives for the dog park as we would for any other place where your dog may come in contact with other pets.  This includes our own daycare/boarding facility, and you can read more about our vaccine protocol by clicking here.  Make sure that all of your pet’s veterinary care is up to date BEFORE your first visit to dog park, kennel, groomer, pet store, doggie daycare…or anywhere that could put him at risk.  Again, if you need an appointment, or if you would just like to speak with us more specifically about your dog’s particular needs, please feel free to give us a call!

October 19, 2011

This month, we would like to pose a question to you, our clients, friends, and other website visitors!

From Staff Writer/Editor Shannon Pecora:

This will likely be the last month for at least a little while that we’ll update this “Ask Stream Valley” website feature.  I’ll be giving birth to a baby girl this winter, so it’s time for me to prepare for maternity leave! 

As a veterinary professional who has owned various pets all my life and worked in the animal care field for nearly a decade, and as the mom of a two-year-old, I know the tried-and-true standard tips for introducing a new baby to a multi-pet home.  Our two dogs have seen the new furniture, toys, clothes, and such come into our home.  They behaved beautifully when we brought our son home two years ago, and they now gently accept his often overly-excited attempts at doggie playtime.  Also, my husband will bring home a baby blanket from the hospital, giving the dogs a chance to sniff out the baby’s scent before the homecoming.  Once baby and I do come home, I’ll be sure to give them a little time to greet and welcome me without the new little one in my arms.

All of this worked out just fine with baby number one, but my husband and I aren’t kidding ourselves about the crazy ways our lives will change when another baby comes into the picture.  So, we’re interested in any tips, tricks, ideas, or suggestions you might have as kid- and pet-parents!  What has worked out well for you when it comes to bringing pets and kids together?  We’d also like to know what went just plain old wrong as you grew your family!  We’d love to hear your advice, or even get a good laugh from a story or experience that you’d be willing to share.

To share your thoughts, please visit our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/StreamValleyVet).  Once you “like” our page, then you can post a comment.  Whether you can offer wit or wisdom, we want to hear from you!

Thank you, and I hope to join you all again, perhaps this coming spring!  In the meantime, please feel free to peruse our website or call our office at (703) 723-1017 with your pet questions.

Thanks again!

Shannon Pecora

Staff Writer/Editor

Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital