IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and just like with humans, it is important for our pets to stay up to date on their immunizations.
My pet lives indoors. Why should I vaccinate?
Keeping your pet updated on their regular vaccinations is vital in achieving a long and healthy life. Regardless of whether your pet resides indoors or out, vaccinations are essential in ensuring your pet’s health.
Many contagious diseases are airborne which means your indoor pet could be exposed through open windows, screen doors, and even circulation vents. Wildlife and other dogs/cats in your neighborhood can also carry diseases through your yard, turning even a two-minute walk outdoors into a risky venture. Some diseases are transmitted through fecal matter, urine, and even saliva and can be carried indoors through your clothing, shoes, etc.
Additionally – boarding kennels, dog parks, and grooming salons are all areas where your pet is likely to be exposed to contagious disease.
How do vaccinations work?
Vaccines help prepare the body’s immune system to fight the invasion of disease-causing organisms. Vaccines contain antigens, which (to the immune system) appear to be the actual disease-causing organism; however, they don’t actually cause disease. Once the vaccine enters the body, your pet’s immune is alerted to the problem and goes into attack mode. Antibodies attack the offending virus or bacteria (antigen) to render it inactive. Once the virus has been destroyed, the antibodies remain in the body, creating a sort of memory bank for that particular virus.
Most vaccinations are given more than once, which helps the body continue to develop antibodies so it can respond even more effectively. Each time the vaccination is given, the body responds even more quickly. This is why pet’s receive the vaccinations early in life and then again later in their adolescence. If the actual virus were to affect them after that, the body would respond efficiently before it could do any harm
Initial vaccines should be given to your puppies and kittens starting at six to eight weeks of age, with the final dose administered at 16 weeks of age.
For more information regarding vaccinations please visit our Vaccination Post
AUGUST SPECIALS:
CLIENT REFERRAL REWARDS
Did you know Columbus VetCare offers referral rewards? For every client you refer (that schedules and follows through with an appointment) you will receive a $25 credit to your account that can be used for any service or product we offer! No limits! All you have to do is tell your friend/family member to mention your name when scheduling their appointment. How easy is that!?
UPCOMING DATES/EVENTS:
August 7th – 13th is International Assistance Dog Week
IADW was created to recognize all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs helping individuals mitigate their disability related limitations.
DID YOU KNOW? Columbus VetCare offers free physical exams and 50% off in-home visits to all Assistance/Therapy dogs – ALWAYS!
August 15th – Check the CHIP Day
Microchips greatly increase the chances that pets will be reuinted with their families if they are lost or stolen…but a microchip only works if its registration information is accurate.
Check The Chip Day was created to remind pet owners to have their pets microchipped and to keep the registration information up-to-date.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian for microchipping if your pet isn’t already microchipped (then make sure that your pet’s chip is immediately registered).
Check your already-microchipped pet’s registration information in the microchip manufacturer’s database, and make sure it’s up-to-date.
August 22nd – Take Your Cat To The Vet Day
The importance of cat care is often overlooked by most pet owners. Cats age more rapidly than humans and are experts at hiding illnesses. Regular exams can help avoid medical emergencies since veterinarians can often detect conditions or diseases that may affect your cat’s health long before they become significant, painful, or more costly to treat.
CVC is offering FREE PHYSICAL EXAMS to all feline patients on August 22nd and 23rd only. Appointments are limited so act now! (Limit one free exam per household. Not valid with any other special offers.)
August 26th – National Dog Day
Dog Day was created to raise awareness for all dogs, regardless of breed, who serve our country, provide love and support to their families, work in law enforcement or as therapy/assistance dogs, and those who still need rescuing.
There are many ways to celebrate national dog day: Adopt a dog; Donate blankets, toys, food to local shelters and rescue groups; Volunteer your time to local rescue groups/shelters; Plan an entire day around your pup and share fun activities and treats throughout the day; Host a dog party and invite all your friends and their pups; Take your pet shopping for new toys or new collar/leash/tags; and more! Don’t forget to share your dog day pics with us on our Facebook page and let us know how you celebrate!
CVC is offering FREE PHYSICAL EXAMS to all canine patients on August 25th and 26th only! Appointments are limited so act now! (Limit one free exam per household. Not valid with other offers.)
BACK TO SCHOOL = SAD PETS
Heading back to school can be a tough transition for everyone in the family—from your kids to your pets. Because dogs thrive on consistency, a change in their summer routine and increase in alone time can cause issues you may not have considered.
Dogs might get less exercise or attention because the kids aren’t around to play with them or take them for an extra walk. That could affect house training, result in separation anxiety, or cause behaviors associated with a lack of stimulation.
Here are some ways to adjust your pet to a new schedule, along with some back-to-school shopping tips for your pets:
- Create a routine – create a feeding and play time schedule with your family – get everyone involved. Allow for playtime before and after school and don’t forget to share family time with your pets in the evening!
- Prepare in advance – begin slowly adjusting your pets to your new schedule over a few weeks.
- Stock up on treats and toys – buying toys that require time and skill to master or that dispense periodic treats are great ways to keep your pet busy through the day.
- Consider doggy daycare – daycare is great for socialization and enrichment for the right candidate. Even a couple times a week can make a big difference to your pet!
Remember, you and your children have a life outside of your home – your pets do not. To your pets, your family is their life. Make your time at home count by spending quality time with them and involving them in as many activities with your family as possible.
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