Recommended Care
For Dog Owners
Lyme Disease Alert: More dogs are testing positive for Lyme - find out more...
Rabies: The State of Maine requires all dogs to be vaccinated for rabies. Depending on your dog's prior vaccination history, a rabies vaccination will be considered protective for either one or three years. Puppies may receive their first rabies vaccinations at 12 weeks of age. Rabies is a health risk to humans and all dogs should be vaccinated.
Distemper (DHLPP, DA2LPP): This is a combination vaccine that includes distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus type 2), leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The leptospirosis component is sometimes not included for small dogs, puppies, and dogs with little outdoor exposure. Although some veterinarians still recommend annual distemper boosters, much new research has shown that the interval between boosters can often be extended to three years. Puppies should receive their first distemper shot at 6-8 weeks of age, then a booster every 4 weeks until they are 14-16 weeks of age. A puppy should not be considered protected until after the 14-16 week booster.
Lyme: Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection spread by ticks and in recent years has become more common in Maine dogs. Vaccination is recommended for dogs that spend time outside where they might be exposed to ticks. This vaccine currently needs to be boosted annually. A blood test for Lyme Disease is included in the annual heartworm test. Learn More
Bordetella (kennel cough): Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that is usually self-limiting but can be quite unpleasant for both dog and owner. Vaccination is recommended for dogs that go to a kennel, or spend time in close quarters with other dogs. This vaccine needs to be boosted every 6-12 months to maintain protection.
Heartworm: Heartworm disease in dogs is a potentially fatal condition, caused by parasites that are transmitted by mosquitoes and grow into adult worms in a dog's heart. Treatment of advanced heartworm disease is difficult, but fortunatelyprevention and early detection are quite simple. Dogs living in Maine should receive a heartworm blood test each spring and monthly heartworm preventative medication from June 1 through November. Dogs that travel to warmer climates may require year-round medication.
Microchip Identification: A microchip is a tiny identification device about the size of a grain of rice. The microchip is implanted right beneath your pet's skin, by an injection similar to a vaccination shot. Every microchip has a unique identification number which is read by scanners routinely used at veterinary hospitals and shelters that collect lost pets. When a lost pet with a microchip is found, a recovery service uses the identification number to identify the owner and return the pet to its family. Learn more about microchips and the unique HomeAgain recovery service.
For Cat Owners
Rabies: All cats should be vaccinated for rabies. Even indoor cats may be exposed to rabies by bats which can enter your house though chimneys or attic vents. We have both 1-year and 3-year rabies vaccines available. The Purevax 1-year rabies vaccine is generally safer for use in cats than 3-year vaccines.
Feline Distemper (FVRCP): This is a combination vaccine that protects cats from Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (a herpes virus), Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. This vaccine is generally recommended for all cats. Kittens are vaccinated with a monthly series of shots beginning at 8 weeks of age and ending after 16 weeks of age. After a booster at 1 year of age, adult cats need boosters only every 3rd year.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV): FeLV is a potentially fatal viral infection that is spread by close contact such as grooming, fighting, or sharing food sources. Vaccination is recommended for cats that go outdoors, kittens, or cats in other high-risk situations. An FeLV/FIV blood test is required prior to vaccinating for the first time, and annual boosters are necessary to maintain protection.
De-worming: All kittens should receive at least 2 doses of de-worming medication. Adult cats that hunt will also be frequently exposed to parasites and may need regular de-worming. The importance of de-worming should not be overlooked, since some of these parasites are infectious to people as well as cats.
Microchip Identification: A microchip is a tiny identification device, about the size of a grain of rice. The microchip is implanted just beneath your pet’s skin by an injection similar to a vaccination shot. Every microchip has a unique ID number which can be read by scanners routinely used at shelters, veterinary hospitals and animal control to reunite a lost pet with it’s family. See HomeAgain brochure or www.homeagain.com for details.
Diet & Nutrition: Feeding a high quality diet is one of the most important and cost-effective things you can do for your cat’s health. I recommend feeding a diet high in animal protein - beware of cheaper foods that substitute corn and poor-quality plant protein for the meats that carnivores need. Some of the most common feline illnesses such as kidney/urinary disease and hyperthyroidism may have origins in poor quality diet. An extra $5-10 spent on good food each month could save you much more by reducing veterinary bills and giving your pet a longer problem-free life.
Keep your cat indoors: The single greatest thing you can do to keep your cats safe and healthy is keep them indoors. The majority of outdoor cats die from accidents or illnesses that they would not have encountered had they been kept inside. Kittens that are never allowed to go outside will grow into cats that are completely content staying indoors, while living safer, healthier, and longer lives.