Here’s what it takes to keep your pet baby healthy and happy.
Times Now: What vaccines must a dog have and at what stages in life? Are vaccines the same for all breeds?
Dr Vinod Sharma: When it comes to dogs, there are a set of core vaccines that are vital for all, based on the risk of exposure, the severity of the diseases, and transmissibility to other dogs and human beings. These are universal for all dogs of all breeds, starting with vaccination for Distemper and Parvo for puppies. When the puppies are a little older, they should also get shots for Leptospirosis, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Canine Coronavirus, Kennel cough, or Bordetella. A licensed veterinarian will also provide a booster schedule for the necessary vaccines, as per the age and health of the dog.
Times Now: One hears about an illness called Distemper that a few dogs suffer from and is said to be contagious. What causes Distemper and what precautions must pet parents take to safeguard a pet from acquiring this illness?
Dr Vinod Sharma: Canine distemper is a virus that targets the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological systems of puppies and dogs. A highly infectious and dangerous disease, it can even be fatal if not caught in time and is as contagious as parvo. Prevention is the best approach as there is no known cure for canine distemper, and once afflicted, can only be addressed with supportive care. Hence, it is extremely critical to ensure correct vaccinations at the right time and ensure one’s pet develops a strong immune system. While adopting pups, pet parents should make sure they adopt from a good place, with all the paperwork and tests in order. Regular checkups with a licensed and experienced veterinarian are a must to prevent this illness.
Times Now: One hears about Rabies, a killer disease that the canine population is vulnerable to unless vaccinated. What other illnesses apart from rabies can dogs develop and what precautions to take to avoid them?
Dr Vinod Sharma: Around 59000 thousand deaths are reported every year because of rabies. However, Rabies is a preventable disease, and proper care and attention from the start can ensure the pet does not contract it. Today, we have all the tools necessary, including high-quality vaccines, to effectively prevent and eliminate this disease. Vaccinating at least 70 per cent of dogs in at-risk areas can reduce human cases of rabies to zero, as well. In addition to this, neutering society dogs and ensuring pets dogs are vaccinated on a regular basis by a qualified veterinarian are the best ways to safeguard against Rabies.
Distemper and Parvo are viral diseases which are very common. So, timely vaccinations and ensuring one’s dog receives regular booster shots as per the veterinarian’s advice are a must. At DCC, we start deworming and vaccinations at an early stage for both kittens and puppies, and always recommend pet parents consult a certified and trusted veterinarian doctor for pet vaccinations. This is because the efficacy of vaccines also depends on certain criteria so that vaccination failures can be prevented. These include the health of the pet, their age, the storage of the vaccine, and the quality of the vaccine.
These diseases can only be prevented through regular, timely vaccinations and by keeping dogs and cats in good health. Just like for us humans, immunity also matters a lot for our pets. Pet parents should treat their pets like family, and be responsible for their health and immunity, to ensure they live a long, healthy, and happy life.
Times Now: What food is good for dogs: Home-cooked Indian khana and meat, eggs etc or kibbles that are packaged in meat, chicken flavours etc., packed in bags?
Dr Vinod Sharma: Food plays an extremely important part in a dog’s life. Besides adopting pets at the right age, pet parents should ensure that a dog’s diet is created in consultation with a certified veterinarian, as human foods, spices, and oils can be extremely detrimental to dogs. Home-cooked meals should be free of any additives or artificial flavours and only boiled in water, or as prescribed by the doctor. While buying kibbles and dog food, pet parents should also check the labels to make sure they are certified and do not contain any ingredients that are not meant for dogs.
Time Now: Do ready-made foods cause cancer in dogs?
Dr Vinod Sharma: Packaged dog food is created to provide a balanced diet for dogs of all ages. However, many pet parents also wish to feed their canine companions with homemade fresh food. So, as we mentioned before, it is always best to ask your vet what ingredients are permitted and required in their diet. This is especially important as many pets are also allergic to certain things, and frequent changes in diet can lead to digestive issues. Over time, this can erode their immune systems, which can cause vaccines to fail, or in the worst case, lead to them contracting a serious disease.
Times Now: When a pet parent is cooking for the pet, what should one not add to the pet’s food? Salt, chocolates, spices… are these bad for dogs?
Dr Vinod Sharma: Foods which contain spices, salt, sugar, and other preservatives are not recommended for pets. Most human foods in general are not suited for a dog’s digestive system. Chocolates can even be fatal for dogs. Hence, pet parents should always consult a licensed veterinarian for their pet’s diet, and should only purchase treats specifically made for dogs or cook them at home themselves.
Times Now: Please share any other insights you may have that can be of value to pet parents.
Dr Vinod Sharma: Ultimately, our pets are quite similar to humans in the kind of attention, care, and regular medical check-ups they need. Good nutrition, along with timely vaccinations and exercise can help keep your pet in good shape, and ensure they live a long, happy life. I would also like to mention that During vacation most people leave their pets at boarding Kennels so make sure that the place must be carefully selected in terms of hygiene as it plays a very major role.
Times Now: Thank you, Dr Sharma.
Dr Vinod Sharma: You are welcome.
Disclaimer to ensure your pet’s good health: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your pet’s veterinary doctor before starting any changes to the pet’s diet or health regimen.
