Year round care and vaccination

Caring in summer and winter

Summer is by no means kindly disposed to dogs. With the mercury soaring, dogs find the climate unbearable. To make matters worse this is the season when skin problems arise and viral diseases are most prevalent. Dogs especially the long haired ones find very hot climate a nightmare. The first problem  to deal with is with regard to excessive heat. Unlike human beings dogs do not get rid of excess heat via their sweat pores in the skin. They can manage this only via their mouth, i.e. by panting or through their pads in their feet. Since both these mechanisms do not dissipate heat very fast they are prone to heat strokes. This is seen very commonly in dogs, especially with heavy coats, that are left in very hot quarters or in cars with all the window panes shut. There is a rise in temperature up to 109*F (normal being 101.5*F). Common symptoms observed are shivering, loss of consciousness, rapid breathing, vomiting and a fast pulse. In such a situation, move the animal to a cool area and apply an ice pack immediately. Rush your pet to a vet who will initiate further treatment. During the journey allow enough cross ventilation With the onset of winter the breeding season starts with a flourish. The pets find winter the most comfortable season of all and tend to stay healthy. It is because of this that the bitches come to heat and are ready to breed. In case you want to cross your bitch this is the best time to do so. In case you plan to get a pup then also this time is ideal. Since the rainy season is over there are lesser ticks. Also at this time the worms are less. In this season there is lesser incidence of Parvo than in Summer. Pups will also not tend to suffer from heat related problems.

Your dogs will in general not feel the cold unless you keep them out in the open. Therefore you need to put coats only for those dogs that are single coated e.g. Boxers, Dalmatians, Daschunds etc. Double coated GSD’s and mongrels with thick coats do not in general need any extra protection. Your newly acquired pup may feel the cold and therefore it is necessary that you provide a blanket or thick sheet to protect it from the surrounding ambient temperature. The pup needs the same care as in summer except that one must not take the pup in the early dew. Feeding continues to be 5 or 6 times a day. This is also the ideal time for any surgery. Since the fly problem is at a minimum, surgeries can be performed and also wound healing is faster during this time. So in case you wish to get your bitch sterilized then this is the time. Winter is a lovely season for dogs and pet owners also because the old coat is now completely shed and a lovely winter coat is seen in its place. Pets look fluffy and beautiful. So in case you want to become a pet owner this is the ideal time.

Vaccination

One of the easiest and most effective ways of preventing your dog from getting sick is by making sure he gets all his vaccinations on a regular basis. Puppies need vaccinations every two to four weeks until they are at least 14 weeks of age. Most vets follow the schedules given below, although there may be some variation from region  to region. Some vaccines are given separately, while others may be combined into a single shot, which makes things easier. If a dog over 16 weeks of age has an unknown vaccine history, has not been previously vaccinated, or is more than six months over due, vaccinate and booster in 3 weeks, then annually.

Information and advice contained in this section is for general guidance only. Please consult your veterinarian for specific advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet.
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