The best way to help ensure your pet lives a long and healthy life is to stay engaged with your Veterinarian

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Since we are nearing the end of August and it is immunization month, it’s a good time for pet owners to take time to learn more about pet vaccination. Although you might not have arranged to have your pets immunized, it’s important to understand that immunization advancements can help your pets live longer.  Pet vaccination from Little Rock AR vets is crucial to protect your pet against infectious diseases, some of which are deadly. You want your pet to be adequately inoculated so they can live a longer, happier life. Here we explain what vaccinations are required and the proper times for immunization. What are Vaccines? Vaccines help your pet fight disease-causing organisms using antigens that are much like the organisms that cause illness. These antigens won’t harm your pet. Instead, the vaccine stimulates the system to prepare your pet’s body so should they be exposed to the actual germs, they are able to fight off the sickness or reduce how the illness affects them. What are Vaccination Programs for Pets? Speaking to your Little Rock veterinarian is the first step to reducing the risk of your pet contracting infectious diseases. We will provide a tracked vaccination program based on your pet’s needs and ensure your pet is vaccinated at the appropriate times to keep their health on track. We will consider your pet’s individual needs to ensure they receive suitable vaccinations for their lifestyle. Our doctors at SRVC never take a one size fits all approach to vaccinations as each pet’s health is different. We will create an individualized schedule and give you a call when it’s time for your pet’s next shot. Each pet receives the recommended core vaccinations and then we determine which non-core vaccines are required based on risk. What are Core Vaccines? Core vaccines are the vaccines needed to reduce the risk for the diseases your pet is most likely to be exposed to. They also include the diseases that can be passed on to you. They are different for cats and dogs and include: Dogs Canine parvovirus Distemper Canine hepatitis Rabies Non-core vaccines include Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira bacteria. Cats Panleukopenia (feline distemper) Feline calicivirus Feline herpesvirus type i (rhinotracheitis) Rabies Non-core vaccines include feline leukemia virus, Bordetella, Chlamydophila felis and feline immunodeficiency virus. Timing and Frequency Your pet’s recommended vaccine schedule is as follows: Dogs: Vets for dogs Little Rock AR generally give puppies their first vaccinations at six to eight weeks at intervals of three vaccinations at three- to four-week intervals with the final dose being given at 16 weeks. As adults, it depends on the recommended vaccine program that could include shots either annually, every three years, or even longer. Cats: Vets for cats Little Rock AR usually give kittens their first vaccines at six to eight weeks also at three- or four-week intervals until the age of 16 weeks. Adult cats are vaccinated every one or three years. At Shackleford Road Veterinary Clinic, we are here to help keep your pet healthy and happy. We are ready to help you learn more about immunizations for your pet. If you would like more information about shots for pets or need to schedule an appointment, you can become a new patient here.

When your cat has kittens, she’ll need some help keeping them healthy and thriving. Here we review how to care for newborn kittens and their mom, including when to check in with your Little Rock veterinarian. Post Birth Check and Care After the first week following the birth, you should take the whole family (cat family that is) to your Little Rock veterinarian for a check-up. This is a crucial wellness appointment where the kittens are checked for signs of struggle, and that mom is healing properly. Home Care Basics Following the birth you should follow these basic care guidelines: Check in on mom and kittens regularly to make sure they are fine, and the kittens are feeding Provide a quiet, warm place for the mother to care for her new family Make sure there are warm blankets and consider using a heat lamp to keep kittens warm if mom needs to eat or use the bathroom Stack a pile of towels in their box so you can frequently remove soiled towels easily Follow mom’s cues and leave the family alone if she seems to feel uncomfortable with your attention Keep mom’s food and the litter box nearby The mother should be cleaning her kitten’s abdomen and anal area after nursing. If she isn’t, use a warm, damp washcloth to simulate her licking as it helps keep kittens healthy while also ensuring they go to the bathroom. These basics will keep mother and kittens comfortable and healthy. Signs Kittens are Thriving Understanding the milestones for your kittens will help ensure they are developing properly. Some important signs to watch for include: Day 3: Kittens’ eyes should be opening, and their umbilical cords should fall off. 2 weeks: Kittens will try to stand and begin crawling and their teeth will begin to appear. 3 weeks: Kittens become playful and can walk on their own. This is also the time to encourage them to use the litter box, with a premium non-clay litter. Although the kittens are still nursing, you can also introduce wet food. A vet for kittens Little Rock AR pet owners visit can tell you the best food to try. If your kittens are not meeting these milestones, it is best to consult your Little Rock veterinarian. Two red flags that a kitten is not thriving are too much sleep and failing to gain weight. Caring for Mom When a mother cat is nursing, she requires a higher quality food. A Little Rock veterinarian can recommend the proper specialty food ideal for postpartum mothers. You should also keep an eye on her for signs of issues including: Mastitis Mastitis develops when bacteria infect the milk ducts. This blocks the ducts causing painful inflammation. Check for: Swollen hot teats Bruising around or on the teats Signs mom is pushing kittens away when they try to feed You do require a visit to your closest Little Rock animal hospital if you notice signs of mastitis as your cat will need antibiotics. Uterine Metritis This infection occurs in the uterus following birth. Symptoms include: Foul-smelling discharge Lethargy Fever Loss of milk production A trip to the local Little Rock animal hospital is a must as this is a serious infection. Often cats are hospitalized due to metritis. If you have new kittens, become a New Patient at the Shackleford Veterinary Clinic! Click here for more information.

Puppy Care Information from Your Little Rock Veterinarian The arrival of newborn puppies is an exciting time, but also comes with a lot of responsibility. Providing proper care helps establish a loving and healthy life for your new pups. Here we review how to care for newborn puppies, including the importance of regular checks with your Little Rock veterinarian. Proper Nutrition for Your Newborn Puppy In the first few weeks of life, puppies feed on their mother’s colostrum. This is why puppies are not sent to their forever homes until they are about 8 weeks old. Their mother’s “milk” has all the nutrients they need, but more importantly, provides essential antibodies that help your puppies fend off illness with a healthy immune system. To ensure puppies are getting enough nutrients you should weigh them regularly following a typical schedule: At birth After the first 12-hours 24-hours 48-hours 3 days old 5 days old 1 week old Visits to your Little Rock veterinarian – such as the great doctors at SRVC – can provide accurate weights to ensure your pups are thriving. Comfortable Temperature Newborn puppies should be kept in a warm area free of drafts. You can consider using a heat lamp if you find the environment is too cold and drafty. Just keep the light far enough away so the heat reaches the pups, but they can move away if they feel too warm. Monitor their temperature by touch. If they feel cold, warm them up slowly before they feed again. Potential Health Problems Check your pups for signs of health issues once they finish their first feeding including: Suck reflex Urethra and anus Signs of cleft palate Healthy coat They should also have pink, moist gums. Your vet can do a thorough check and look for potential health issues. Newborn Puppy Vaccines As their mother’s antibodies start to lose their effect between six and eight weeks, this is the time to set up their first vaccines. During the first two months, you also want to keep your puppies away from other dogs to avoid exposure to germs or parasites. Caring for Mom Making sure the pup’s mom is healthy is particularly important in the first weeks as your puppies’ health depends on their mother’s health. Some important things to watch for: Canine Mastitis Some mothers develop canine mastitis, a bacterial infection in lactating breast glands. It is important to watch for signs of mastitis as not only is it painful and dangerous for the mother, but it can also interfere with your pups getting the proper nutrients. Signs of mastitis include: Hot, dark, red teats Painful teats Mom snapping at her pups when they try to nurse If you notice these signs, set up an appointment with your vet or take the mother to the closest Little Rock animal hospital. Proper Feeding The nursing dog’s nutrition is just as important as the pups, as they depend on their mom to keep them healthy. Speak to your Little Rock veterinarian about the proper diet for the mother, as it is often necessary to switch to a diet with higher fat content. As well, make sure mom has eaten within 24-hours of delivering her litter. If not, she should see the vet. Also…don’t forget that as your puppy grows to do annual wellness visits with your Veterinarian and keep your puppy healthy throughout its life. Shackleford Road Veterinary Clinic (SRVC) loves serving families and their new furry friends! You can request an appointment here or call us at (501) 224-6998.

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This guide will help you ease the process of welcoming a new puppy in your home and in your life.