Pet Health Questions - Some Perspectives

Whether you have a dog, cat, fish or rabbit, there are a number of pet health questions that are frequently asked. Everything from reproductive questions to pet health care questions are asked. To help you out with some questions you may have of your own, here are 6 frequently asked groups of pet health questions.

1. When should a puppy or kitten begin vaccinations? And how regularly are vaccinations required?

While the answer to these common pet care questions vary, the general rule of thumb is that pet vaccinations should commence at or around 8 weeks of age. It is commonly thought that further vaccinations should be given 4 months apart from each other, meaning puppies receive vaccinations at 8 months, 12 months and 16 months, while kittens receive them at 8 months and 12 months. However, although many vets would still have you believe that annual vaccinations are necessary, all veterinary protocols now indicate that they are not. Many experts believe that no vaccinations are required beyond 12 months of age. Others feel boosters may be necessary every 3 to 5 years

2. What are heartworms? Is it necessary to give preventative heartworm treatment?

Heartworms are parasites that live in your pet's heart. This is an extremely important pet health question to pay attention to because heartworms can become lethal to your pet. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, so in the Northern Hemisphere heartworm is certainly more prevalent during June to November. Heartworm prevention treatment is essential. Heartworm is considerably more common in dogs, but can and does occur in cats as well.

3. Are rabies vaccinations needed? Are rabies vaccinations mandatory?

Because of the serious affect rabies has on pets, it is vital that you give your dog the proper pet care, and vaccination for rabies is one such measure you can take. Rabies affects all mammals and the argument for inoculating your pet is that there is always the potential of a bat or other form of animal with rabies getting inside your house. But really, how likely is that in a city or suburban area? On the other hand, the arguments for and against rabies vaccinations can become moot in areas where the shots are mandatory. Check your local laws before deciding against vaccinating your pet against rabies. You could be breaking the law by not doing so.

4. How long does pregnancy last in a dog or cat? Is veterinary assisted labor and birth necessary?

This is a common pet health care concern because all species go through a reproductive cycle. The timeframe that a dog is pregnant for is 63 days and cats are pregnant for 61 days. Although pet owners who are experienced in overseeing dogs and cats give birth may not need the assistance of a veterinarian for the actual labor and birth, as soon as the puppies or kittens are born, they should be examined by a veterinarian within 24 hours.

5. How soon can a dog or cat be spayed after giving birth? Is spaying necessary?

If your dog or cat has experienced an unwanted pregnancy, you should be very concerned to ensure that it does not happen again. There are far too many unwanted puppies and kittens in this world. Generally you want to wait to spay your dog or cat until the puppies or kittens are weaned the mother's milk has dried up. As soon as these two phases have occurred, you can spay your pet.

6. Is it normal for a cat to vomit hairballs? What can you do to prevent hairballs from forming?

Certainly it is common for cats to groom themselves and ingest a large amount of fur while doing so. However, if your cat is vomiting hairballs, this means that the hair is not moving from the stomach to the small intestines. The proper pet care for his problem is to give your cat pastes, treats or food that is made to help dissolve the hairballs.

If you're a pet owner, you probably have an array of pet health questions on your mind. Although there are hundreds of common questions pet owners have, these are a few of the most frequently asked pet health questions.