Life Stage Requirements. General * * * * * * Elimination * * * * * * Oral Health * * * * * * Vaccinations * * * * * * Parasite Control * * * * * *

Transcription

1 LIFESTAGE GUIDE

2 How Old is Your Pet in Human Years ANIMAL VS HUMAN years LIFE STAGE Requirements CATS DOGS Age Small Medium Large Giant 0-15kg 15-25kg 25-40kg >40kg 3 Months Months Months Life Stage Requirements General * * * * * * Behaviour and Enviroment * * * * * * Nutrition and Weight Management * * * * * * Medical/Surgical History and Reproductive * * * * * * Elimination * * * * * * Oral Health * * * * * * Vaccinations * * * * * * Parasite Control * * * * * * Breed Specific Screening * * * * * * / - Neonate until Reproductive Maturity Junior - Reproductive mature, still growing Prime - Finished growing stucturally and socially Mature Mature - Middle to Last 25% of life expectancy Senior - Last 25% of expected life expectancy Geriatric - At and beyond life expectancy 1 Reference - AAHA Lifestage recommendations;asava standards of care;pedigree age calculator dogs. 2

3 General GENERAL Requirements Physical Exam * 12 mth 12 mth 6 mth 6 mth 6 mth Review of Medications/Supplements * * * * * * Grooming Nails, Ears & Coat * * * * * * Microchip * Council Requirements * * * * * * Congenital Disorders * Individual Baseline Checks * * * * * Insurance * * * * * * Physical Exam This is performed at every consult for every life stage. A thorough exam of all the major body systems is performed in a systematic approach from head to tail. This includes eyes, ears, dental health, Heart rate and rhythm, respiratory rate, temperature, abdominal palpation and skin check. A more thorough exam is performed on any areas of concern, depending on the consultation reason. As pets enter their Mature-geriatric life stages, it is highly recommended to have them health checked, and a physical exam performed every 6 months. Meds/Supplements Any long term medications are reviewed at each visit. A blood test is recommended every 12 months for any animals on long term medication,this is to check internal organ function, long medication can be for pets with heart disease, behaviour modification medication, skin conditions and arthritis in older pets. Grooming All dogs and cats need regular grooming. Cats should be brushed at least twice a week to avoid matting of their coats. Dogs also need to be brushed at least twice a week and will need to be bathed every 3-4 weeks to keep their coat and skin healthy and free from dirt. Medium to long haired dogs may also need to be clipped every 2-3 months. Regular check of your pets ears is recommended, dogs with droopy ears will need their ears cleaned on a regular basis, to avoid otitis (ear infections) developing. Some breeds of dogs such as Poodles and Cocker Spaniels, will also need to have the hair plucked from their ears, if it is predisposing them to infections. We can recommend an ear cleaner to be used to clean the ears. Both dogs and cats will need their nails clipped, you can do this yourself or we are more than happy to do it for you. Dogs and cats that have access to hard surfaces to wear nails down will need less regular checks as the nails will naturally wear down on surfaces like footpaths, roads and scratching posts. Older pets that may not be as active will need nails checked more frequently. Both dogs and cats have dewclaws these need to be trimmed regularly as they do not come in contact with the ground or surfaces. If the dew claws are left to grow long, they can become caught on material surfaces and can tear. Microchip and Council Requirements Microchipping of dogs and cats is mandatory in NSW. All dogs and cats must be registered by 6 months of age with the council. If your pet goes missing, this allows the vet or pound to use the microchip to reunite a lost pet with its owner. Council Requirements may differ from area to area ensure you contact your local council to make sure you are compliant with requirements for both dogs and cats. If you are unsure of your local council we are more than happy to help you. Congenital Disorders Some breeds are predisposed to various congenital disorders. These can be viewed on a website by Sydney University at This data may assist future pet owners when deciding which breed of puppy and kitten they are interested in. Individual Baselines When a pet reaches Junior - Geriatric Life stages, it is recommended that your pet have a blood test to identify an individual baseline. This allows us to test your pets internal health and record baselines that in future will allow us to monitor the internal health of your dog or cat. Comparing these tests can allow us to pick up any changes in the function of major organs such as liver, kidney, red and white blood cells. Early detection of any abnormalities may prevent major diseases from progressing and may therefore prolong the life of your pet. Insurance A large proportion of owners are now insuring their pets for Accident/Illness/Comprehensive cover, with some Insurance companies offering up to 100% rebate on pet insurance claims. Our Client Care Team can provide you with a comparison of the various different Insurance companies to help make your choice easier. BEHAVIOUR AND Behaviour & Environment Environmental Exercise Needs * * * * * * Environmental Enrichment * * * * * * Lifestyle * * * * * * Travel * * * * * * Socialisation * * Exercise Needs All Pets need exercise to help with both physical and mental fitness. The level of exercise that is needed is very dependant from pet to pet. It is a great question to discuss with us to determine the best time and intensity that is best for your pet. Environmental Enrichment This is very important for mental health in conjunction with regular exercise. Enrichment keeps your pet stimulated and can reduce many behaviour based problems we see with our pets. Things that are included in enrichment are toys, training exercises and simle training techniques. Ask us today for some suggestions. Lifestyle Your pet s lifestyle can be different for every pet, these include where they live apartments, big backyards, living solely or in multiple pet households. We must take their lifestyle into consideration when recommending enrichment techniques and to prevent certain behaviours being presented in the future. Travel Travel and transportation for our pets can be traumatic or simply a great deal of fun for them. We can introduce travel to them in stages and even make the experience positive ones from the start. Cats are a great example, from when they are kittens we should introduce their carry boxes to them to get a familiar with it at their own speed rather than just bring it out to transport them to the vet or boarding facility. Socialisation At the age of 5-12 weeks is key socialisation period, We need to be proactive in exposing the puppy and kittens to as many new positive experiences as possible during this key period. Toilet training, managing mouthing, introduction to other dogs, cats and other family pets, puppy socialisation classes and training. As puppies get older we need to reinforce socialisation and continue new positive experiences. Any behaviour issues dealt with now reduce major problems in the future. Train via positive reinforcement. Positive Reinforcement techniques of training are of greater benefit than punishment or dominance techniques. 3 4

4 NUTRITION AND WEIGHT Management MEDICAL SURGICAL AND Reproductive Nutrition and Weight Management Size Specific Nutrition * * Lifestage Nutrition * * * * * * Body Condition * * * * * * Textures and Variety * * Post Desexing Nutrition * Weightloss Nutrition * * * * * Supplements and Vitamins * * * * * * Size Specific Nutrition Different sized breeds have different nutritional requirements. There are diets specifically formulated for certain breeds/sizes of pets. We can assist you in selecting the best nutritional regime for your pet. Lifestage Nutrition Each life-stage requires different ratios of nutrients. The nutrient profile required for a rapidly growing puppy or kitten is different to that required by our senior pets, for example, starting your new puppy or kitten on a good quality paediatric diet is important to ensure they get the best start in life. A feeding schedule and good feeding and watering habits, including portion control, should be established during puppy and kittenhood. To ensure optimum nutrition through life, our pets are transitioned to adult diets appropriate for their life stage. Body Conditioning Score Our aim is to maintain the body condition score (BCS) within the normal range throughout life. The BCS will be assessed at every veterinary visit so we can evaluate if there are any changes needed in the diet. Textures and Variety Young animals should be introduced to a variety of food flavours and textures (e.g. bones, kibble) as early as possible. Post Desexing Nutrition Caloric needs decrease after desexing. There are diets available specifically for puppies and kittens once they have been desexed. Weightloss Nutrition Obesity in our pets can contribute to many health problems including diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis. There are diets which can assist with weight loss in your pet. Supplements and Vitamins There are many different supplements and vitamins available. We will advise you as to whether any of them is appropriate for your pet. Medical, Surgical and Reproductive Desexing * * * Reproductive Pros and Cons * * * * Urinary Health * * * * * * Elimination Habits * * - * * * Desexing Surgical removal of the reproductive organs. This is important to prevent unwanted pregnancy, reduce the risk of hormone related disease such as mammary tumors, testicular tumors, pyometron and prostatic disease. Desexing is recommended from 5-6 months onwards. It is best to wait until the adult teeth have erupted to ensure normal adult dentition. Larger breeds of dogs it is recommended to wait until dogs are fully grown at months to benefit bone and joint development and reduce the risk of joint problems. Desexing can help reduce hormone driven behavioural issues such as territorialism and aggression however it is not a cure for these issues once they have developed. Reproductive There is no behavioural or health benefit to allowing a female or male dog have a litter. Leaving pets as entire is a health choice that requires increased monitoring at home with monthly mammary gland and testicle checks in all adult animals (to ensure no lumps are developing), an awareness of when a bitch is on heat to prevent unwanted pregnancy and regular prostate checks for male dogs. Urinary Tract Health Young animals can be born with congenital abnormalities such as ectopic ureters, patent urachus and vaginal strictures that lead to an inability for proper toilet training, excessive licking at the genitals and incontinence. Older animals are more prone to bacterial infections as well as kidney disease. Elimination Habits Once normal toileting habits are established it is important to note that changes can be a sign of stress and poor health. s often take a while to be toilet trained and positive reinforcement is an important step to establish these behaviours. school can be very helpful in determining the correct training pathway for toilet training. s are often quickly litter trained as they are fastidious about cleanliness. If they lose their litter training it may be due to a new litter, change in position of the litter box or stress. Older animals that lose their toileting behaviours may have trouble coordinating the litter box or stairs with arthritis and pain. Age related brain deterioration and underlying kidney and liver problems can also lead to inappropriate toileting. 5 6

5 Oral Health ORAL Health Conditioning * * Dental Grading * * * * * * Congenital Disorders * Home Care * * * * * * Dental Health Plan * * Conditioning Training our pets to let us lift the lip for an oral exam. Puppies and kittens should have their mouths regularly touched and examined from a young age to train them to allow a thorough oral examination. Brushing your pets teeth has been shown to be the most effective way to prevent dental disease and this should start at a young age around 10 weeks. Pet toothbrushes, flavoured toothpaste positive reinforcement and rewards can make this process an enjoyable treat for your puppy or kitten. Congenital Disorders Puppies and kittens can have abnormal dentition from birth. If this is identified early the condition can be corrected with prophylactic dental work. Oral examination is part of every vet check and especially important at the first vet check. Dental Grading A guide to evaluate dental disease. Grade 0-4 dental disease is an assessment of the amount of tartar formation, gingivitis and periodontal disease. We will assess this at every vet check to allow early intervention and treatment with dental prophylaxis and management plan. Home Care This is the most important step for ongoing oral care and involves dental specific foods, water additives to aid tartar reduction and home brushing of teeth and gums. Royal Canin Dental and Hills t/d are the two available prescription diets that have been proven to reduce plaque formation. These dry foods work through a mechanical action to brush the teeth and a chemical action to reduce tartar formation. Healthy Mouth is a water additive that controls plaque formation.tooth Brushing: this should be done daily with a toothbrush and pet formulated toothpaste. Dental Chews such as Greenies have been shown to help reduce dental disease. VACCINATIONS Vaccinations Vaccinations * * * * * * Diseases * * * Vaccine Regime * * * Vaccine Titres * * * * Diseases Dogs: Canine Distemper (CDV), Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2), Canine Adenovirus/Hepatitis (CAV-1/2), Canine Parainfluenza virus (CPiV) and Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) Cats: Feline Panleukopenia/Enteritis virus (FPV), Feline Herpesvirus-1/Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1, cat flu component) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV, cat flu component) Vaccine Regime Puppies and s should be vaccinated with Core vaccinations, C3 (CDV, CPV-2, CAV-1/2) and F3 (FPV, FHV-1, FCV) respectively, every 3-4 weeks between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks (ie. at 6-8, and weeks). To minimise the risk of maternal antibody interference with vaccination, the final dose of the initial series should be administered between weeks of age. Dogs should be vaccinated against Kennel Cough (CPiV and Bb) with a single intranasal dose, in conjunction with the second or third puppy C3 dose, followed by an annual Kennel Cough booster vaccination every year. Dogs (Puppies) completing the initial C3 vaccination series by 16 wks of age or younger should receive a booster vaccination no later than 1 year after completion of the initial series and then be revaccinated with C3 core vaccination every 3 years thereafter. Cats (s) completing the initial F3 vaccination series by 16 wks of age or younger should receive a booster vaccination no later than 1 year after completion of the initial series and then be revaccinated with F3 core vaccination every year thereafter. Additional vaccinations are available for animals in high risk groups or locations for other infectious diseases, such as Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV), Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV), Leptospirosis, Chlamydophila, Rabies etc and can be discussed with your Veterinarian. Vaccine Titres Serological testing of antibody titres to CDV, CPV and CAV can be performed to assess the degree and duration of individual immunity, to guide when repeat C3 vaccination of dogs is necessary. There is limited availability of serological testing for vaccinal antibody response in the cat. Antibody testing for FIV and FeLV is used to diagnose disease and should always be performed before vaccinating against these diseases. Dental Health Plan This plan is used in conjunction with home care to keep your pets teeth healthy for longer, reducing the pain and inflammation caused by tooth decay. Included in the preventative health program is unlimited dental checks, photograph recordings on your pets medical record and a dental scale and polish. This program is for animals from 1 to 7 years of age. 7 8

6 Parasite Control PARASITE Control Internal Parasites * * * * * * External Parasites * * * * * * Zoonotic Disease * * * * * * Some diseases that can be transferred from pets to humans are Hydatid disease, Animal bites, Cat Scratch Fever, Giardia, Toxoplasmosis, Ringworm to name a few. Prevention is always better than cure for these diseases. Fortunately the occurrence of zoonotic disease is uncommon and contact with zoonotic disease agents is preventable by taking a number of precautions.some diseases that can be transferred from pets to humans are Hydatid disease, Animal bites, Cat Scratch Fever, Giardia, Toxoplasmosis, Ringworm to name a few. Prevention is always better than cure for these diseases. BREED SPECIFIC Screening Internal Parasites (Endoparasites) Intestinal worms: Tapeworms, Whipworms, Hookworms, Heartworm (canine prevalence),roundworms External Parasites (Ectoparasites) Fleas, Ticks, Mites,Ear Mites,Lice Parasites are organisms who s survival is dependent on another host your dog or cat! Their control and prevention is key to maintain optimum health, as their existence can be to the detriment of your pet, and sometimes fatal. Some parasites can also impact human health, adding to the importance of effective preventative measures. Detection for these may be as simple as a visual exam, or more involved microscopic examination of skin scrapes, faecal analysis, or blood testing. Products for the prevention of the most common parasites found in small animals are numerous and vary on their active compound, forms of application, and spectrum / duration of activity. Neonate Junior stages Puppies and kittens need more frequent intestinal worming treatments than adults because they are often serially re-infected by nursing the mother, and from the environment. They also harbor the migrating parasite larvae, that then later develop into adults and lay eggs. Puppies and kittens should be routinely de-wormed beginning at 2 weeks, repeated every 2 weeks until 8 weeks of age. Thereafter, we recommend puppies to be wormed every month until 6 months of age, then at least every 3 months for life. The effectiveness of the initial de-worming, then of the monthly control product, and general compliance should be monitored by performing a faecal examination 2 to 4 times in the first year. Routine external parasite protection fleas, ticks (where endemic) and mites/lice if skin disease associated. Heartworm blood testing in pups if older than 6 months before starting treatment routine heartworm prevention thereafter and further testing as indicated. s require worming every 3 months from 12 weeks onward Adult Geriatric Stages Year-round internal and external parasite control intestinal worms and other transmissible intestinal parasites, flea and tick as standard treatments, and heartworm preventative should be an integral part of your pet s health care, throughout its whole life. Faecal examination should be performed 1 to 2 times annually thereafter into adult life, depending on the age of the animal and its prior history of infection. Heartworm testing if treatment lapsed or within a high risk area. Life Stage Requirements Breed Specific Screening Disease Screening - - * * * * Reproductive Screening * * * Disease Screening Our pets can be born with a genetic propensity to develop certain diseases. Early identification at puppy and kitten checks of those breed specific disease that need to be tested and monitored Reproductive Screening Responsible breeding of our pets requires early identification of genetic disease that may indicate whether a dam or sire is a suitable candidate for breeding. Breed Specific Screening Please see below for some usefull links to reputable websites for further breed specific diseases Sydney University Breed database World Small Animal Veterinary Association Guidlelines Orthopedic Foundation of America Zoonotic Disease There are many disease agents that can cause disease in multiple species of animals including humans. These diseases are called zoonoses. Pets owners can also be at at risk from those zoonoses that can be transmitted by family pets. Some people are more susceptible to contracting a zoonotic disease due to their immune status, for example those people who are on immunosuppressive treatment, pregnant women and diabetics. 9 10

7 CLINIC LOCATIONS VetMed Randwick Frenchmans Road Ph: (02) VetMed Northbridge 148 Sailors Bay Road Ph: (02) VetMed West Lindfield 10 Moore Avenue Ph: (02) #vetmedsydney