Vaccinations have saved the lives of millions of cats and dogs. The benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks. Vaccination is the best way to prepare your pet’s immune system to prevent disease when the “real” infection strikes.

The great majority of pets respond well to vaccines, but as with human vaccines, there are some risks. Fortunately, serious side effects are rare. The most common side effects of vaccination are low-grade fever, depression or decreased appetite. These are usually short-lived (24 to 48 hours), require no treatment and are similar to what people experience after a flu or tetanus shot. Vomiting, diarrhea, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or extremities, and hives are some of the rare allergic reactions that can occur. These signs should be reported to your veterinarian immediately. Please advise your veterinarian if your pet has experienced an allergic reaction to vaccination in the past.

How often should you vaccinate? - Pet owners should adhere to the vaccination protocols recommended by their veterinarian. Generally, annual vaccination remains the standard for most diseases and most pets. Extended vaccination intervals may be appropriate in some cases. A vaccine appropriate for use in extended protocols is now available to protect against certain diseases in dogs. Your veterinarian will manage a vaccination schedule that’s right for your dog or cat.

Common vaccinations for dogs - Dogs must be vaccinated against Rabies and should receive the combination vaccination for Leptospirosis Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus. Your dog needs to be tested for heartworm annually or every other year if he is taking the prescribed heartworm medication year round.

Your puppy needs good food and plenty of it. At this stage of his life, he’s not likely to pig out, but he needs a balanced diet to nurture his growing bones, teeth and muscle and to maintain his hair coat and allow for developing organs. He also needs enough energy to see him through days of strenuous playing.

Commercial puppy food is best. This kind of a diet provides all the nutrient he needs, especially his energy and protein requirements. A diet labeled for “all life stages” will also provide sufficient nutrients, but because it is closer to a maintenance level, your puppy will have to eat more “All Stages” than puppy formula.

From three weeks of age up to 20 weeks, your puppy’s growth rate is astronomical, and his food intake must keep up. During this period, medium-sized dogs, such as pointers and setters, require approximately 3 1/2 lbs. of dry food to put on one pound of body weight. Large breeds require slightly less, smaller breeds a little more. If you are using canned food, use approximately one-third this amount, as these diets are more nutrient-dense.

Note: For puppies of large or giant breeds, look for special foods of lower nutrient density. With these dogs, rapid growth can exacerbate degenerative hip problems or joint disease. Although hip dysplasia is a genetic problem, overfeeding at a young age can contribute to it.

FYI: There are plenty of puppy foods out there. Once you find one your dog likes, stick to it.

Puppies are adorable and entertaining; they are awkward, playful and full of energy until they are suddenly in a deep sleep. But they can also be as troublesome as a toddler. They seem to get into everything and have a special power that enables them to find dangerous and potentially harmful objects. If you are getting a new puppy, make sure his new home is ready and safe before you bring him home.

• Household Hazards (Furniture, Slippery Floors, Stairs, Electric Cords, Small Objects, Children’s Toys, Bathrooms, Windows)
• Outdoor Hazards (Never leave them alone or unattended, and Poisonous Plants can be dangerous for your puppy)
• Check your fence for holes, and keep him company until he learns his boundaries.
• Becareful around Pools or Ponds, Garages or Storage Sheds)
• Potential Poisons (Plants, Chemicals, Ashtrays, Antifreeze, Drugs)

No house is 100 percent safe, but you can reduce risks by creating a dog-friendly environment. Be vigilant. Keep potential hazards at a minimum. Get down on the floor and look around at puppy eye level. See his world as he would see it to help make your pup’s new home safe.