Pet Diaries

CEBU, Philippines - In my everyday veterinary experience in one of the vet clinics here in Cebu, clients from all walks of life come and go. But what catches my attention is when a cute little girl hands over her cute little puppy and says, “Please vaccinate my baby.” It’s a fulfilment, knowing that kids today are aware of various health management procedures concerning their pets like vaccinations and deworming schedules. It’s an achievement on our part that even kids are responsible pet owners and have been learning not just to feed their pets, but also to keep watch of their diet.

So, kids, if you have a newly acquired dog or if you are planning to own one, here’s a pet health guide for you to keep track of. Deworming is as essential as vaccination. Puppies as early as two weeks old should be dewormed until it reaches 12 weeks, at a two – three weeks interval. Because dogs tend to lick every thing they encounter, a quarterly deworming schedule (every three months) is recommended. DHLPPi Vaccine (5 in 1 Vaccine) is a type of vaccine given to puppies against common viral diseases including Parvoviral Enteritis and Canine Distemper (two of the most common diseases currently reported in Cebu City). This vaccine is given to puppies as early as six weeks of age at a two – three weeks interval. For puppies less than 16 weeks old, three vaccination shots are required while puppies more than 16 weeks require only two vaccination shots. A booster shot is then given one year after the first series of DHLPPi shots and then followed up every three years thereafter. Another type of vaccine is given when your dog reaches three months. This time, a single dose of Rabies Vaccine is given, followed by annual booster shots. After every vaccination procedure, your veterinarian counsels you with the basic post vaccination management practices.

There you go, kiddies, always keep in mind that prevention is still way better than cure and that a sound and healthy puppy reflects a sound and responsible pet owner.