Immunize Your Pets to Prevent Diseases

As we enter into the new year, I can't help but send out a reminder to everyone to be sure that your pets are immunized. We recently had an encounter with Canine Parvovirus, and have been encouraging neighbors to take their dog to their local veterinarian to be vaccinated against the deadly disease. Our neighbor's dog spent the night in the hospital after moving into a home nearby. The house was the home of a dog that died from Parvo, and could be buried nearby. Since the disease commonly causes vomiting and diarrhea, there could have been some dangerous organisms in the floor or yard.

If you have a puppy, or have a dog that has not yet been immunized, it is highly recommended for your dog's safety that you get the appropriate vaccines for your pet. This is also true for cats, and if breeding is not a factor, then you may also consider spaying or neutering your pet as well. That way you don't have an unexpected litter if your pet escapes - or worse yet, your neighbors get an unintentional litter of young ones! Be a responsible pet owner, and be prepared.