Steps to ensure animals get the most out of life
There are several ways to help your dog or cat live a longer and healthier life. Veterinarian Kitty Wong from The Ark Veterinary Hospital in Sai Ying Pun shares some tips on getting your pet to its golden years.
Preventative medicine is the best solution when it comes to fighting disease and illness so vaccinations are a top priority for puppies and kittens.
Your pet should receive its first vaccinations at six to eight weeks, then its second round at 10 to 12 weeks, and a third round at 14 to 16 weeks.
'After their vaccinations they should get annual vaccinations to boost their immunity [to various viruses]. This stimulates their systems so they have the sufficient amount of antibodies,' says Wong.
Vaccinations for dogs usually include canine distemper virus, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza, while cats usually receive shots for herpes, calicivirus and feline chlamydia.
'We see a lot of animals because we are an emergency clinic, and some come in with the parvovirus. These are animals that are 100 per cent indoor pets, but that doesn't mean vaccinations aren't necessary,' Wong says. Without vaccinations, she adds, contracting a virus could lead to major organ failure and heart problems.
'Hong Kong has a heartworm problem, and we see a lot of dogs that don't have heartworm prevention,' Wong says.
If your dog goes outside, it's particularly important to receive either an annual injection, monthly tablet or use spot-on protection since the condition is transmitted by mosquitos.
With Hong Kong's hot and humid climate, flea and tick prevention is a must. 'We have tick fever in Hong Kong, which can be life-threatening,' explains Wong. 'It's transmitted by a blood-born parasite, and you really need to do monthly prevention.'
Keeping your dog or cat's teeth free of decay isn't only for a winning smile. Wong says the American Veterinary Dental Society recommends owners schedule dental appointments every six months. Poor oral hygiene can lead to excess bacterial plaque, which can spread through the body and cause systemic illnesses, she says.
'A lot of times, Chinese people won't fix a dog's teeth, not because of the cost or because they don't believe in it, but because of the anaesthetic [risk],' says Wong.
Problems can occur as young as one year old for kittens that have sensitive gums, and for dogs that have a large tartar build-up.
Desexing your dog or cat, which should occur at about six months of age, is another key step in helping your pet live longer.
Female cats and dogs that are not spayed can develop mammary cancer or pyometra (infection of the uterus) during their middle or old age.
