When you get a pet home, it becomes a part of your fam quite instantly. Losing the sight of your dear dog or seeing him coughing makes your heart skip a beat every time. To get him microchipped and vaccinated fully is the best prevention against these mini heartaches.
Well, if these incidences don’t freak you out enough, here is a practical proof of why it is important to microchip and vaccinate your dog.
The Importance of Microchipping
According to the American Humane Association, nearly 10 million pets are stolen or go missing each year. In such misery, the best defense that pet owners have against this is- ‘microchipping’. It is a simple and inexpensive technique that can be done at the vet. Dogs can be easily microchipped for a charge of about $50. It is estimated that more than one million pets have been returned home because of this technique. Here are a few more reasons to get your dog microchipped right away.
- It doesn’t hurt much
Getting microchipping done is as simple and pain-free as getting a shot. It most likely hurts about as much as it does while vaccination.
- It’s a simple and inexpensive process
The microchip is really small (about the size of a grain of rice). It is inserted into a soft area on the back and the procedure costs around $50. Simple and inexpensive.
- It could save your dog’s life
If your dog is stolen or lost, microchipping could be the key to getting him back home. You’ll be united in no time provided that someone finds him and gets him scanned.
- It is a proof of ownership
If your dog is stolen and gets scanned somewhere, your information is likely to appear. It’s important to register the chip with the database as it’s a proof of ownership. It’s a fast way for your stolen dog to be returned to you.
- If your dog loves outdoor, it’s a savior
Some dogs love to roam around outside and never miss a chance to flee. It’s mandatory for such dogs to get microchipped. You can relax and let him out to wander around while you’re not around. After microchipping, if he loses track, he can hopefully be returned to you.
- It’s a onetime process
Microchipping is a onetime process. As when inserted, it’ll stay there for your dog’s lifetime. There’s just a onetime fee for the insertion and a small yearly membership fee, if it helps you find your dog.
- Better than a collar or tag
A microchip once inserted won’t go anywhere unlike a collar or tag which can easily be removed.
Microchipping is must for your dog’s safety
Most adoptable dogs coming from a rescue group or shelter are already given a microchip. If your dog hasn’t got one, you should take this extra preventive for your dog. It doesn’t matter if your dog stays exclusively indoors or if he loves the outdoors; microchipping is must for the safety of your dog.
The Importance of Vaccinations
There are still no cures for most viruses that affect dogs today. But remember- ‘prevention is better than cure’. Unvaccinated puppies have higher chances of falling prey to parvovirus, which can be deadly, and Kennel Cough, another very common disease that we notice in dogs of all ages. These diseases and many others can be prevented just by a simple vaccination.
To ensure that your dog’s immune system is always ready to combat against diseases, we recommend yearly booster vaccinations. To help protect your dog, it will be wise to vaccinate him against deadly diseases. The vaccinations will protect your dog against:
- Parvo virus
It’s a viral infection that leads to severe diarrhea and vomiting resulting in dehydration. This disease has a bad history with nearly 25% of cases proving fatal. It usually affects puppies although adult dogs can be infected too. It totally damages the dog’s immune system and is highly contagious.
- Canine Influenza
Canine influenza is a respiratory infection in dogs triggered by the H3N8 Type A influenza virus. Dogs infected by canine influenza show symptoms like low-grade fever, coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy and reduced appetite. In some cases, the cough may continue for some weeks.
- Distemper
It’s a viral infection that leads to respiratory and neurological diseases and causes vomiting, diarrhea etc. If not treated well in time, it can be fatal.
- Canine Hepatitis
Canine Hepatitis causes severe harm to the liver and kidneys. It can be deadly too. Proper vaccination is the only prevention against this disease.
- Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection which results in organ failure and requires rehydration, antibiotics and organ damage regulator which is much more expensive than the preventive vaccine. Also, it can be transmitted to humans so you’ll have to be extra careful about the symptoms like Vomiting and Diarrhea (with drops of blood), High fever, Jaundice (liver failure), Dehydration, Dark urine, and Fatigue.
- Kennel Cough
It is a very common and harsh hacking cough. It is extremely contagious between dogs so vaccination is highly recommended.
- Adenovirus
This causes hepatitis, which can also be deadly. A vaccine is a great preventive measure though.
- Para-Influenza
It’s a respiratory virus that is another element of kennel cough. Vaccination lessens the chances of your dog catching this infection and reduces the harshness of the infection if your dog does get infected.
Vaccination is must for dogs of all ages
It’s always a good time to start a vaccination routine even for an older dog. Consult your vet as he will be able to guide you on this. Senior dogs have a weaker immune system so it is essential to keep them vaccinated. Also, their regular check-ups and annual boosters should be up to date. Also, most kennels do not take dogs for boarding without checking for an up to date vaccination record.
For that reason, it is sensible to ensure that your dogs have their vaccinations and annual boosters. If his vaccinations aren’t followed properly, his immunity to disease will be deteriorated.
Keeping your dog microchipped and vaccinated could save his life.