Can Vet Assistants Give Vaccines?
When you bring your dog or cat in for vaccinations, you may meet several members of the veterinary team. A veterinarian will examine your pet, while a veterinary technician or assistant helps with their care. So, who actually gives the vaccine? It depends on the vaccine, the team member’s training and state requirements. Some vaccines […]
What Vaccines Do Dogs Need Yearly?
Not every dog vaccine is given once a year. Some are needed annually, while others protect your dog for up to three years at a time. The vaccines given yearly are usually leptospirosis, a core vaccine, along with several non-core lifestyle vaccines. The right schedule depends on your dog’s age, where you live, and how […]
Can Dogs Eat Candy? The Halloween Ingredient That’s Riskier Than Chocolate
Can dogs eat candy? No. And the ingredient most likely to send a dog to the vet is not chocolate. It is xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free candies and gums, and it can be toxic to dogs in much smaller amounts than chocolate can. Other candies can cause choking, stomach upset, or […]
Can Cats Eat Chocolate? What to Know Before Halloween
Chocolate is toxic to cats, and Halloween puts a lot more of it within paw’s reach than usual. Cats are less likely to show an interest in chocolate than dogs, but a curious one may still investigate a candy bowl or an open trick-or-treat bag. This is what to watch for and how to keep […]
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate? A Halloween Safety Guide
Halloween brings a lot of candy into the house, and dogs are quick to investigate anything that smells sweet. So here is the direct answer: no, dogs cannot safely eat chocolate. It is toxic to them, and the risk climbs during a holiday built around bowls of treats left within reach. This guide explains why […]
What Is the Leptospirosis Vaccine for Dogs?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection dogs can catch from puddles, ponds, and damp soil, and it can be dangerous for pets and people alike. The leptospirosis vaccine for dogs is a routine immunization and one of the most effective ways to protect against it. This article covers what the vaccine protects against, which dogs need […]
What Is the Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs?
If your dog goes to daycare, boarding, training classes or spends a lot of time around other dogs, you may have been asked if they have had the Bordetella vaccine. But what does it protect against, and does every dog need it? The Bordetella vaccine helps protect dogs against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that can […]
What Is the Distemper Vaccine for Dogs?
If your veterinarian has recommended a distemper vaccine for your dog, you may wonder what it protects against and why it matters. Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious illness in dogs. It can affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems, and in some cases, it can be fatal. The […]
What Is a DHPP Vaccine for Dogs?
The DHPP vaccine is a core combination shot that protects your dog against four serious viral diseases in a single injection. It is one of the most important vaccines your dog will receive, from their first months as a puppy through their adult years. Below, we walk through what DHPP protects against, when your dog […]
What Vaccines Do Dogs Need?
Vaccinations are an important part of keeping your dog healthy, but not every dog needs exactly the same vaccines. The right plan depends on factors such as your dog’s age, health, lifestyle and where they spend their time. Some vaccines are recommended for most dogs because they protect against serious diseases. Others may be recommended […]
