MARKtoe! JUNIE 2024 - Uitgawe 116 | Page 54

PETS

ideal time to take your new puppy away from his mother is between 6 and 8 weeks . Immediately vaccinate and deworm the puppy if the breeder hasn ’ t already done so . Insist on a certificate from a vet as proof . Puppies should receive a series of 3 to 4 vaccinations starting at 6 weeks of age , with intervals of 3 to 4 weeks . Only one or even two vaccinations cannot provide sufficient long-term protection against diseases .

VACCINATIONS

Your vet will guide you on the best program in your area . After the initial series of vaccinations , the recommendation is that dogs be vaccinated annually , although this may vary slightly depending on the vaccine your vet uses and the diseases involved . As a general rule , dogs are vaccinated against distemper , parvovirus , adenovirus , parainfluenza , and hepatitis . Rabies vaccination is mandatory in some parts of our country and recommended everywhere . In some areas , leptospirosis vaccination is advisable .

SPAYING , NEUTERING AND TAIL DOCKING

Docking puppies ’ tails is illegal . Vets can only do it if there is a medical reason . If your puppy ’ s tail has been docked by the breeder , make sure the wound is completely healed . Spaying and neutering are recommended for various reasons . The main reason , in my opinion , is to try to limit the growth of the dog population with associated animal welfare problems .

However , there are also behavioural and health considerations .

Females spayed before their first heat will not get mammary cancer . Most vets will recommend that your dog be spayed at around 6 months . Some animal welfare organisations spay and neuter dogs ( and cats ) much younger than this . More recent studies indicate that there are definite breed differences when it comes to the optimal age . Certain breeds , like Golden Retrievers , show an increase in joint problems and certain cancers if spayed or neu-

54 MARKtoe ! Junie 2024