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Why do I need to vaccinate my puppy or kitten?

Why do I need to vaccinate my puppy or kitten?

by Paul Chapin, DVM
 
Puppies and kittens need vaccinations, just like children, to protect them from many dangerous, infectious diseases. When puppies and kittens are born, their immune systems have not fully developed yet and they are unable to fight off infections on their own. Fortunately, they receive temporary immunity from their mother through normal nursing.
 

Gastric Dilation-Volvulus

Gastric Dilatation (GD) or “Bloat” is a condition in dogs where the stomach becomes dilated and distended due to the accumulation of gas or fluid. The abdomen is generally distended and uncomfortable, but the condition is easily treated by emptying the stomach. This is a much less serious condition than the main topic here, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), in which the stomach fills with gas or fluid then flips on itself, trapping the gas and/or fluid inside. 
 

St. George Mobile Clinic

Spaying and neutering your pets is the best way to curb the pet overpopulation problem and prevent homeless animals from entering the shelter system. The Humane Society of Utah opened its nonprofit spay/neuter clinic in 1962, and since that time, we’ve performed hundreds of thousands of sterilization surgeries. We currently average over 10,000 dog and cat spay and neuter operations each year. There is a critical demand for help in the Washington County, Utah area.

Will's Story

Will came to our clinic for medical services in June 2020 because his urine had turned dark, and he had quit eating and drinking. Our shelter vet diagnosed Will with bladder stones, known as uroliths or cystic calculi, which are rock-like formations of minerals in the urinary bladder. In dogs, bladder stones are more common than kidney stones. For Will to regain his health, our veterinarian recommended surgery to remove the stones. The cost of this operation with a specialist is roughly $3,400.   
 

Shelter Diversion Programs

Shelter diversion through pet retention and rehoming.

We have a great facility, and we work hard to provide the best possible care for the animals who come to us, but a shelter is still a stressful place for any animal. There is a shift in the animal welfare industry to divert animals from entering the shelter system when possible, thereby reserving the space and resources for the animals who need them most.
 

Foxtail Grass Dangers

So far this season, we've been hearing increasing reports of people having to take their dogs to the veterinarian because of foxtail grass being embedded in their paws, ears, or even their nostrils or groin.
 
The grass seed awn of foxtail grass won't dissolve, and it causes pain and infection. It's barbed, so it will keep traveling through tissue one direction, and it can actually be fatal depending on where it ends up. It needs to be removed surgically.
 

What Should I Do If I Find a Stray Animal?

Please note: Utah Humane Society cannot accept stray animals. 
 
In Salt Lake County and most other counties and municipalities of Utah, it is illegal to harbor a stray animal. When individuals lose their companion animals, they tend to look at their jurisdiction’s municipal shelter. If you harbor the animal in your home instead of bringing the animal to the municipal shelter, you are depriving the rightful owner of reuniting with their companion animal. Do the right thing by informing animal services of the found animal immediately.

Cat Declawing-copy

What is Declawing?

Declawing is an unnecessary and expensive surgery that fewer vets are willing to perform and some states have banned. It is the amputation of the last bone of each toe and severing of tendons. Declawing alters the way a cat walks, their balance, and their ability to jump. For comparison, it would be like cutting our finger off at the first knuckle. 

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