Annual bloodwork, which is especially important in pets over 6 years of age, allows us to evaluate their overall health and can determine which medications are safe and most effective. Our doctors may recommend a urinalysis as part of senior labwork to assess for signs of declining kidney function. This is due to the fact that over 70% of a cat’s total kidney mass must be compromised before values increase in the blood. A urinalysis may catch decreased kidney function early so we can make some changes to support them.

When choosing a food, it is critical you see the words “Formulated to meet AAFCO standards” written somewhere on the label. This means the food is nutritionally complete and no further supplementation is necessary. If you feed a raw diet, this rule of thumb still applies! For a raw diet that is nutritionally complete, check out Darwin’s (www.darwins.com). If you want to feed a home cooked diet that is nutritionally complete, please go to www.balanceit.com to ensure you are meeting your pet’s vitamin and mineral requirements in the correct rations. (Let the nutritionists do the calculations for you!)

Treats should make up no more than 10% of a pet’s diet. Do not trust the recommended treat allowance on the bag. They just want you to buy more treats! Obesity is a huge health concern, especially for indoor-only cats, contributing to diabetes, urinary issues, and arthritis pain. Instead of giving them treats to show you care, see if they enjoy playing with wand toys or laser pointers.

We have chosen HomeAgain microchips, because they are the least likely to migrate after they have been placed. If your pet is missing in the first year after the HomeAgain chip is implanted, they will actively search via email blasts to pet hospitals, shelters, and rescues in the area. After a year, this program can be optionally renewed. The microchip identification itself never expires for the rest of the pet’s life. More information on HomeAgain microchips and their recovery program is available at https://public.homeagain.com/ Most pets from animal shelters, rescue groups, or breeders are already microchipped. It is imperative that you keep your pet’s contact information connected to the chip updated. If you need to update your contact information, you can do so via the Microchip Universal Lookup Database at http://www.petmicrochiplookup.org/

Rabies vaccines should be kept up-to-date since this disease is both fatal and zoonotic (can be passed on to people). The first rabies vaccination should be given between around 16 weeks of age. If a kitten is traveling to another state, the federal government requires vaccinating as young as 12 weeks for attaining a health certificate. The rabies vaccine should be repeated annually with a non-adjuvented brand, which helps to reduce the risk of a vaccine reaction. Rabies titers show if cats have been infected with rabies, not if they are protected against it. Therefore, the government will not accept a rabies titer in lieu of proof of vaccination if a cat has bitten someone or has possibly been exposed to this disease through infected wildlife.

The Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine is a core vaccine and is especially important for kittens. Kittens should have 3 sets of this vaccine, starting at 9 weeks of age, prior to going outside or being around other cats (with unknown vaccine/health backgrounds). If this vaccine is given before 9 weeks of age, maternal antibodies may interact render it ineffective. FVRCP vaccines are recommended again at 1 year of age and then every 3 years after that. Unfortunately titer testing has not been shown to reliably indicate if a cat is protected from these viruses and is not recommended at this time.

The Feline Leukemia (FeLV) vaccine is optional. This organism is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids (i.e. biting, mating, or giving birth) and the vaccine is recommended for all cats that go outside where they may come into contact with infected cats. Cats that are new to the home should be tested for this virus prior to the FeLV vaccination; only a few drops of blood are needed to screen for it. There is a 1 in 10,000 chance that a cat may develop a vaccine associated sarcoma at the injection site for this vaccine. That being said, the risks of contracting this virus from an infected cat is much higher. The initial vaccine must be boostered after 3 weeks, then is given annually. All new kittens/cats coming into a household with other cats should be tested prior to introduction. Recent research suggests kittens vaccinated for FeLV may develop a lifelong immunity.

Please note that in smaller or sensitive cats, we will sometimes recommend breaking up the vaccines so they are not all given at once. Please feel free to request this at any time.

Fecal Testing: Our doctors always recommend bringing in a fecal sample for a new pet and then rechecking a sample annually. Even if a pet has been dewormed or is on a monthly preventative, there are certain parasites (such as coccidia and giardia) that deworming medication will not eradicate. Many fecal parasites are transmissible to people, so it is important to develop good handwashing habits, especially after petting a new cat or cleaning the litterbox.

When bringing in a fecal sample for testing, please help our staff by making sure that the sample is as fresh as possible. If the sample cannot be brought into the hospital until the next day, please keep it in the refrigerator until it can be taken to the clinic. The amount of stool needed to adequately run the test is about the size of a sugar cube. Please make sure when you bring in the sample that it is in a sealed container.

If you have multiple pets and need to figure out which fecal sample belongs to which pet, you can shave color crayons into the food, using a different color for each pet. Crayons are non-toxic and tasteless. Pick a fun color for our technicians!

Heartworm Testing and Prevention: Heartworm is new to the Portland area but is very prevalent to the east and south. As it gets warmer in Oregon, more cases of heartworm are showing up. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitos. Even if your cat isn’t the “outdoor type,” uninvited mosquitos will frequently find a way inside your home.

Heartworm is a life threatening condition and the treatment for it can be fatal. Fortunately, the prevention of heartworm for your cat is easy! Revolution is a topical preventative that can prevent cats from getting heartworm, as well as intestinal worms, ear mites, and fleas. Cats do not need a heartworm test prior to starting a preventative.

Monthly Deworming: With the mild, wet climate of the Pacific Northwest, worms tend to thrive here. They are spread through contact with infected feces and can be transmitted to people, especially children and anyone who is immunocompromised. Wildlife that frequent residential yards at night are often carriers. Once some of these parasites get in the soil, they can stay there for years. If your pet is a hunter, they are exposed to worms on a regular basis through their prey. Also, be aware that 15% of potting soil contains roundworm; gardening gloves have never sounded so necessary!

Monthly Flea Prevention: Due to the warmer temperatures of our climate, this area also has a thriving flea population. Some cats and people are extremely sensitive to flea bites which can lead to severe dermatitis. In order to prevent a flea infestation in your home, all pets in the household should continue monthly flea treatments, even if they are indoor only. Flea collars and shampoo do not prevent fleas.

Fleas love carpeting and upholstery. The eggs stay in the fibers until they are ready to hatch. To help control the flea population in the environment of your home, you can vacuum several times a week with a flea collar in the vacuum bag.

Diatomaceous earth does kill fleas and limits the egg population by dehydrating them but it also has been known to destroy vacuum cleaners. Diatoms are sharp with a consistency similar to ground glass and are not recommended for use around bare feet. They can be used in a yard, especially under bushes and trees where fleas tend to hide.

Annual bloodwork, which is especially important in pets over 6 years of age, allows us to evaluate their overall health and can determine which medications are safe and most effective. Our doctors may recommend a urinalysis as part of senior labwork to assess for signs of declining kidney function. This is due to the fact that over 70% of a dog’s total kidney mass must be compromised before values increase in the blood. A urinalysis may catch decreased kidney function early so we can make some changes to support them.

In general, puppies should be on puppy food until 6 months to 1 year of age. Large and giant breeds should be on puppy food labeled for large breeds, as they need a different calcium to phosphorus ratio for their fast growing bones. If you have questions about what food your pet should be on, please feel free to discuss it with one of our veterinarians.

When choosing a food, it is critical you see the words “Formulated to meet AAFCO standards” written somewhere on the label. This means the food is nutritionally complete and no further supplementation is necessary. If you feed a raw diet, this rule of thumb still applies! For a raw diet that is nutritionally complete, check out Darwin’s (www.darwins.com).

If you want to feed a home cooked diet that is nutritionally complete, please go to www.balanceit.com to ensure you are meeting your pet’s vitamin and mineral requirements in the correct rations. (Let the nutritionists do the calculations for you!)

Treats should make up no more than 10% of a pet’s diet. Do not trust the recommended treat allowance on the bag. They just want you to buy more treats! Obesity is a huge health concern which can take years off your dog’s life. Instead of giving them treats to show you care, try playing with them or going for a walk instead. Here is a list of some healthy, low-calorie treats to try: baby carrots, ice cubes, dried sweet potatoes, frozen blueberries or green beans. You might be surprised at how much your dog loves these snacks!

We have chosen HomeAgain microchips, because they are the least likely to migrate after they have been placed. If your pet is missing in the first year after the HomeAgain chip is implanted, they will actively search via email blasts to pet hospitals, shelters, and rescues in the area. After a year, this program can be optionally renewed. The microchip identification itself never expires for the rest of the pet’s life. More information on HomeAgain microchips and their recovery program is available at https://public.homeagain.com/ Most pets from animal shelters, rescue groups, or breeders are already microchipped. It is imperative that you keep your pet’s contact information connected to the chip updated. If you need to update your contact information, you can do so via the Microchip Universal Lookup Database at http://www.petmicrochiplookup.org/

Rabies vaccines are required for licensing your dog in Washington County. The first Rabies vaccination should be given at about 16 weeks of age. If a puppy is traveling to another state, the federal government requires vaccinating as young as 12 weeks for attaining a health certificate. This vaccine should be repeated at 1 year of age and then every 3 years after that. Rabies titers show if dogs have been infected with Rabies, not if they are protected against it. Therefore, the government will not accept a Rabies titer in lieu of vaccinating.

The Distemper, Adenovirus, and Parvovirus (DAP) vaccine is a core vaccine and is especially important for puppies. Puppies should have 3 sets of this vaccine, starting at 9 weeks of age prior to going to dog parks or being in areas where other dogs (with unknown vaccine/health backgrounds) frequent. If this vaccine is given prior to 9 weeks of age, maternal antibodies can interact with the vaccine rendering it ineffective. DAP vaccines are recommended again at 1 year of age and then every 3 years after that. Alternatively, after the puppy series, we can test for protective titers with a blood draw every 2 years instead of vaccinating.

The Leptospirosis vaccine is optional. This organism is transmitted through infected urine of other mammals and can cause kidney failure. It can also be transmitted to people from pets. Western Oregon has a notably wet climate and if your dog plays in, or drinks from, puddles, lakes and streams, they have an increased risk of contracting this disease. This vaccine must be boostered 3 weeks after the initial shot, then given annually to be effective. The leptospirosis vaccine can be given in combination with a DAP vaccine or alone.

The Bordetella vaccine is also optional. This vaccine protects against the most common bacteria associated with kennel cough. There are many agents (both bacterial and viral) that can cause “kennel cough,” so it is important to note this vaccine does not protect against kennel cough itself. However, pets that are given this vaccine tend to be ill for a shorter amount of time and usually have less severe signs of disease. This vaccine is especially recommended for animals who go to the dog park, a groomer, or boarding facilities, where they may come in contact with other dogs’ nasal or oral secretions. It should be given once a year and is available in oral, intranasal, or injectable forms. The intranasal formulation also contains a vaccine for parainfluenza (another kennel cough pathogen) if a dog is at a higher risk.

Please note that in smaller or sensitive dogs, we will sometimes recommend breaking up the vaccines so they are not all given at once. Please feel free to request this at any time.

Fecal Testing: Our doctors always recommend bringing in a fecal sample for a new pet and then rechecking a sample annually. Even if a pet has been dewormed or is on a monthly preventative there are certain parasites (such as coccidia and giardia) that deworming medication will not eradicate. Many fecal parasites are transmissible to people, so it is important to develop good handwashing habits, especially after petting a new dog or picking up their feces.

When bringing in a fecal sample for testing, please help our staff by making sure that the sample is as fresh as possible. If the sample cannot be brought into the hospital until the next day, please keep it in the refrigerator until it can be taken to the clinic. The amount of stool needed to adequately run the test is about the size of a sugar cube. Please make sure when you bring in the sample that it is contained in a sealed container.

If you have multiple pets and need to figure out which fecal sample belongs to which pet, you can shave color crayons into the food, using a different color for each pet. Crayons are non-toxic and tasteless. Pick a fun color for our technicians!

Heartworm Testing and Prevention: A heartworm test is required prior to starting a heartworm preventative and must be rechecked every two years. The test can be run on two drops of blood and takes about 10 minutes for results. Heartworm is new to the Portland area but is very prevalent to the east and south. As it gets warmer in Oregon, more cases of heartworm are showing up. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitos. Even if your dog isn’t the “outdoor type,” uninvited mosquitos will frequently find a way inside your home.

Heartworm is a life threatening condition and the treatment for it can be fatal. Fortunately, the prevention of heartworm for your dog is easy! Puppies under 6 months of age do not need a heartworm test prior to starting preventative. This is due to fact that the preventative treats the larval stage of heartworm. The larvae take 6 months to lodge themselves in the heart and become adults.

Monthly Deworming: With the mild, wet climate of the Pacific Northwest, intestinal worms tend to thrive here! Worms are spread through contact with infected feces and can be transmitted to people, especially children and anyone who is immunocompromised. Wildlife that frequent residential yards at night are often carriers. Once some of these parasites get in the soil, they can stay there for years. If your pet is a hunter, they are exposed to intestinal worms on a regular basis through their prey. Also, be aware that 15% of potting soil contains roundworm; gardening gloves have never sounded so necessary!

Monthly Flea Prevention: Due to the warmer temperatures of our climate, this area also has a thriving flea population. Some dogs and people are extremely sensitive to flea bites which can lead to severe dermatitis. In order to prevent a flea infestation in your home, all pets in the household should continue monthly flea treatments, even if they are indoor only.

Fleas love carpeting and upholstery. The eggs stay in the fibers until they are ready to hatch. To help control the flea population in the environment of your home, you can vacuum several times a week with a flea collar in the vacuum bag.

Diatomaceous earth does kill fleas and limits the egg population by dehydrating them but it also has been known to destroy vacuum cleaners. Diatoms are sharp with a consistency similar to ground glass and are not recommended for use around bare feet. They can be used in a yard, especially under bushes and trees where fleas tend to hide.

Incomplete or improper socialization during this incredibly important time can increase the risk of behavior problems later in life which include fear, avoidance and/or aggression. Enrolling in puppy classes or taking part in socialization activities prior to three months of age can be an excellent means of improving training, strengthening the human-animal bond, and socializing puppies. For the complete recommendations from animal behaviorists regarding puppy socialization, please visit www.avsabonline.org under “Position Statements” in the Resource tab.

Puppy Play Day: We offer a puppy socialization every Saturday at 9am at Viking Veterinary Care. Puppies in attendance must have been examined by our doctors, be up-to-date on vaccines, dewormed, and must have had a negative fecal test. Toenails are checked prior to playtime to prevent scratches. Please call if you are interested in reserving a spot in our Puppy Play Day sessions! Puppies must be under 16 weeks of age and must not display aggression.