There are several ways to help your dog or cat live a longer and healthier life. Veterinarian Kitty Wong from The Ark Veterinary Hospital in Sai Ying Pun shares some tips on getting your pet to its golden years.
Preventative medicine is the best solution when it comes to fighting disease and illness so vaccinations are a top priority for puppies and kittens.
Your pet should receive its first vaccinations at six to eight weeks, then its second round at 10 to 12 weeks, and a third round at 14 to 16 weeks.
'After their vaccinations they should get annual vaccinations to boost their immunity [to various viruses]. This stimulates their systems so they have the sufficient amount of antibodies,' says Wong.
Vaccinations for dogs usually include canine distemper virus, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza, while cats usually receive shots for herpes, calicivirus and feline chlamydia.
'We see a lot of animals because we are an emergency clinic, and some come in with the parvovirus. These are animals that are 100 per cent indoor pets, but that doesn't mean vaccinations aren't necessary,' Wong says. Without vaccinations, she adds, contracting a virus could lead to major organ failure and heart problems.
'Hong Kong has a heartworm problem, and we see a lot of dogs that don't have heartworm prevention,' Wong says.