Dr. Audhhumla's Veterinary Advice

Dog Breed of the Week - Keeshond

2009-03-20T23:48:00.005-06:00

The dog breed featured this week is the Keeshond. The Keeshond is a medium-sized dog with a plush two-layer coat of silver and black fur with a 'ruff' and a curled tail, originating in Germany.

Temperament

Keeshonden tend to be very playful, with quick reflexes and strong jumping ability. They are quick learners and eager to please. Because Keeshonden are quick learners, they also learn the things you didn't necessarily wish to teach them - very quickly. However, Keeshonden make excellent agility and obedience dogs. So amenable to proper training is this bright, sturdy dog that Keeshonden have been successfully trained to serve as blind dogs for the blind; only their lack of size has prevented them from being more widely used in this role.

They love children and are excellent family dogs, preferring to be close to their humans whenever possible. They generally get along with other dogs as well and will enjoy a good chase around the yard. Keeshonden are very intuitive and empathic and are often used as comfort dogs. Most notably, at least one Keeshond, Tikva, was at Ground Zero on 9/11 to help comfort the rescue workers. The breed has a tendency to become especially clingy towards their owners, even in comparison to other dogs. If their owner is out, or in another room behind a closed door, they may sit, waiting for their owner to reappear, even if there are other people nearby. Many have been referred to as their "owner's shadow," or "velcro dogs".

Keeshonden are known by their loud distinctive bark. They are alert dogs that warn their owners of any new visitors. Despite being a loud and alert watch dog, Keeshonden are not aggressive towards visitors. They generally welcome visitors affectionately once their family has accepted them. Unfortunately, barking may become a problem if not properly handled. Keeshonden that are kept in a yard and not allowed to be with their humans are unhappy, and often become nuisance barkers.

Training

The Keeshond is a very bright dog as evidenced by its level of achievement in obedience work. The Keeshond ranks 16th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of excellent working/obedience intelligence. This intelligence makes a Keeshond a good choice for the dog owner who is willing to help a dog learn the right lessons, but also entails added responsibility.

Many people purchase a Keeshond thinking that, since they are agreeable family dogs, they must also be easy to train. While affectionate, Keeshonden may not be for the inexperienced trainer. Consistency and fairness are needed and, while most dogs need a structured environment, it's especially necessary with a Keeshond. Like most of the independent-minded spitz breeds, Keeshonden respond poorly to heavy-handed or forceful training methods.

Many behavioral problems with Keeshonden stem from these intelligent dogs inventing their own activities (often destructive ones, like digging and chewing) out of boredom. They need daily contact with their owners and lots of activity to remain happy. Therefore, it is not the right choice of breed for those who want a dog that lives happily alone in a kennel or backyard.

Keeshonden can also be timid dogs. It is important to train them to respect their owners and family, but not fear them. Keeshonden want to please their owners so harsh punishment is not necessary when the dog does not obey as quickly as desired. They like to spend time with their owners, and love attention.

Health

Keeshonden are prone to hip dysplasia, luxating patellas (trick knee), epilepsy, Cushing's disease, primary hyperparathyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Von Willebrand's disease has been known in Keeshonden but is not common. An accurate test for the gene causing primary hyperparathyroidism (or PHPT) has recently been developed at Cornell University. As with any breed, it is important when buying a puppy to make sure that the parents have been tested and certified free from inherited problems. A healthy, well-bred Keeshond can be expected to live between 12 and 15 years on average. They can also get colds if not taken care of properly.

Grooming

Due to their double coat, a thick undercoat and a longer "guard" coat above that, Keeshonden need regular brushing. An hour per week will keep the dog comfortable and handsome. The Keeshond's coat sheds dirt when dry, and the breed is not prone to doggy odor, so only infrequent bathing is necessary. The coat acts as insulation and protects the dog from sunburn and insects, so shaving or clipping is not desirable. The coat also loses its distinct color as the black tipping on the hairs will be shorn off. If frequent brushing is too much effort, it is better to choose another breed rather than clip the Keeshond short.

Porcine Fast Facts

2009-03-20T09:02:00.002-06:00

Life span: 15 - 25 years

Sexual maturity: 5 - 8 months

Breeding season: none

Type of estrus cycle: polyestrus

Duration of estrus: 2 - 3 days

Duration of estrus cycle: 21 days

Time of ovulation: last day of estrus

Length of gestation: 144 days

Average number of offspring: 8 - 15 piglets

Weaning age: 8 weeks

Average heart rate: 58 - 100 beats per minute

Average respiratory rate: 8 - 18 breaths per minute

Average rectal temperature: 102.5 - 104 degrees Fahrenheit

Ovine Fast Facts

2009-03-20T08:47:00.002-06:00

Life span: 8 - 15 years

Sexual maturity: 4 - 9 months

Breeding season: Autumn and Winter

Type of estrus cycle: seasonally polyestrus

Duration of estrus: 28 - 48 hours

Duration of estrus cycle: 21 days

Time of ovulation: 24 - 27 hours after onset of estrus

Length of gestation: 145 - 155 days

Average number of offspring: 2 - 3 lambs

Weaning age: 3 months

Best time to dehorn: 3 - 14 days old

Average heart rate: 60 - 120 beats per minute

Average respiratory rate: 12 - 50 breaths per minute

Average rectal temperature: 102.5 - 104 degrees Fahrenheit

Average rumen contractions: 2 - 4 contractions per minute

Hoof trimming: twice a year

Bovine Fast Facts

2009-03-20T08:42:00.002-06:00

Life span: 20 years

Sexual maturity: 4 months - 2 years

Breeding season: none

Type of estrus cycle: polyestrus

Duration of estrus: 18 hours

Duration of estrus cycle: 21 days

Time of ovulation: 12 - 18 hours after going into heat

Length of gestation: 280 days

Average number of offspring: 1 calf

Weaning age: 2 - 10 weeks

Best time to dehorn: 2 - 10 weeks old

Average heart rate: 40 - 80 beats per minute

Average respiratory rate: 12 - 36 breaths per minute

Average rectal temperature: 100.5 - 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit

Average rumen contractions: 2 - 4 contractions per minute

Hoof trimming: twice a year

Cavy Fast Facts

2009-03-20T08:36:00.002-06:00

Life span: 5 - 6 years

Body weight:

Male: 900 - 1200 grams

Female: 750 - 900 grams

Sexual maturity:

Males: 3 months

Females: 6 - 8 weeks

Breeding season: none

Type of estrus cycle: polyestrus

Duration of estrus cycle: 15 - 17 days

Duration of estrus: 8 hours

Type of ovulation: spontaneous

Breeding life: 4.5 years

Length of gestation: 63 - 72 days

Litter size: 1 - 6

Weight at birth: 60 - 110 grams

Eyes open: at birth

Ears open: at birth

Weaning age: 3 weeks

Average heart rate: 230 - 380 beats per minute

Average respiratory rate: 40 - 100 breaths per minute

Average rectal temperature: 101.5 - 103 degrees Fahrenheit

Optimal housing temperature: 55 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit

Chinchilla Fast Facts

2009-03-20T08:30:00.002-06:00

Life span: 15 - 20 years

Body weight:

Male: 400 - 500 grams

Female: 450- 800 grams

Sexual maturity: 7 - 10 months

Breeding season: November - May

Type of estrus cycle: seasonally polyestrus

Duration of estrus: 28 - 35 days

Length of gestation: 109 - 120 days

Litter size: 1 - 4

Weight at birth: 35 - 60 grams

Eyes open: at birth

Ears open: at birth

Weaning age: 2 - 3 weeks

Average heart rate: 200 - 350 beats per minute

Average respiratory rate: 45 - 80 breaths per minute

Average rectal temperature: 102 - 103 degrees Fahrenheit

Optimal housing temperature: 65 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit

Protein content of diet needed: 16 - 20%

Fat content of diet needed: 2 - 5%

Fiber content of diet needed: 15 - 35%

Mouse Fast Facts

2009-03-20T08:27:00.002-06:00

Life span: 1 - 3 years

Body weight:

Male: 20 - 40 grams

Female: 22 - 63 grams

Sexual maturity: 6 weeks

Breeding season: none

Type of estrus cycle: polyestrus

Duration of estrus: 4 - 5 days

Type of ovulation: spontaneous

Length of gestation: 19 - 21 days

Weight at birth: 1 - 1.5 grams

Eyes open: 12 - 14 days

Ears open: 12 - 14 days

Weaning age: 3 weeks

Average heart rate: 425 - 625 beats per minute

Average respiratory rate: 90 - 215 breaths per minute

Average rectal temperature: 101 - 103 degrees Fahrenheit

Optimal housing temperature: 65 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit

Rat Fast Facts

2009-03-20T08:25:00.002-06:00

Life span: 2.5 - 3.5 years

Sexual maturity: 6 weeks

Breeding season: none

Type of estrus cycle: polyestrus

Duration of estrus cycle: 4 - 5 days

Duration of estrus: 9 - 20 hours

Type of ovulation: spontaneous

Length of gestation: 19 - 21 days

Eyes open: 12 - 14 days

Ears open: 12 - 14 days

Weaning age: 3 weeks

Average heart rate: 250 - 500 beats per minute

Average respiratory rate: 35 - 135 breaths per minute

Average rectal temperature: 101 - 103 degrees Fahrenheit

Optimal housing temperature: 65 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit

Protein content of diet needed: 16%

Gerbil Fast Facts

2009-03-20T08:22:00.001-06:00

Life span: 2 - 3 years

Body weight:

Male: 65 - 100 grams

Female: 55 - 85 grams

Sexual maturity: 9 - 18 weeks

Breeding season: none

Type of estrus cycle: polyestrus

Duration of estrus: 4 - 5 days

Type of ovulation: spontaneous

Time of ovulation: around day 2 of estrus

Length of gestation: 23 - 26 days

Weight at birth: 2.5 - 3.5 grams

Eyes open: 16 - 21 days

Ears open: 16 - 21 days

Weaning age: 3 weeks

Average heart rate: 250 - 500 beats per minute

Average respiratory rate: 90 - 140 breaths per minute

Average rectal temperature: 101 - 103 degrees Fahrenheit

Optimal housing temperature: 60 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit

Protein content of diet needed: 16%

Hamster Fast Facts

2009-03-20T08:13:00.004-06:00

Life span: 2 - 3 years

Body weight:

Male: 85 - 130 grams

Female: 95 - 150 grams

Sexual maturity: 8 weeks

Breeding season: none

Type of estrus cycle: polyestrus

Duration of estrus: 4 - 5 days

Type of ovulation: spontaneous

Time of ovulation: around day 2 of estrus

Length of gestation: 16 days

Litter size: 4 - 26 depending on the breed

Weight at birth: 2 grams

Eyes open: 12 - 14 days

Ears open: 12 - 14 days

Weaning age: 3 weeks

Average heart rate: 250 - 500 beats per minute

Average respiratory rate: 35 - 135 breaths per minute

Average rectal temperature: 101 - 103 degrees Fahrenheit

Optimal housing temperature: 65 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit

Protein content of diet needed: 16%

Rabbit Fast Facts

2009-03-20T08:07:00.002-06:00

Life span: 6 - 10 years

Sexual maturity:

Males: 6 - 10 months

Females: 4 - 9 months

Reproductive life:

Males: 5 years

Females: 3 years

Breeding season: none

Type of estrus cycle: unknown

Type of ovulation: induced

Length of gestation: 30 days

Litter size: 2 - 17 (8 is average) kits

Birth weight: 30 - 80 grams

Eyes open: 15 - 20 days

Weaning age: 6 - 8 weeks

Average heart rate: 130 - 325 beats per minute

Average respiratory rate: 30 - 60 breath per minute

Average rectal temperature: 100 - 103 degrees Fahrenheit

Optimal housing temperature: 60 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit

Ferret Fast Facts

2009-03-19T23:23:00.002-06:00

Life span: 6 - 10 years

Average male body weight: 2 - 5.5 pounds

Average female body weight: 1.5 - 2.5 pounds

Puberty: 240 - 250 days

Sexual maturity: 9 - 12 months

Breeding season: March - August

Type of estrus cycle: polyestrus

Duration of estrus: prolonged

Type of ovulation: induced

Time of ovulation: 30 - 40 hours after copulation

Length of gestation: 42 days

Litter size: 2 - 17 days (8 on average)

Weight at birth: 8.5 grams (.02 pounds)

Eyes open: 30 - 35 days

Ears open: 30 - 35 days

Eruption of teeth: 10 - 14 days

Weaning age: 6 - 8 weeks

Rectal temperature: 100 - 104 degrees Fahrenheit

Optimal housing temperature: 60 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit

Equine Fast Facts

2009-03-19T23:15:00.002-06:00

Life span: 25 - 30 years

Sexual Maturity: 18 months

Breeding Season: May - August

Type of estrus cycle: seasonally polyestrus

Duration of estrus: 5 days

Duration of estrus cycle: 3 weeks

Time of ovulation: 24 - 36 hours before going out of heat

Length of gestation: 11 - 12 months

Eruption of baby teeth: 0 - 10 days

Weaning age: 6 months

Neonatal vaccinations: tetanus antitoxin and toxiod

Time adult teeth erupt: 10 - 12 months

Average heart rate: 28 - 50 beats per minute

Average respiratory rate: 8 - 16 breaths per minute

Average rectal temperature: 99.5 - 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit

Gut sounds: 2 - 4 sounds per minute

Water needs per day: .3 - .8 gallons per 100 pounds of body weight

Percent fiber needed: 11%

Percent protein needed: 8 - 12%

Common Species Names - Cattle

2009-03-19T23:06:00.003-06:00

bovine: cattle

bull: intact (not sexually altered) male bovine

jumper bull: intact male bovine that has just reached maturity and is used for breeding

cow: intact female bovine that has given birth

steer: male bovine castrated when young

stag: male bovine castrated after maturity

heifer (hehf-ər): young female bovine that has not given birth

calf: young bovine

calving: giving birth to cattle

freshening: giving birth to dairy animals

herd: group of cattle

springing heifer or first calf heifer: young female pregnant with her first calf

freemartin: sexually imperfect, usually sterile female calf born as a twin with a male calf

gomer bull or teaser bull: bull used to detect female bovines in heat; bull may have penis surgically deviated to the side, may be treated with androgens, or may be vasectomized so as not to impregnate female

Common Species Names - Llamas

2009-03-19T23:03:00.002-06:00

camelid: llamas, alapacas, guanocos

bull or stallion (stahl-yuhn): intact (not sexually altered) male llama

cow: intact female llama

gelding (gehld-ihng): castrated male llama

cria (krē-ah): young llama

Common Species Names - Sheep

2009-03-19T23:00:00.002-06:00

ovine (ō-vīn): sheep

ram: intact (not sexually altered) male sheep

ewe (yoo): intact female sheep

wether (wheh-thər): castrated male sheep

lamb: young sheep

lambing: giving birth to sheep

flock: group of sheep

Common Species Names - Pigs

2009-03-19T22:55:00.002-06:00

porcine (poor-sīn): pigs or swine

boar (bōr): intact (not sexually altered) male pig

sow: intact female pig

barrow (bār-ō): male pig castrated when young

stag: male pig castrated after maturity

gilt (gihlt): young female pig that has now farrowed

pig or piglet: young pig; old term is shoat

farrowing (fār-ō-ihng): giving birth to pigs

herd: group of pigs

Common Species Names - Ducks

2009-03-19T22:53:00.002-06:00

anserine (ahn-sehr-ihn): ducks

drake: intact (not sexually altered) male duck

duck: intact female duck

duckling: young duck

flock: group of ducks

Common Species Names - Geese

2009-03-19T22:51:00.002-06:00

anserine (ahn-sehr-ihn): geese

gander: intact (not sexually altered) male goose

goose: intact female goose

gosling: young goose

gaggle: group of geese

Common Species Names - Donkeys

2009-03-19T22:49:00.003-06:00

donkey/ass/burro

jack or jackass: intact (not sexually altered) male donkey

jenny: intact female donkey

Common Species Names - Equine

2009-03-19T22:35:00.003-06:00

equine (ē-kwīn) includes horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules

stallion (stahl-yuhn): intact (not sexually altered) male equine older than 4 years

colt (kōlt): intact male equine younger than 4 years

mare (mār): intact female equine older than 4 years

filly (fihl-ē): intact female equine younger than 4 years

gelding (gehld-ihng): castrated male equine

ridgeling (rihdj-lihng) or rig: cryptorchid equine (one or both testicles have not descended from the abdomen)

foal: young equine of either sex

weanling: young equine younger than 1 year

yearling: young equine between 1 and 2 years old

foaling: giving birth to equine

herd: group of equine

band: group of horses consisting of one mature stallion, his breeding mares, and the immature male and female offspring of his mares

brood mare (bruhd mār): breeding female equine

maiden mare: female equine never bred

barren mare or open mare: intact female horse that was not bred or did not conceive the previous season

wet mare: intact female horse that has foaled during the current season

agalactic mare (ā-gahl-ahck-tihck mār): intact female horse not producing milk

pony: equine between 8.2 and 14.2 hands when mature (not a young horse)

Common Species Names - Chickens

2009-03-19T22:31:00.002-06:00

chickens

rooster: sexually mature male chicken; also called cock

hen: intact (not sexually altered) female chicken

capon (kā-pohn): young, castrated male chicken or domestic fowl

cockerel (kohck-ər-ehl): immature male chicken

pullet (puhl-eht):immature female chicken

poult (pōlt): young chicken

chick: very young chicken

flock: group of chickens

Common Species Names - Turkeys

2009-03-19T22:29:00.002-06:00

turkey

tom: intact (not sexually altered) male turkey

hen: intact female turkey

poult (pōlt): young turkey

flock: group of turkeys

clutch (kluhtch): group of eggs

Common Species Names - Birds

2009-03-19T22:27:00.002-06:00

psittacine (siht-ah-sēn): parrots (or other birds with bills for cracking seeds)

cock: intact (not sexually altered) male parrot

hen: intact female parrot

chick: young parrot

Common Species Names - Mice and Rats

2009-03-19T22:23:00.002-06:00

murine (moo-rēn): mice and rats

sire (sī-ər): intact (not sexually altered) male mouse or rat

dam (dahm): intact (not sexually altered) female mouse or rat

pup: young mouse or rat

Common Species Names - Goats

2009-03-19T22:15:00.003-06:00

caprine (kahp-rīn): goats

buck: intact (not sexually altered) male goat

doe: intact female goat

wether (wheh-thər): castrated male goat

kid: young goat

kidding: giving birth to goats

freshening: giving birth to dairy animals

herd: group of goats

Common Species Names - Cavy

2009-03-19T22:13:00.001-06:00

cavy (kā-vē): guinea pigs

boar: intact (not sexually altered) male guinea pig

sow: intact female guinea pig

Common Species Names - Ferrets

2009-03-19T22:10:00.002-06:00

ferrets (fehr-retz)

hob: intact (not sexually altered) male ferret

jill: intact female ferret

gib (gihb): neutered male ferret

sprite (sprīt): spayed female ferret

kit: young ferret

kindling: giving birth to ferrets

Common Species Names - Rabbits

2009-03-19T22:07:00.002-06:00

lagomorph (lāg-ō-mōrf): rabbits

buck: intact (not sexually altered) male rabbit

doe: intact female rabbit

lapin (lahp-ihn): neutered male rabbit

kit: young (blind and deaf) rabbit

kindling (kihnd-lihng): giving birth to rabbits

herd: group of rabbits

Common Species Names - Feline

2009-03-19T22:05:00.001-06:00

feline (fē-līn): cats

tom: intact (not sexually altered) male cat

queen: intact female cat

kitten: young cat

queening: giving birth to kittens

Common Species Names - Canine

2009-03-19T18:39:00.003-06:00

Lay people and professionals use terms to describe in one word the status of an animal. The term may relate to the sexual status of an animal (intact or sexually functional, or altered or sexually nonfunctional) or the age status of an animal. Terms have also been derived to denote the process of giving birth and the grouping of animals.

canine (kā-nīn): dogs
dog/stud: intact (not sexually altered) male dog
bitch: intact female dog
whelp (wehlp) or pup: young dog
whelping (wehl-pihng): giving birth to whelps
pack: group of dogs
litter: multiple offspring born during the same labor

Vaccinations at home

2009-03-18T10:53:00.008-06:00

A trip to the clinic every year can be costly and time consuming. Vaccinating at home is a much less expensive way to vaccinate your pets. You can save a lot of money doing some of your pet's vaccinations yourself.

While you may feel a little nervous the first time, it gets easier every time you do it. The process is less stressful on your pet as it is in a familiar setting with familiar people.

The first step to vaccinating your pet at home is purchasing the nessicary supplies. If you aren't certain which vaccines your pet needs consult your vet clinic. You can purchase vaccines online or at your local pet care store.

Once you have the supplies you need to prepare the vaccine for administration. To prepare these vaccines tighten a clean needle onto the end of your syringe. Insert the needle into the top of the liquid vaccine vail and pull back the plunger until you have drawn 1 cc (1 cubic centimeter or 1 mL) from the vial. Remove the needle from the vial. If a second vial contains freeze-dried or powdered portion of vaccine, inject the liquid into that vial. If there is no second vial, proceed to the next step. Remove needle and syringe and shake vial as shown for a few seconds to mix the solution. Insert the needle back into the vial and withdraw the entire mixed contents. Inject any large amount of excess air in the syringe back into the vial. Remove the needle and syringe from the vial.

After preparing the vaccine you need to be sure you have the correct tip on the syringe. The tip will depend on the type of vaccination. If it is a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection or an intramuscular (into the muscle) the needle will remain on the syringe. However, if the vaccine is a intranasal (into the nose) vaccine the syringe either needs to be tipped with a nasal adapter or the vaccine needs to be drawn into a dropper.

After preparing the vaccine and the syringe and before administering it you must restrain your animal. While your pet may be docile and calm in ordinary situations when you try to vaccinate it may get scared and try to bite you or get away. Ask a friend or family member for help. When restraining a dog the restrainer needs to hook one arm underneath the dogs jaw, holding the dogs head close to the restrainers body. The other arm can restrain the hind end to keep the animal from moving around. When restraining a cat the restrainer should hold the cat tightly by the scruff of the neck (called scruffing) and the second hand can either control the legs to protect from scratching or control the hind quarters.

While those restraints may work for a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection you may need to adapt your technique when restraining for an intranasal injection. The hand restraining the hind quarters or feet can stay where they are, but the hand working with the head needs some adjusting. In the case of a dog, the hand needs to wrap around the muzzle and tilt the dogs head so that the nose is pointed up. When restraining the cat, the hand needs to hold the head under neath the jaw bone and on the brow giving the same tilt to the head pointing the nose up.

You are now ready to administer the vaccine.

First, the easiest and safest method of administration is the subcutaneous injection given just beneath the skin. The best and least sensitive area is the loose skin over either shoulder. Try to avoid the area between the shoulder blades. Simply lift the skin by pinching it in between your fingers, insert the needle, pull back slightly on the syringe plunger to be sure the needle is not in a blood vessel (if it is, blood will enter the syringe as you pull back the plunger), and then administer the vaccine by pushing the plunger to the end of the syringe. Neither the skin nor the fur should be wet after you administer the vaccine. If it is you weren't into the skin deep enough and the vaccine was wasted. If there is a slight bulge or bubble under your pet's skin don't be alarmed. It just means the animal's body is taking a little longer to absorb the liquid.

Second, when subcutaneous injection isn't an option then intramuscular is needed. There are certain vaccines that must be given intramuscularly. Have a veterinary professional show you how to give an intramuscular vaccine.

Lastly, an intranasal vaccine is injected into the nose. With the noses animal pointed up, insert the adapter tip or dropper tip into one nostril. Generally the entire dose is given, half in each nostril. The slower you administer the vaccine the more time you give your animal to get away. Animals don't like liquid being shot up their nose so it is normal for animals to sneeze or shake their heads after the vaccine is given.

Note: With any vaccine or injectable medication, always use a separate sterile needle and syringe for each injection. Safely dispose of all used syringes and needles.

Canine Vaccincations

2009-03-18T10:38:00.004-06:00

It is important that you vaccinate all of your animals, because after all, "prevention is the best medicine."

The common vaccines for dogs are as follows: DHPPC (vaccinates for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parinfluenza, and corona), Bordetella (kennel cough), Giardia, Lyme, and Rabies. Not all vet clinics offer all of these in their yearly vaccinations. If you have concerns consult your veterinarian.

Vaccination for your dog should start as early as 6 - 8 weeks. As a puppy, your pet should have the following vaccination schedule:

6 - 8 weeks: DHPPC

9 - 11 weeks: DHPPC, Bordetella

12 - 14 weeks: DHPPC, Bordetella, Lyme, Giardia

16 - 17 weeks: DHPPC, Lyme, Giardia, Rabies

After your puppy reaches 17 weeks it only needs to be taken in once a year for boosters on each vaccine.

Caprine Fast Facts

2009-03-18T10:31:00.002-06:00

Life Span: 8 - 15 years

Sexual Maturity: 4 - 9 months

Breeding Season: Autumn and Winter

Type of estrus cycle: Seasonally polyestrus

Duration of estrus: 24 - 48 hours

Duration of estrus cycle: 17 days

Time of ovulation: 24 - 36 hours after onset of estrus

Time to breed: 24 hours after onset of heat

Length of gestation: 150 days

Hoof trimming: Every 6 weeks

Average number of offspring: 1 - 2 kids

Weaning age: 3 months

Time to dehorn: 3 - 14 days

Average heart rate: 70 - 135 beats per minute

Average respiratory rate: 12 - 50 breaths per minute

Rumen contractions: 2 - 4 contractions per minute

Average rectal temperature: 101.5 - 105 degrees Fahrenheit

Feline Fast Facts

2009-03-18T10:23:00.002-06:00

Life Span: 15 - 20 years

Sexual Maturity: 7 - 12 months

Breeding Season: February to September

Type of estrus cycle: Polyestrus

Duration of estrus: 3 - 6 days

Duration of estrus cycle: 21 days

Time of ovulation: When induced

Type of ovulation: Induced

Length of gestation: 63 days

Day pups first seen on radiograph: 45th day of gestation

Eyes open: 10 - 14 days

Ears open: 6 - 14 days

Eruption of baby teeth: 2 - 3 weeks

Weaning age: 6 - 8 weeks

Housing temperature for first week after birth: 85 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit

Housing temperature for week four after birth: 70 degrees Fahrenheit

Time of first vaccinations: 6 - 8 weeks

Time of first rabies vaccinations: 15 - 16 weeks

Time adult teeth erupt: 4 - 6 months

Best time to spay or neuter: Before sexually matured

Best time to declaw: Before sexually matured

Average heart rate: 150 - 210 beats per minute

Average respiratory rate: 8 - 30 breaths per minute

Average rectal temperature: 100.5 - 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit

Canine Fast Facts

2009-03-18T09:12:00.003-06:00

Life span:

Extra Large: 6 - 10 years

Large: 10 - 13 years

Medium: 12 - 15 years

Small: 15 - 20 years

Sexual Maturity: 6 - 24 months

Breeding Season: Usually Spring or Autumn

Type of estrus cycle: Monestrus

Duration of estrus: 5 - 7 days

Duration of estrus cycle: 3 - 4 weeks

Time of ovulation: Day 2 of estrus

Type of ovulation: Spontaneous

Length of gestation: 63 days

Day pups first seen on radiograph: 45th day of gestation

Eyes open: 10 - 14 days

Ears open: 10 - 14 days

Eruption of baby teeth: 2 - 3 weeks

Tails docked and dewclaws removed: 2 - 5 days

Weaning age: 6 - 8 weeks

Housing temperature for first week after birth: 85 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit

Housing temperature for week four after birth: 70 degrees Fahrenheit

Time of first vaccinations: 6 - 8 weeks

Time of first rabies vaccinations: 4 months

Time adult teeth erupt: 4 - 6 months

Best time to spay or neuter: Before 6 months of age

Average heart rate: 70 - 180 beats per minute

Average respiratory rate: 8 - 20 breaths per minute

Average rectal temperature: 100.5 - 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit