HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As fall begins to arrive and winter approaches, Hutchinson veterinarian Dr. Jon Austin is reminding pet owners to take early steps to safeguard their animals’ health and comfort.
“When you’re adding a member to your family, it’s a lot of responsibility, and it requires a good relationship with a veterinarian to help the healthcare needs of that new member of your family,” said Austin of Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital.
Austin stressed the importance of early veterinary visits for puppies. “You need to get that appointment made right away when you get a new puppy,” he said. “Vaccinations should start at about eight weeks of age. That’s when the puppy’s immune system is going to be able to recognize that it needs a vaccine and can do something to build immunity.”
Parvovirus is the greatest concern locally, Austin said. “The one that’s deadly, the one that’s dangerous, the one that we have a lot of concern for, is parvovirus. So we hit that one a couple of times before we start with the others.”
He added that bringing a pet into the household should be a family decision. “It’s a 10 to 15 year situation,” he said. “It requires a little bit of responsibility and a lot of hard work in the first six months.”
For older pets, Austin noted that osteoarthritis is common, especially in large breeds. “There’s lots of medicines that can help extend that time and extend the quality of life and activity of life for those older dogs,” he said.
With colder weather on the horizon, Austin urged pet owners to prepare kennels and outdoor spaces. “You need to have a shelter or a bed that protects them from the wind and from the moisture and is up off the ground,” he said. “Water is probably as much or more important for survival than the food is.”
He also warned about seasonal hazards. “Liquid antifreeze … is deadly poisonous,” Austin said. “Your cats or dogs will go in there and they’ll lap it up and it will kill them. So be responsible if you’re doing that.”
Austin encouraged owners to keep microchip information current and to consider grooming needs, especially for popular doodle breeds. “Once you get established with a groomer, make a regular appointment schedule and keep it,” he said.
And for those still dealing with pests, he added a reminder: “Right now, the fleas are at their peak until we freeze. Be sure you keep your pet protected for fleas and ticks until we get a good hard freeze.”