Search Results for “vaccination guidelines”

Spaying and neutering cats before five months of age has become the accepted norm, thanks in part to the “Fix Felines by Five” Initiative.

Energy and nutrient needs vary with life stage, sterilization status and activity, and so general feeding recommendations provide only a starting point.

Developmental periods do not start and end abruptly, but rather phase in and out gradually. A checklist of items to discuss with each client based on life stage is available.

Despite the widespread availability of safe and effective treatments, internal and external parasites remain common in dogs, particularly in those who do not receive routine veterinary care. Year-round, broad-spectrum control products with efficacy against heartworm, intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks prevent disease in dogs by preventing the most common internal and external parasites.

Behavior and environmental items to be discussed at each life stage include:

The panel recommends that the veterinary team endeavours to make the veterinary encounter comfortable for both cat and client. Integral to this is a better understanding of feline behavior.

Nutritional assessment should be part of every visit to the veterinary practice. Evaluation of the body condition score (BCS), muscle condition score (MCS), and nutritional factors can reveal a need for change in the feeding practice. 

To achieve optimum feline health care, veterinarians must help owners to understand and appreciate the importance of regular preventive care for their cats at all ages.

AAHA Vice President Margot K. Vahrenwald, DVM, CVJ, discusses the importance of nutrition conversations. Also: Temple Grandin joins VMI, 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines , and Dear AAHA addresses a question about staff privacy.

So, you just used the AAHA Canine Life Stage Calculator to determine that your dog is in the puppy stage of life. Congrats! Knowing your dog’s life stage helps you provide a lifetime of optimal care for your pooch.