Sunday, Dec 2, 2012
Garza County News

TGP

Dr. Kerry Wink

Oh what fun it is to….

Published Dec. 9, 2011 @ 6 a.m.

Oh what fun Christmas time brings to the veterinary clinics!  Yes, I said Christmas…not “Holiday”.  I’m not politically correct and proud of it.  There is only one reason for the season in my family, but that’s a different article in itself.  Christmas time is both my favorite and least favorite time of the year working in the veterinary industry.

Christmas time extending into January is one of the busiest times of the year for most vet clinics.  Picture all those loved ones receiving cute, cuddly new puppies and kittens as presents.  Cute little Bobby receives the perfect puppy he’s ALWAYS wanted with his proud parents standing there happily watching his reaction.  Remind you of a Hallmark commercial right?  Here’s where vet clinics come in the picture with exams and required vaccines. I love this aspect of my job because I get to establish many new, long term relationships with clients and their 4-legged friends.  I love to see the pet’s personality develop and the amazement of how fast they grow up.  And yes, I must confess….I love the smell of puppy breath.  Call me weird, but having a profession dealing with some stinky situations; puppy breath is one of the most pleasant smells to come into my clinic.  A day full of puppies and kittens is good for the soul.  I believe it is very important to start off the puppy or kitten life with a pleasant experience when they come in a vet clinic for the first few times.  Providing a calm, stress free visit is most invaluable at my clinic.  You’d be amazed at how easy it makes future visits for your pet.

It is very important to get your new family member (i.e. puppy or kitten) to the vet as soon as possible, especially if buying from a pet store or breeder.  Most of these places will guarantee their pets for 48-72 hours for health reasons.  (Meaning a seller will take back or replace the pet and/or refund your money in certain situations if your vet finds any abnormalities or medical conditions.)  During this guarantee time, get them to a veterinarian for a full physical and make sure there are no other unseen medical problems.  Too many times I have seen an owner with a new pet (who had a guarantee) fail to bring them for a vet check after purchase.  Then later finding out the pet had a medical issue which will shorten its life span or other long term medical problem.  Regardless if your new pet has a guarantee or not, a wellness check is a great way to start your pet’s healthy life.

Along with a wellness check, vaccines are a vital part of your pet’s life!  This subject leads to my “worst thing about this time of the year” issue.  Last year here in Post could be summed up in three words....Parvo, Parvo, and Parvo.  Our Parvo cases increased dramatically after Christmas.  I’d venture to say it increased 300%.  Most of these were because of failure to properly vaccinate these Christmas puppies.  Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccine boosters to get their immune system up strong enough to protect from these deadly viruses.  And when I say series, I’m talking about the same shot over a course of a few weeks…not one shot and they’re good to go.  Many don’t realize the importance of booster shots until it’s too late and they are stuck with a huge vet bill due to hospitalization.  So when you take your new family members to the vet, be sure to bring your shot record if you have one.  This way we can make sure they are up to date on all their vaccines, and have the required shots they need.

If you have any questions about purchasing a new pet or need to schedule a wellness exam, give us a call at the clinic.  I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 
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