0  Expired Pet Vaccines Philippines: What You Need To Know – Part 1

Expired Pet Vaccines Philippines: What do you know about them?

Let’s talk about hashtags and expired pet vaccines in the Philippines!

If there’s one hashtag that you need to remember with regard to your pet, it’s this:

#WalangForeverSaVaccines

Yes, pet vaccines expire in the Philippines and worldwide.  

I had to emphasize that kasi I have a janitor who once told me:  “Doc Sixto, sabi ng Lolo ko mas matagal daw ma-expire ang vitamins na galing sa America!”

Just like any medicines or vitamins, they do expire. Pet vaccines expire, regardless, if you bought them in the Philippines or abroad!

Expired Pet Vaccines Philippines Fact #1

Pet Vaccines have a shelf life.  You will find this at the back of the vial, where the expiry date is indicated.

Most reliable companies who manufacture pet vaccines indicate the shelf life of their products.

These reliable companies distribute their pet vaccines through licensed vaccines ONLY.  So if you got your pet vaccines through other sources, and NOT from licensed Vets, you have been warned.

Licensed Vets are governed by laws not to give expired vaccines.  This way, you and your pets are protected.

Expired Pet Vaccines Philippines Fact #2

“Doc Sixto, pwede pa ba ang vaccines kahit 2 months ng expired, basta di pa nabuksan?”

Licensed Vets strictly follow the rules so you’ll enjoy peace of mind while caring for your pet dogs and cats.

Your trusted Vet will never give expired vaccine shots for the following reasons:

• It will endanger the life of your pet
• It will endanger his Vet practice forever!
• He will lose you as his client forever once you know or you suspect that he is doing something unusual!

For a Vet, it’s a huge risk for us to not follow the rules.  After all, our continuing practice relies heavily on the trust of pet owners like you.

Keep in mind:  #WalangForeverSaVaccines

Make sure you partner only with a Licensed Vet when caring for your pet dogs and cats!

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

0 Can I Give My Puppy His 1st Puppy Vaccine Shots?

Big Question: Can I Give My Puppy His 1st Puppy Vaccine Shots?

Hello There Responsible Pet Parent,

Just the other day, I received this message:

“Hi Doc Sixto, Can I give my pet his 1st puppy vaccine shots?  I just bought my puppy, well, it’s actually our puppy, me and my GF.

I bought our puppy from a breeder online and one of his tips is to have the 1st puppy vaccine shots done by me “para makatipid kayo ng malaki.”

Sabi pa nya, “You can give the vaccines yourself, as long as you never plan to show, or export the dog.”

Should I listen to his advice?”

– Mon A., from Taguig

Must You Really Give Your Puppy His 1st Puppy Vaccine Shots?

First, vaccines are only sold to Licensed or Registered Vets.  If you got your supply from shady sources “dahil mas mura”, know that you may be endangering the life of your pet.

Second, Licensed Vets have the knowledge about the dosage and schedule of puppy vaccine shots.  

Third, Licensed Vets are required to sign the vaccination book of your pet.  If you plan to travel with your pet, authorities here and abroad will only recognize vaccination books signed by registered Vets.

If you are asking the same question like Mon above, here are the 2 questions you should ask yourself:

• Will you entrust the life of your only child to a person you just met on the street?
• When it comes to the life of your only child, would you seek a Licensed Medical Doctor or sales agent?

Don’t get me wrong.  I don’t have anything against sales agents!  I love them, for they alert me about products or services that will help us enjoy peace of mind!

Enough about me, let’s talk about YOU as the pet owner.

If you are asking the same question:  Can I Give My Puppy His 1st Puppy Vaccine Shots?

Well, I only serve responsible pet owners.  

I only want to serve responsible pet owners, who truly care about the health of their pet dogs and cats.

Okay lang kung matipid ka sa ibang bagay.  You can count on me if you envision having long lasting relationship with your 1st puppy.

If that is your vision, you should consider pet vaccination as one of the strong pillars to having happy and healthy pets.  

It is a MUST that you partner with Licensed or Registered Vet when it comes to pet vaccination.

Now, have I convinced you to partner up with your Vet with regards to your puppy’s vaccination?

If Yes, good for you and your puppy!

If No, then you can stop following me in the cyberworld.  No hard feelings, promise!

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

0 Pet Vaccine Companies Philippines:  Know Whom To Trust

Hello Responsible Pet Owners,

Ever wonder who are the trusted pet vaccine companies Philippines?

Pet owners often ask me about the types of vaccines that their pets need or the pet vaccine schedule on when to have their vaccine shots or the age when they should start their first shot …

… but only ONE Pet Mom asked me about pet vaccine companies in the Philippines.

Her Shih Tzu is scheduled for 5in1 vaccination.  I was about to give Fluffy her shot when her Pet Mom asked me:

“Doc, ano po ang brand ng vaccine nyo po?”

Initially, I though she is working for one company that manufactures pet vaccines in the Philippines and I braced myself for a long sales pitch.

I was wrong.

She is one concerned responsible pet mom … and I applaud her for asking the question.

Before knowing the types of vaccine, the schedule of puppy vaccines, about booster shots, she is right.  You have to know if your vet’s vaccine comes from a reliable company.

In my years of dealing with pet vaccine companies in the Philippines, I have learned  who are the most reliable.

Here are the things that you need to know about …

Pet Vaccine Companies Philippines: How To Know Who Are Reliable

1. Is the company established?  How long has the company been in existence?  

Here’s what you need to know:

• Zoetis is a spinoff of Pfizer, which existed starting in 1950s.  

According to Wikipedia, “Zoetis is the world’s largest producer of medicine and vaccinations for pets and livestock.”

• Merial is founded in 1997
• Virbac is founded in 1968

2. Where is the main company based?  

Companies based in advanced countries have an edge here.  They have to follow stringent country policies in the production of their vaccines.  Their facilities are regularly inspected.  So you can be assured of the quality of vaccines that they manufacture.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Zoetis’ headquarters is in the US
• Merial’s headquarters is in France
• Virbac is based in France

3. Does it have an office here in the Philippines? In case you want to ask some questions about their vaccines, you can easily contact them

Here’s what you need to know:

• Zoetis is listed in the New York Stock Exchange, operating in countries worldwide. Zoetis Philippines is based in BGC, Taguig
• Merial is found in 150 countries and Merial Philippines is in Legaspi St, Makati City
• Virbac is found in 100 countries and their office here in the Philippines is in BGC, Taguig

There you have it, these are basic facts that you need to know about reliable pet vaccines in the Philippines.

The next time your puppy has her vaccine shots, feel free to ask your Vet about the brand of the vaccine he will give.

Ask him to show you the vial, if you wish.

See if the vaccine is manufactured by Zoetis, Merial or Virbac 🙂

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM. MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

P.S.  Of the 3 companies, most of our vaccines in our Pet Hospital come from Zoetis, who is one of our trusted partners in pet vaccination 🙂

0 Pet Vaccination Schedule: When Is The Recommended Vaccinations Given?

One common question pet owners ask me is this:  What is the proper Pet Vaccination Schedule for my pet?

For pet owners, it is a responsibility to bring your pet to the veterinary clinic and get the recommended vaccines. But most do not know the right time to bring their pets for shots.

Some are too excited to have their pets vaccinated that they want the vaccine shots given too early.  Take note:  there’s a schedule for every type of vaccine.  To read more on the types of vaccine, check out the article here: Pet Vaccination: Is It necessary?

So when should you bring your pet to the vet clinic?

Here is the vaccination schedule recommended by the Philippine Animal Hospital Association:

Pet Vaccination Schedule:  First Month of Your Puppy

For the first month of your pup, no vaccines are given. Your pet will only require deworming and fecalysis.

Your pet will then have the first vaccination of the 5-n-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old and in 3 more schedules thereafter with an interval of 3 weeks each. Just like vaccines given to babies there is the first dose, second dose, third dose, then a booster shot.

Pet Vaccination Schedule: When Should Your Pet get Rabies Vaccination?

Another common question from pet owners is this: when should your pet get a Rabies Vaccination?

As you can see from the chart, you can bring your pet to your vet for rabies shot at 4 months. Some pet parents want their weeks-old pets to get the vaccine, but the recommended age is at 4 months.

If you notice, this is also the time for the third dose of the 5-n-1 vaccine. It is safe for both Rabies vaccine and 5-n-1 vaccine to be given at the same time.

Pet Vaccination Schedule: Is Bortadella Vaccine Really Necessary

On the 18th and 20th week of your furbaby, Bordetella vaccine is given.

This vaccine is recommended as kennel cough is contagious. If your pet has low immune system, then it can be susceptible to the disease.

NOTE:  Most if not all pet boarding facilities require this vaccine to protect your pet.

Pet Vaccination Schedule: What’s Next After Completing My Puppy’s Vaccination Program?

Now that your pet has completed the vaccination program and is doing well, what next?

In the Philippines, to make sure that your pet is in tip top shape and is kept healthy inside out, an annual check should be scheduled. During this vet visit, your pet will be thoroughly checked and the annual vaccines given.

Rabies vaccine should be given every year by law. Then to make sure your pet is protected from common diseases, the 5-n-1 and Bordetella vaccines should also be given. These can be given during the annual check up as long as your pet is well.

Here is the recommended vaccination for adult dogs:

Pet Vaccination Schedule may be complicated at first, but just like everything, you, as the pet owner, will be able to handle it. After all you are after the well being of your fur baby.

If you need to know more about the pet vaccination, do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian about the pet vaccination schedule.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

0 Pet Vaccination: Is It Necessary?

If you are a responsible pet owner, one of the priorities that you think about is pet vaccination. When you get a new pup, the first thing that comes to mind is: Has the little dog been vaccinated already?

If you adopt or buy a pet today, you will be given a pet record showing you of the vaccines that the dog already had and when the next one is due.

But the question remains: Is Pet Vaccination Necessary?

As a veterinarian, the immediate answer would be: Yes! At the same time as a responsible pet owner, it is highly recommended.

As a responsible pet parent, pet vaccination protects your pet. Period.

Do not just think that pet vaccination is necessary just because a veterinarian requires it.

Now, there are two categories of Pet Vaccination, the Core and Non-Core Vaccinations.

Core Vaccinations are the recommended vaccinations that every pet should take. This includes Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus and Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis).

Why are these recommended vaccinations?

The core vaccinations protect your pet from dangerous viral diseases common to dogs and the vaccinations also protect you, as well.

Let’s take a look at some of these viruses.

Parvovirus: Deadly Dog Virus

You should know (and you can research about it) that one of the main causes of puppy deaths is Parvovirus. Research shows that 91% of untreated puppies with parvovirus lead to death because the immune system cannot handle the attack.

The only way to protect your pet from this virus is through vaccination.

Even though parvovirus cannot spread from dogs to humans, this condition is contagious among dogs. This is typically contracted from the feces of an infected dog.

When a dog has parvovirus, they can contaminate the neighborhood dogs as even the soil that touches the virus can be a contaminant. If your dog is recovering from this disease, it can still shed this virus and be present in their feces.

Parvovirus vaccination is usually given as a one shot with the other core vaccinations. This vaccination can be given to your puppy as early as 6 weeks old.

Rabies: Main Cause Of Deaths from Animal Bites

Rabies is a major cause of deaths from animal bites in the country.

With a not too strict implementation of the law on pet care, there are a number of strays that can be found anywhere. And that’s where the danger of contracting the rabies virus lies.

What the government provides is a mandate that dogs should be given the rabies vaccination to each dog every year.

And if any case that you or your loved one is bitten by a dog especially a dog you do not know the owner, go to the nearest bite center in your area.

Early medical care given to a dog bite is the best way for cure.

Once the bitten person shows symptoms of the presence of rabies virus, then it becomes a fatal disease.

Be sure to keep your dogs within your property and be mindful of the dogs they interact with.

Pet Vaccination: Best Care For Your Pet

Do your due diligence and understand why Pet Vaccination is imperative to your pet’s health.

Most veterinary clinics have a vaccination program for your pets, so it will be easier for you to keep track of the vaccination schedule of your pet. Ask your veterinarian about Pet Vaccination on your next vet visit.

And please, do not hesitate to ask. Veterinarians would be glad to answer your queries no matter if you think how trivial they may be.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

0 How I Improved My Dog’s Heart Health In Just One Evening: A Proheart Heartworm Prevention Success Story

What does being a Celebrity Vet and Best Pet Dentist … have to do with Proheart Heartworm Prevention?

Ganito kasi yun.

Before I became known as the Celebrity Vet and Best Pet Dentist, I am a Parasitologist.  

As the Vet expert in deadly pet diseases, many companies and institutions invite me to do lectures here and abroad.  Before, my lectures were for veterinarians only!

Ngayon, I’m thrilled to share my heartworm knowledge to Pet Owners like you!

What  Vets Don’t Want You To Know About Heartworm

#1 Heartworm is one of the most easily prevented diseases in veterinary medicine and it is both difficult and expensive to treat.

#2 Heartworm prevention is cheaper that it’s treatment.  

Heartworm preventive starts at P1,350 for dogs weighing up to 5 kilos

#3 Simply giving your dog heartworm prevention may not be enough – a good deal of its effectiveness stems from how and when you administer any preventatives

Heartworm prevention sounds complicated, trust me, but it’s not!

The World’s Simplest ONE Step Plan To Prevent Heartworm From An Expert Vet Parasitologist

Another reason why I am so passionate about heartworm prevention is because of my pet Baldo, my French Bulldog.

Baldo is very close to my 2 daughters, Nikki and Catey.  It breaks my heart to see my daughters sad if Baldo is unwell.

So for my peace of mind, I insist on ProHeart heartworm prevention!

The effectiveness of your heartworm prevention depends on how and when you administer any preventatives.

For Baldo, I use a very simple heartworm prevention plan.  It is so simple that it uses only one step.

On Baldo’s birthday, I schedule his annual heartworm test and yearly heartworm preventive.  It’s that simple and it’s easy to remember for busy pet parents like you.

The best yearly heartworm preventive that I have been using for many years on Baldo is Proheart SR-12.

While you may opt for  heartworm preventives like HeartGard for your fur baby [it’s a chewable given monthly], just make sure you do not miss a month and leave your dog unprotected.  Also, you have to make sure your dog swallows the treat and not spit it out later [your pet can be really smart you know!]

The World’s Simplest ONE Step Plan To Prevent Heartworm: Enjoy 24% OFF

What worked for me and Baldo is a simple heartworm prevention plan.  It’s hassle-free and easy to remember.  This heartworm prevention plan is ideal for busy pet parents or for pet parents with many pets.

Now, you have choice.  You can do 12 months heartworm prevention or do the world’s most simple ONE-STEP heartworm prevention plan with ProHeart.

Just for the month of September 2017, we are giving 25% OFF on ProHeart, exclusive to friends of Makati Dog and Cat Hospital clients.  Congrats, you are one of them!

All you have to do is:

Call  896-2860 and Enjoy 25% OFF on Proheart SR-12:  The World’s Simplest ONE-Step Plan To Prevent Heartworm.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

Read Up on Heartworm Prevention with our series of blog posts:

Heartworm Philippines: Warning! Do Not Read While Eating
Heartworm Symptoms in the Philippines:  How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Heartworm?
Whose Fault When Your Dog Has Heartworms And What You Can Do About It
Which Preventive Is Best For Your Pet: Injectible Vs. Chewable Heartworm Preventive
Do You Make These 5 Mistakes In Heartworm Preventive?
You Can Laugh At Your Heartworm Worries — If You Follow This Simple Plan
How I Improved My Dog’s Heart Health In One Evening
Cat Heartworm: Does Your Cat Have Heartworm

0 Cat Heartworm: Does Your Cat Have Heartworm?

Have you read the series of articles that I shared on heartworm for dogs? How about cat heartworm?

Here’s the latest article that I shared: Prevent Heartworm: You Can Laugh At Your Heartworm Worries — If You Follow This Simple Plan 

This is to ensure that pet parents are aware of the huge possibility of heartworm infection in dogs. Especially that Philippines is a country where mosquitoes are a common sight.

But what if you are a cat person? Is heartworm infection possible for your cat?

One pet parent before thought her cat was just having asthma.

After further tests, to her dismay, the cat actually had heartworm. And there is nothing can be done about it anymore.

Read on to find out why.

Cat Heartworm: Feline Heartworm Infection

Recently Dirofilaria immitis infection in cats has been receiving a lot of attention. Cats are susceptible to this worm but they are much more resistant of getting infected compared to dogs.

Typically, cats do not show signs if they are infected and are not normally tested for heartworm.

The prevalence rate of infection in cats is about 10% compared to dogs.

Infection in cats differs from dogs in several ways.  Cats tend to harbour very few adult worms, maybe just one or two.  

Even though cats get less worms,  they have a relatively smaller body size than dogs.  

This may cause more problems and are still considered to be heavily infected.

The presence of heartworm larvae can cause a respiratory ailment often mistakenly identified as asthma.  This is called Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease.

Compared to dogs,  there is no approved treatment for adult heartworm in cats.

It is better to have a preventive to keep them from getting infected with this worm.

Do not wait for heartworm to infect your cats.

Ask your vet about cat heartworm and how you can prevent it.

Visit us now at Makati Dog and Cat Hospital and enjoy peace of mind taking care of your cat.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

P.S. You might want to read more on Heartworm here:

0 Prevent Heartworm: You Can Laugh At Your Heartworm Worries — If You Follow This Simple Plan

Prevent Heartworm: You Can Laugh At Your Heartworm Worries — If You Follow This Simple Plan

Do you know that with just one mosquito bite, your dog can suffer from heartworm?

Yes! It is through an infected mosquito that your dog can be host the heartworm parasites.

Heartworm can be fatal to your pet when not treated.

The problem with heartworm is that symptoms only show when the heartworm has already penetrated the major organs of your pet.

If you are able to bring your pet to the vet and get checked, heartworm infection can still be treated. Though, this depends on what heartworm stage your dog is in. But the treatment can be long and it will definitely cost you.

Now, don’t be scared! Panicking will not help you or your pet. In anything, and that includes heartworms, there is a solution.

So before heartworm can start infesting your beloved dog, here are

3 Simple Steps To Make Sure That You Keep Your Pet From Heartworms

Prevent Heartworm: Keep Your Pet’s Vaccination Up To Date

For your pet to be healthy at all times, you have to follow the recommended vaccinations. Most veterinary clinics offer a vaccination program that starts as early as 2 weeks old.

Prevent Heartworm: Ask Your Veterinarian About Heartworm and Its Prevention

Now for heartworm, heartworm preventive starts at 3 months old. There are different kinds of heartworm preventive that you can choose from. From chewable monthly pills to once a year heartworm injectable.

You can ask your vet more about heartworm and its preventive.

You can also read more about heartworm here:

Heartworm and A Warning:  Do Not Read While Eating
Heartworm in the Philippines:  How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Heartworm?
Whose Fault When Your Dog Has Heartworms And What You Can Do About It

Prevent Heartworm: Avail The Best Heartworm Preventive For Your Pet

For busy pet parents like you, the best heartworm preventive for your pet is the once-a-year shot from Proheart.

This heartworm preventive makes it easier for you. You do not have to remember every month for the heartworm preventive pill. The yearly shot will also allow you to visit your vet at least once a year. This way, you are assured that your pet is in tip top shape.

Learn more about the Injectable Heartworm Prevention. Ask your vet about Proheart 12.

You have to know that heartworm is a common occurrence in the Philippines. This is because mosquitoes are a common sight in the country.

The best way to manage this heartworm parasite is through prevention. So choose the best heartworm preventive for your pet NOW and have peace of mind.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

P.S. You might want to read more on Heartworm here: http://makatidogandcathospital.com/humans-and-heartworm-health/

0 Heartworm Prevention Dogs: Do You Make These 5 Mistakes?

Heartworm Prevention Dogs: Do You Make These 5 Mistakes?

Hello Responsible Pet Parent,

Kumusta kayo ng fur baby mo?

Did you see the article I published a few days ago?  It’s “Ber” month already and I hope you have taken steps towards heartworm prevention in your pet dogs.  

Curious how heartworm looks inside your fur baby’s body?  Find it here: Heartworm and A Warning:  Do Not Read While Eating

Now back to the reason why I’m posting this update.

Just the other day, I read this dilemma of one pet parent posted online:

Help! I have a question. I gave our baby dewormer nung Aug 26. Pero kasi hndi kasama yung sa heartworm. Pwede ko b cya bgyan ng para sa heartworm… hndi b cya ma overdose nun?

… At 1st time ko pa lng cya papainumin ng para sa heartworm. Meron b dapat muna ako gawin before I give it to our baby? 6 months na cya sa Sept 6.  Pano mo rin malaman kung may heartworm cya?

——

Are you like this worried pet Mom who commit the 5 most common mistakes on heartworm prevention in dogs?

Do you stay awake at night wondering if your fur baby’s dry cough …
… is a quiet but deadly sign
… of white threadlike parasites
… slowly choking the arteries of your fur baby?
… And all of these are happening right in front of your very eyes!!!

In my long years of Vet Practice, I have seen the most common mistakes that pet parents commit on heartworm prevention for their pet dogs.  The message of the pet mom above shows the 5 most common mistakes.  

Can you spot these mistakes on heartworm prevention?

Do You Make These 5 Mistakes In Heartworm Prevention for Dogs?

Heartworm Prevention Dogs Mistake #1: You just give heartworm preventives without doing a yearly heartworm test

I had a patient before, a pet mom with a Shih Tzu named Peanuts.  She gave Peanuts a chewable heartworm preventive, not knowing that Peanuts already have adult heartworms in her lungs and heart!  

The heartworms died and clogged the heart and vessels in the lungs of Peanuts.  These dead heartworms released toxins that cause Peanuts into a severe anaphylactic shock. When Peanuts was brought to me, it was too late to save her.

Never commit this serious and costly mistake.  Have your pet tested for heartworm first BEFORE giving him any chewable heartworm pill!

Heartworm Prevention Dogs Mistake #2: You started heartworm prevention too late

Most heartworm prevention medicines are safe for puppies as young as 6-8 weeks old. I normally recommend that they start on heartworm prevention at their first puppy visit (usually around 8 weeks old).

Remember the pet mom I told you earlier?  She has a reason to be worried.  Her pet dog is already 6 months old when she started thinking about heartworm prevention!  

Heartworm Prevention Dogs Mistake #3: You give the wrong dosage for heartworm prevention to your dog

Humans love self medication and they do the same for their pet dogs!  Most often, they go ahead and give heartworm prevention to their pet dogs.  

If this describes you, know that heartworm medicine is given to dogs according to how much they weigh.  You do not want to overdose or underdose your dog with the wrong size medicine.  It will only be a waste of your money!

Heartworm Prevention Dogs Mistake #4: You miss or forget to give your monthly heartworm preventive

If you are guilty of committing this mistake, you are not alone!

Busy pet parents often forget to administer their pet’s monthly heartworm dose as they may be busy with their business, career or personal life.  

Heartworm preventatives are most effective on smaller heartworms.  If you miss a dose of heartworm preventative it not only leaves your pet open to infestation with heartworms, it doesn’t kill all of the heartworms from the month before.

Heartworm Prevention Dogs Mistake #5:  You give the wrong type of heartworm preventive

One of my patients is a Pet Mom whose Chihuahua doesn’t like the heartworm chewable tablet prescribed by her former Vet.  Her main complaint: ““I have a hard time making her eat it… “

Also, even if you give the medication as recommended, your dog may spit out or vomit a heartworm pill — or rub off a topical medication.

If you miss just one dose of a monthly medication — or give it late — it can leave your dog unprotected.

The Best Way To Avoid The 5 Most Common Mistakes In Heartworm Prevention for Dogs

To the distressed pet mom who posted her heartworm problem online, I have only 1 advice:  Consider giving a yearly heartworm preventive like ProHeart SR-12.

This is what I advice to busy pet owners who love their dogs but they have too much on their plate!

The nice people from Zoetis, maker of ProHeart, graciously gave us a great deal and I would like to pass it to you.

Just for the month of September 2017, we are giving 25% OFF on ProHeart, exclusive to Makati Dog and Cat Hospital clients.  Congrats and you are one of them!

All you have to do is:

Call  896-2860 and Enjoy 25% OFF on Proheart SR-12. Proheart keeps your dogs safe from deadly heartworms for 12 months.

*** BONUS *** Be one of the next 6 pet owners to avail of the Proheart promo and get FREE Ehrlichia Test to detect early dengue-like symptoms for your fur babies.

Call 896-2860 NOW!

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

P.S.1 Look who’s getting 25% OFF on ProHeart!

P.S.2  Sharing the good news that Ms. Mylez gave birth to a healthy baby boy!  You can wish her well here:  http://bit.ly/msmylezbaby

0 Which Preventive Is Best For Your Pet: Injectible Vs. Chewable Heartworm Preventive

Pet owners before you panic, there is a solution to heartworms in your dog: Heartworm preventive.

Not sure what heartworm is about? Read more about it here:
Heartworm and A Warning:  Do Not Read While Eating
Heartworm in the Philippines:  How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Heartworm?
Whose Fault When Your Dog Has Heartworms And What You Can Do About It

Heartworm Test

You have to know that before your can avail of the heartworm preventive, it is essential that you have your dog tested for heartworm.

The test requires a small blood sample from your dog. If the test is negative then the dog can be given the heartworm medication.

Kinds Of Heartworm Preventive

There are 2 heartworm preventives available in the market today. One is chewable and the other is injectible.

Heartworm Preventive: Chewable Pill or Tablet

Chewable Heartworm Preventives are pills or tablets you give to your dogs every month. The oral heartworm medication contains an active ingredient: ivermectin or milbemycin.

Most of these oral medication for heartworm has more than one function. Aside from targeting heartworm larvae, this pill can also eliminate internal parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms, if any. Some even eradicate fleas.

You have to make sure that your dog chews the entire tablet and does not spit any of it. If so, the effectiveness of the pill will be lessened.

Heartworm Preventive: Injectable Once a Year Shot

Aside from chewable once a month heartworm preventive, a once a year injectable shot is also available.

This injectable has an active ingredient called moxidectin. Other than heartworm larvae, this shot also targets hookworms. Injectable heartworm preventive can already be given as early as 3 months.

Heartworm Preventive: Injectable Best For Busy Pet Parents Like You

Now, you may ask, which heartworm preventive is best for your pet? The answer to that depends on how busy you are. If you think that you can remember to give your pet a monthly preventive, then go for the chewable. But if you are a busy pet parent, the injectable would be the practical choice.

Here are 3 reasons why injectible is best for responsible and busy pet owners like you:

You Only Have To Give It 1x A Year

The injectable heartworm preventive is given only once a year. Out of your 365 days in a year, you only have to think of the heartworm preventive once. You can even ask your veterinarian to alert you for the yearly shot so as not to miss it.

You are encouraged to time it with your Annual Vet Check-Ups

Sometimes when you get busy, vet check-ups are pushed to a later date until you realized it has been more than a year that your pet has visited the vet. With the yearly injectable heartworm preventive, you are sure that your pet is checked from top to bottom. You are sure that your pet is in tip top shape and in best health.

Your Heartworm Injectible Includes Elimination of Hookworms

Other than just heartworms, the once a year injectable kills hookworms as well. This is a good thing as your dog is protected from other parasites on top of heartworm. You can feel confident that your dog is protected from these worms.

To learn more about the Injectable Heartworm Prevention ask your vet about Proheart 12.

Heartworm is a common occurrence in the Philippines. This is because mosquitoes are prevalent in the country. The best way to manage this parasite is through prevention. So choose the best heartworm preventive for your pet NOW and have peace of mind.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

P.S. You might want to read more on Heartworm here: http://makatidogandcathospital.com/humans-and-heartworm-health/