Category Archives for "Vet Approved"

0 Expired Pet Vaccination Philippines: How Long Do Puppy Vaccines Really Last?

Expired Pet Vaccination In The Philippines: How Long Do Puppy Vaccines Really Last?

Were you able to read Part 1 of my post on pet vaccines in the Philippines that are expired?

Here’s that eye-opening article on expired pet vaccines in the Philippines

From that first article, you probably know by now that #WalangForeverSaVaccines.

Yes, after your pet’s initial vaccination, you still need to be mindful on the schedule of his re-vaccination …

… simply because #WalangForeverSaVaccines.

Expired Pet Vaccination In The Philippines: How Long Do Puppy Vaccines Really Last?

Vaccines given to your pet dogs and cats have a period of effectivity.

Once that period lapses, you need to have them re-vaccinated to keep them protected.

On his or her first year, your puppy will be receiving:

a. 5-in-1 vaccine

– recommended to puppies 6 weeks old or when your puppy is 1 month and a half in age.

– after his 1st vaccine, he will get 3 more shots every 3 weeks

b. Rabies vaccine

– recommended to puppies 4 months old.  By this time, he has already completed his 5-in1-vaccine

c. Bordatella vaccine

– recommended for puppies 4 months old and a half.  This is after his rabies vaccine

– after 2 weeks of getting his 1st vaccine, he will get his 2nd shot

After completing the core vaccines above, licensed Vets recommend that your pet dog will receive his core vaccines yearly.

For a complete schedule of vaccines for your puppy and the re-vaccination schedule, you can check out this post on Pet Vaccination Schedule: When Is The Recommended Vaccinations Given?  

Yearly visits to your Vet will include re-vaccination and annual check up.  This will ensure that you will have a long and happy relationship with your pet dogs and cats.

Now, you ask:  

“Doc Sixto, what are the chances that my pet dog will not be infected with diseases such as Distemper, Parvo, Hepatitis, and ParaInfluenza after completing his 5-in-1 vaccine shots?”

My Short Answer:

A lot of factors must be taken into consideration.  To keep it short and simple, you should consider 2 major factors:

• Partner only with a Registered Vet for he would advise you on the best protective care via vaccines
• Use quality vaccines.  Registered Vets have access to quality vaccines and they can recommend the best brands  that they are using for their practice.

Know what?  I promise to write a long answer to your question!  

Watch out for my next post.  I’ll share severals ways that we Vets consider when choosing the best brands of vaccines in the market to ensure that your pets are protected continuously!

Meantime, if you have questions about vaccination for your pet, send me a message in Makati Dog and Cat Hospital Facebook Page.

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  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 3 Pet Boarding Essentials You Should Not Forget When Leaving Your Pet in A Pet Boarding Facility

What are the pet boarding essentials? This can be a question that runs through your head. As a possible long weekend is ahead, you are playing with the idea of taking a vacation without your pet.

You already found the pet boarding facility that suits you and your pet’s needs. Now what?

What are the necessary steps you should take before boarding your pet? Are there any requirements or certain preparations to accomplish?

Wonder no more! This article will tell you the basics when boarding your cat or dog.

Here are the 3 pet boarding essentials:

Up To Date Vaccination

Your pet should have up to date vaccination before boarding your pet. If not, you can talk to the vet to update the needed vaccinations before boarding starts.

When your pet’s vaccination is complete, you are sure that it is protected from infection from other pets. And you are ensured that the other pets will not also infect your pet as they are vaccinated as well.

Flea And Tick Prevention

Aside from infections, you want to prevent fleas and ticks from attacking your pet. Or making your pet a carrier of fleas and ticks that can spread to other pet boarders.

Nothing can discourage a responsible pet parent like you when you fetch your pet and found out fleas and ticks making a home on your pet’s skin.

Pet Food

Your pet’s food is one of the important pet boarding essentials. Pet boarding facilities do not provide food as pets can have specific food requirement.

You can also include your pet’s favorite toy or blankie especially if it is their first time to stay in a pet boarding facility.

Now you know what to prepare before boarding your pet. Knowing the pet boarding essentials will make it easier for you and your pet.

Learn more about pet boarding at Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Thanks to Gretel Atienza for a cute photo of her furbabies Miggy, Gypsie and Hatchi

0 Happy Client: Arlene Villaluz

Makati Dog and Cat Hospital is the best animal hospital in the Metro. They have the best and the most experienced veterinarians who are not only patient with dogs but are also patient with fur mommies like me.

– Arlene Villaluz

Here’s what happy customers of Makati Dog and Cat Hospital are saying: http://bit.ly/mdchhappyclients

**** Happy with us? If YES, may I ask you to write us a short review: http://bit.ly/fbhappyclients

**** Click to give 5 Star Review in Google: http://bit.ly/mdchreviews

It will help us spread our community and reach out to pet parents and their fur babies!

0 Happy Client: Eunice Duyanen

Thank you Eunice Duyanen for the 5 Star Rating

Here’s what happy customers of Makati Dog and Cat Hospital are saying:  http://makatidogandcathospital.com/category/happy-clients/

Happy with us?  If YES, may I ask you to write us a short review:
**** Click to give a review here in FB

**** Click to give a review in our Google Plus http://bit.ly/mdchreviews

It will help us spread our community and reach out to pet parents and their fur babies!

0 Pet Home Service: Why This Could Be The Best Option For You And Your Pet

Pet Home Service: Why This Could Be The Best Option For You And Your Pet

Have you ever considered availing of pet home service? Or is it your first time to hear about it?

Pet home service is when you ask your vet to come to your place instead of you going to the vet. Yes, that service exists!

Read on to know why you should consider Home Service for Pets:

Convenient

Just imagine your vet going to your home. It is a very comforting thought that you do not have to prep up your pet for the journey. And that includes you preparing for the trip to the vet.

Pet home service is a convenient way to keep your furry kid up to date with the vaccines and other pet needs.

Hassle Free

Aside from the convenience in opting for Pet Home Service, it is also hassle free. No need to think of the traffic situation, weather condition and the mood of your dog – even your mood.

All you have to do is book your pet for a home service appointment then wait for the time and date. That’s it!

Comes with Freebies

If you are thinking of availing of Pet Home Service, you could enjoy the freebies as well. Some pet clinic or hospitals allow free delivery of pet food when you avail of the home service.

That’s right! Free pet food delivery right at your home. It’s like an all in one package for you and your pet without you going anywhere!

Think about it, you have more time to do other things and at the same time feel confident that you are giving the best for your furry kids even if you are not around (because maybe you are having a massage or something)

So the next time your pet’s appointment is up, don’t hesitate to take advantage of Pet Home Service.

Learn More About Pet Home Service at Makati Dog and Cat Hospital