The dog known for its loyalty and unqualified love has a well-deserved reputation as being man’s best friend. We have memories of playing tag with our dogs, teasing them, endlessly throwing a ball or stick, just to have it brought back to us just to do it again. Dogs have become increasingly a part of our lives, so much so that we sometimes forget they are not children. (Paris Hilton, take note. That little bundle you carry around is a descendant of the timber wolf and doesn’t belong in your purse)When you get a dog, whether rescued from the dog pound’s gas chamber or acquired through a breeder, with all the bells and whistles of canine aristocracy, the dog is a dog.
A mutt with a confused lineage can be taught the haughty strut of the show dog and the Bichon Frise will roll and play in the mud just like its more street-oriented cousin. So when you get a dog, you must realize one size does not fit all. Owning a majestic storied golden retriever has a different set of instructions than does the teacup poodle. The former is innately brave and extroverted, yearning to leap into the icy waters to bring back the dead duck, the latter, is cute, adorable, and basically helpless. As one gets to know his or her pet, the pet and owner teach each other how to get through the day, but there is one area that you, as the owner, need to be in complete control-shots.
Vaccinations
All dogs, from the mighty working dogs to those bred for the lap, need shots. If you have inquired as to purchasing a dog, you will see references to “all shots are given” “initial shots are given” and other references to vaccination. This is the area where you, as the owner, must take the initiative. Dogs need vaccinations throughout their lives and you need to know what and when. There are shots for rabies, worms, and distemper; you name it, it has a vaccine. So get a vet if you don’t already have one and find out what you have to do to protect your dog when its claws and teeth can’t.
Med MD is sort of a self-help medical site that has a pet section and it has an extensive list of vets. There are volumes of dogs’ heroic and epic deeds to protect their owners. Don’t you think a little effort and knowledge of what and when vaccines come into play to return that favor are in order? Take a peek at it, and discuss the information with your vet. Be a hero for your dog.
Bio: Darleen has a huge interest in pets and pet health. She has run purelypets.com for well over a decade.
