You’ve just adopted a puppy. What should you do to ensure his good health? What vaccinations are recommended? Why sterilize him? or even identification at the vet’s?
Florence Guillemain
The vaccination
A puppy’s immune system is immature for the first three months. Antibodies from the mother provide protection for a while, but gradually diminish. He therefore needs to be vaccinated at 1 month, to protect him against viral and even fatal diseases. Vaccinations are mainly carried out against parvovirus during the first injection, and then, during the second and third, against squamous cell disease, infectious hepatitis, para-influenza, leptospirosis, coronavirus and adenovirus.
Identification
Only veterinarians and the MSAW (Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare), which provides a registration certificate in this case, are authorized to carry out animal identification. A 15-digit chip the size of a grain of rice is implanted under the skin, behind the shoulder blade. The procedure is simple and painless. It can then be read by an electronic reader, enabling you to find your pet quickly in the event of loss.
Sterilization
Available from the age of 6 months, sterilization eliminates the inconvenience of heat, prevents unwanted pregnancies, reduces genital tract infections and mammary tumors, and reduces the risk of runaways. However, they can have certain side effects (weight gain or behavioral changes), so it’s essential to discuss the pros and cons with your veterinarian before making any decisions.
Thanks to Dr. Rarivo Minah Iharisoa, of Vétérinaire Mauritius 24/7, for his help.
Photo: ©F.Guillemain
