They say it is better to prevent rather than cure, which is absolutely true.
Apart from vaccinations, which we recommend according to local legal requirements and pets’ lifestyles, we recommend starting the vaccinations at two months of age and performing the last booster at four months to secure adequate immunity. So, depending on the age at which we initiate the vaccination, we will perform two or three boosters.
The gold standard at the moment is to check the effectiveness of the vaccination, performing a “Vacci-check.” It is basically a blood test that will demonstrate whether the vaccines achieved maximum support four weeks after the last vaccine. A small amount of blood is withdrawn, and the results are available the same day.
They say it is better to prevent rather than cure, which is absolutely true.
- Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Adenovirus-2, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis (DHPPiL) and Rabies virus.
- Kennel cough vaccination recommendation depends on the lifestyle of the pet.
To summarize the schedule usually looks like this:
Week 8: initial vaccination
Week 12: booster & vaccination, microchip placement
Week 16: last booster vaccination
Week 20: Vacci-check
We recommend regularly administering a worming tablet to all dogs and cats with outdoor access every 3 months. Strictly indoor cats can be wormed less frequently.
- Fleas are uncommon in the UAE, but we have encountered them a few times.
- Ticks are prevalent depending on the area.
We generally recommend using external parasite prevention for dogs every three months.
At Panacea Vets, preventive medicine goes far beyond vaccinations, deworming, and routine blood tests. Our approach considers your pet’s environment, lifestyle, and behavior to reduce health risks and enhance their quality of life.
Animals cannot speak, and signs of pain, anxiety, stress, or discomfort are often subtle and difficult to detect. This makes regular preventive care essential for identifying and addressing potential issues early.
A thorough prevention plan includes:
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups & Blood Tests
- Early detection of potential issues allows for timely intervention and tailored care.
Maintaining a Healthy Body Condition
- Managing your pet’s weight is critical to preventing various health issues, from orthopedic problems to metabolic diseases.
Correct Diet & Tailored Supplements
- A diet specific to your pet’s needs, supplemented as necessary, supports overall health and addresses particular conditions.
Dental Care
- Regular brushing (especially for prone breeds), preventive scale and polish treatments, and full-mouth radiologic exams for cats.
Healthy Skin & Fur
Avoid unnecessary baths and products that can irritate your pet’s skin. Preventive ear washes help reduce infections.
Muscle & Joint Health
- When indicated, promote healthy muscles and ligaments through regular exercise, hydrotherapy, or physiotherapy.
- Screening large-breed dogs for hip dysplasia with X-rays at an appropriate age enables early intervention.
Environmental Enrichment
- Multi-cat households: Create vertical spaces, hiding spots, and separate feeding areas to reduce stress.
- Dogs: Customized exercise routines and adjustments, such as appropriate food and water bowl placement, help maintain joint and muscle health.
Behavioral & Training Support
- Proper training helps reduce anxiety and behavioral issues, promoting a safer, happier environment for your pet and your family.
Sterilization at an Appropriate Age
- Spaying or neutering your pet at the right time contributes to their long-term health and prevents unwanted behaviors or complications.
Annual or Bi-Annual Check-Ups
- During these visits, our veterinarians thoroughly examine your pet to determine its specific needs and develop a personalized prevention plan. By addressing these factors early, we build a proactive healthcare approach that ensures your pet thrives with a lifetime of health, comfort, and joy.
- Every cat over seven years old should have annual bloodwork to monitor kidney function, thyroid screening, blood pressure, and urine analysis. Kidney disease is statistically the most common disease in mature and senior cats.
- We strongly advise bi-annual blood work, blood pressure measurement, and urine analysis for cats above ten years old.
Cats that have access to the outdoors and get into fights must be checked annually, at least for retroviral infections like FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus).
Ideally, the retroviral status must be checked every three months if they fight frequently.
We recommend a comprehensive annual blood test for dogs over seven years old, including hematology, biochemistry, thyroxin levels and a urine test.
