You would be hard pressed to find a young child who didn't want a pony at some point in their life, but once a parent says yes, how do you care for the horse?
Your local vet can answer all your specific questions about how to raise a healthy horse, but you can also use these blog posts to give you an overview during your horse ownership journey. Check out this web site for information about horse feed, signs your horse needs vet attention, and even riding tips for beginners. Horse health is not a complicated subject, and the more you know, the happier your horse (and child) will be.
If your dog is about to have a litter of puppies, you'll need to be aware of the recommended vaccination schedule. Puppies typically receive their first round of vaccinations at 6-8 weeks old and will require booster vaccinations at around 12 weeks and 16 weeks of age. Once they've had their three rounds of puppy vaccinations, they will only require yearly booster shots to remain protected from the serious diseases the vaccinations cover. Here's an overview of the four diseases your dog will be vaccinated against:
Distemper
Distemper is an aggressive viral illness with no effective treatment. It can attack a puppy's respiratory system, gastrointestinal system and nervous system and can cause seizures, gastric upset and organ failure. It's often fatal in puppies due to their underdeveloped immune system.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a highly contagious viral infection that can damage a puppy's liver, kidneys and lungs. It is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids, and infected puppies may need antibiotics to treat a secondary bacterial infection or even a blood transfusion. Despite there being a few treatment options to try, this disease is often fatal in puppies.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal system and causes vomiting, diarrhoea and intestinal bleeding. It is spread between dogs through contact with infected faeces, and the virus can live at the site where an infected dog has defecated long after any signs of defecation have gone. There's no treatment, but a puppy can be given intravenous fluids and antiemetic drugs while waiting to see if they survive the virus.
Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that causes a hacking cough and can leave a puppy breathless due to inflammation in their lungs. It's not life-threatening, but it can leave a young puppy feeling very poorly. Antiviral medication can be prescribed to help an infected puppy fight off this condition, and using a humidifier in a puppy's living environment can help ease their symptoms.
As some of the diseases mentioned above can be fatal, it's vital you do not take a puppy out for walks in public areas, such as parks, or allow them to socialise with dogs you aren't certain have been vaccinated until they have had their final round of puppy vaccinations. Some vets offer home visits for puppy litter vaccinations, and this further minimises the risk of the puppies being exposed to unvaccinated dogs. Plan appointments well in advance with your vet to ensure your puppies remain on schedule for all three rounds of their vaccinations.
Contact a puppy litter vaccination service to learn more.