DOG MAINTENANCE

• One exam a year is sufficient for mature dogs until age of 8. Periodical veterinary exams are advisable for puppies and senior dogs.
• At least three times a year you have to take care of internal parasites (roundworms and hookworms).
• The most common external parasites we encounter are fleas, with ticks being common during the season (early spring until late autumn) Fleas and ticks are reservoirs for various infectious diseases (Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, tapeworms).
• Dogs travelling to Istria or even further to south should be protected against mosquitoes and heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis).
• Dog owners are obligated by law to vaccinate their dogs against rabies once a year. First vaccination should be preformed at the age of three months.
• Once a year dogs should be vaccinated against other infectious diseases like:
  Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Hepatitis Virus, Leptospirosis, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza Virus, Lyme disease
• Spaying / Neutering
  It is very important to bring your puppy in for one of these common and safe surgical procedures to help lengthen and improve the overall quality of your pet's life. It is recommended at puberty (for majority of dogs around the age of five months).
  For females, spaying eliminates or greatly minimizes problems with:
  - unwanted pregnancy, which helps prevent pet overpopulation
  - attraction of male dogs during "heat" cycles
  - potentially life-threatening uterine infections
  - breast cancer
  For males, neutering eliminates or greatly minimizes problems with:
  - aggression and dominance
  - roaming, which helps prevent pet overpopulation
  - territorial marking with urine