The festive season is approaching as we speak! A lot of holidays are coming up, and we’re slowly building up our travel itineraries, whether that would be the beach or mountain tops, or if you have the budget: hopping on a plane to explore a new country! But bringing your furry friend along isn’t always the most convenient thing. Although you might have people who are willing to look after your pet, your trusted companion might still experience loneliness or even stress! Especially families who leave them to stay all alone during the trip. ?

MyFriend would like to introduce you to Pet Separation Anxiety and how to handle it when you have to leave for an extended amount of time! 

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in pets 

The following are the behavior pets with separation anxiety may experience when they are left alone. This happens when the pets are really attached to their owners. Even in a household full of people as well! Especially when the furry friends aren’t really close with other members of the family. When pawrents who work from home with their pets go on a business trip, a holiday, or back at the office; it’s a huge shift in the environment! This change may result in stress and anxiety, which can manifest as the following symptoms.

Dogs: Destroying things, barking more than usual, trying to escape, eating more or less than normal, and urinating in the house. 

Cats: Scratching things, crying or excessive cleaning, overeating or not eating at all, and peeing outside of their litter box. 

How to help our pets with Separation Anxiety 

Our friends go through a multitude of symptoms that are caused by separation anxiety. The abrupt changes in the environment can be too much for our Pets. Think about it, after spending everyday together - life together becomes a routine. Suddenly, their pawrents are gone for days on end! In order to avoid separation anxiety, little but consistent adjustments have to be implemented, for our little ones to get used to the change. 

• Create an environment where they feel safe, comfortable, and cozy. Helping them feel happy even when they are alone. Have a selection of toys around the house so they can pick and choose what they want! 
• Train their behavior so that they’re used to being alone. This is definitely a tough one, but don’t give them treats or greet them with too much enthusiasm when you get home. Doing this too often will condition them to anticipate us coming home for the reward (which could be treats or attention).  
• Consider taking your pet to a Pet Hotel with well-trained staff who will take care of your fur baby on your behalf. Taking care of their feeding schedule, bathroom breaks, and exercise routine! A helping hand from a friend is also an option, letting them come into keeping your friend company every day and video call you! So your pet can hear your lovely and familiar voice! 
• If you have an extended family, let your little paw friend bond with them! Does your extended family have pets? Great! Try to introduce the two together and they might just become new best friends! This way, they’ll feel less lonely when their favorite person leaves the house. 

Although these things might seem simple to execute, don't forget that your pets need time to adjust to these changes. That’s why as pawrents, you should implement these changes as soon as pawsible! But keep in mind to prioritize their health and their mental well-being as well! If your pet has been diagnosed with anxiety, you can seek assistance from organizations that are well-versed in taking care of pets. Staff who are working closely with furry friends will understand and take the best care of your pet on your behalf! ?

This article is reviewed by the veterinarian from Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University (CUVET)

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

References

• ทำอย่างไร... เมื่อน้องหมาอยู่ในภาวะวิตกกังวลจากการถูกแยก | Dogilike.com
• How to Alleviate Pet Separation Anxiety When You're on Holiday | SAMFORD PET RESORT

Pet parents are encouraged to neuter or spay their pets. You’re probably one of them too! We all want the best for our furry friends, including ensuring they’re as healthy as pawsible! ??

You might be asking yourself the following questions: 

• What is the difference between neutering and spaying? 
• What are the benefits and disadvantages?
• Are there any health risks involved?
• What is the financial cost applied?

Worry not! MyFriend is here to answer all of these questions. We’ll be tackling these questions, based on the current research, and a veterinarian's input! ?‍⚕️

Disclaimer: This article’s purpose is to inform our readers about the benefits and advantages of desexing your pet, and we have also included disadvantages that all pet parents should be aware of, and we always recommend you consult with your trusted veterinarian before making any decision. MyFriend supports neutering and spaying your pet, as well as adopting friends to reduce the stray animal population. 

What’s the difference between neutering and spaying?

We’re probably all familiar with the results of these procedures: so our pet doesn’t have any more babies! But what exactly happens during these sterilization methods? Simply put, it’s when our pet’s reproductive organs are removed, making it impossible for them to procreate. 

• Neutering - is when a male animal’s testicles are removed. 
• Spaying - is when a female animal’s ovaries and uterus are removed. 

The ideal time for these procedures will depend on your pet’s breed, genetics, weight, and even environment. Generally, your veterinarian will recommend waiting until your pet’s reproductive organs have matured, before the procedure. This would be roughly 8-10 months for dogs, and 6-8 months for cats. 

Benefits of desexing your pet

We’re sure that whenever walking down the street, we are bound to find one (or many) strays in Bangkok. There are simply too many furry friends roaming around with no home. Neutering our pets can help reduce this issue so that animals won’t have to suffer on the streets later on. Neutering your pets can also help 

• Reduce aggressive behavior
• No testicular, ovarian, or cervical cancer 
• No more uterine infections 
• Lower risk of breast cancer
• Less vocalization
• Reduced marking 
• Less desire to sneak out of the house

Cons and possible risks of neutering your pet

Like any health procedure, there are always going to be some risks involved. Although the benefits outweigh the risks for most animals. As always, talk to your veterinarian about the best option for your pet. There are possible risks of neutering your pets, especially if they are desexed too early, such as 

• Bad reaction to the medications used during the procedure
• Negative bone development and joint problems
• Obesity
• Urinary incontinence 
• If the desexing procedure is done too soon, it might harm the reproductive system of our furry friends that are now fully developed yet. 

Financial Costs in Thailand 

The costs of neutering and spaying your pets will depend on the vet or clinic you decide to visit. Be sure to ask if the costs have included the fees for blood tests, vaccinations, anesthesia, medications, or other varying procedures to avoid any unexpected surprises. These costs will also depend on your pet’s breed, weight, medical history, and age. Often, our feline friends who are Scottish Folds, or Exotic Shorthairs will have a much riskier time, so the costs will also increase. 

With many pros and points to consider before of neutering and spaying your pets, consult with your pet’s veterinarian, and consider every aspect of your pet’s conditions and the cost of sterilization. Be sure to give your pet’s complete medical history to the vet to avoid any possible complications.

Wanna make your life easier? Check out our Health Tracking feature and send your pet’s health records with one simple link on our app! 

This article is reviewed by the veterinarian from Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University (CUVET)

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

References 

• ​How will spaying or neutering help my pet? | BCSPCA Speaking for Animals 
• Dog Neutering or Spaying A Dog: Pros and Cons | Top Dog Tips
• Pros and Cons of Spaying and Neutering | Madison Animal Care Hospital 

Our pets are destined to have fun and roam free in this big world we call home. But unfortunate events, accidents, or medical complications can take away this freedom from our four-legged friends. Disabled pets who have a missing limb(s) still deserve to have fun and continue to live their lives after the amputation process.  

As the age-old saying goes, when there’s a will, there’s a way! Us, hoomans have created a solution to these issues with advanced technology that is gradually becoming more accessible to everybody!

What are prosthetics?

Prosthetics, or artificial limbs are human-made body parts that help our friends continue living their fullest lives. These allow our pets to move around freely and prevent further injuries that might be caused by prolonged uneven weight distribution. 

Artificial limbs are supposed to be unique to each individual, which means each case must be customized to fit perfectly. 

Technology and accessibility

Traditional artificial limbs usually come with a hefty price tag, which not many families can afford for their furry friends. But thanks to revolutionizing technology, 3D printing is a manufacturing process that also benefited the pet prosthetic industry!

Affordability isn’t the only benefit of 3D printing, it’s also much more flexible compared to the old ways. So if there are any changes in design, it won’t cost a fortune, and this ensures that your pet will definitely be comfortable with the end result. 

Another benefit is timing. Pets who have lost a limb might get too used to not having that limb after an extended amount of time. 3D printing takes away the big time constraints that we might face with traditional methods. When it takes less time, our furry friends can quickly get back to running around in the fields! 

Pet Prosthetic in Thailand

The pet-prosthetic community in Thailand is still small, and there are only a handful of manufacturers or veterinarians who are creating these prosthetic limbs for our disabled friends. Despite this, there are ongoing research and accessible resources pawrents with disabled friends available in Thailand. 

Our pets are a big part of our lives and making sure they are living their fullest lives after unfortunate events is the least we can do for them. As pet parents, we want to see our fur babies roam the earth with all the freedom and fun! It’s what they’re destined to do. Pet prosthetics are a way we can help our furry friends continue their daily activities and further explore this big world we call home! 

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

References

• How a Dog Prosthetic Changes Lives | Handicapped Pets 
• Pet Prosthetics Get a Boost From 3D Printing | Wired
• A Pawless Dog Gets New Prosthetics | Wizard of Paws

Taking care of pets is a daunting task that requires a lot of empathy, understanding and patience. When our furry friends become disabled, whether that be from birth, illnesses, diseases, accidents, or natural aging, it takes immense effort for pet parents to care for them. It’s not only difficult for our friends themselves but creating a space that allows them to live as freely as they can, in a safe and secure environment is extremely important too! Let’s see how we can help our disabled pets have better life. 

Pets that are visually impaired

Visual impairment or blindness can be caused by various things. Birth defects, accidents, or even their natural age. Whether they can partially see or not at all, it’s still important to give them all the space they need. 

The most crucial thing for caring for visually impaired pets is familiarity with their environment. Please make sure they get used to the area at their own pace and assure them that they are safe. Pawrents should have a clean space with no litter, storing away all sharp and dangerous objects. Create a barrier between the doors, windows, and balcony so the little one cannot accidentally run away. Try not to move big furniture around too much, because blind pets rely on their mental layout of the house as a reference point. Moving the big furniture might cause a lot of confusion. Make their lives easier by creating a stepping stool for them for areas with different levels, such as the stairs. Other than that, you can also entertain them with sensory stimulating gadgets such as toys, or even hide snacks around the house! 

Paw friends that have a hearing impairment 

Taking care pets with audio impairment should be trained to understand a sign or body language. Ensuring that they’re around supervision for their own safety. 

Collars and leashes should be used when we take them out to explore the world! Remember: Don’t let them run away too far because then they wouldn’t be able to see the commands. Another extremely important thing to add is that, pet parents should not approach pets that are deaf when they are sleeping. Because they cannot hear, they can be startled when they’re suddenly touched. This can cause distrust and fear. Instead, try slowly approaching them, or placing a bowl of food near their nose to wake them up. 

Pets that have gone through amputation

Animals that have lost their limbs can live completely normal life after treatment. There are also prosthetics available so it’s easier for them to continue living their everyday lives! Exercise and staying healthy is still important factor for the little ones. 

Pet parents should give importance to their body weight because being overweight can cause unnecessary strain on their joints. Regular low-impact exercises can help their muscles grow strong and help them move around easily. Avoid vigorous exercise that might cause any further injuries. Other than that, creating ramps for surfaces with different levels, and investing in an orthopedic bed can also help them feel better with quality rest during their sleep. 

Friends with trouble walking and moving 

Pets can become partially or fully paralyzed from medical conditions, age, and even the environment. Pawrents can make their lives much more convenient by creating a space that is accessible to everything they need. Use nifty gadgets like harnesses, slings, or even a stroller to assist them around. Some treatments can help them gradually improve their condition, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. 

Although these pets are not fully able-bodied, that doesn’t mean they can’t live a full and fulfilling life! The most important thing is that we have to be ready to meet all of their needs and beyond since they will need extra TLC. In Thailand, there are so many disabled pets that are still waiting for a forever home. There are also several non-profit organizations where you can help donate your time, money, or even supplies ? 6 Things you can donate to pet shelters

Lastly, we would like to remind all pawrents that you should not forget to prioritize and take care of your own health too! Although your furry friend might be disabled in different ways, their hearts can still feel ours. If we are stressed or sad, they will also feel that way. Take care of them by first taking care of yourself, so you can both fully be happy as a family!

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

References

• How to Care for Pets with Disabilities | The Animal Clinic
• Caring for Elderly and Disabled Pets: A Guide for Pet Parents | four paws
• Living With Disabled Cats & Dogs | mypet.com
• 6 Tips to Help You Best Care for Your Disabled Pet | handicappedpets.com

Dental health for our pets is as important as ours. Keeping their pearly whites sparkly clean and minty fresh is one way to ensure they stay happy and healthy. Oral damage in our pet's body can eventually develop into a disease. Not only that, bacteria in plaque can enter the bloodstream and cause serious issues in the pet’s organs.

Here’s what you need to know, what to look out for, and how to keep your furry friend’s oral hygiene in tip-top shape. ?✨

What to know 

Your pet should be visiting the veterinarian annually for a health and dental check-up. It’s always best to catch any problem before it becomes a bigger issue, so make sure you pay attention to your pet’s health by tracking their well-being. Here are a few issues you need to know about pet dental care and maintenance!

• Dental diseases begin earlier in life. By the time our little friends turn three years old, they most likely have some form of dental disease. Spotting symptoms early can prevent chronic pain and further inflammation, which can decrease your pet’s quality of life dramatically.
• They can cause massive pain to our pets. If left untreated for too long, your furry friend might experience chronic pain. Pets can’t tell us they’re in pain, so they might be suffering in silence. If your pet has become more lethargic and easily irritable, the culprit might be their dental health!
• Removing plaque is extremely important. Especially the plaque that sits underneath the gums. Without removal, it can cause infections that can leak into the bloodstream, affecting vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver.
• At-home care is more crucial than we think. Sure, you’re thinking “nobody has time to brush their pet’s teeth!” but committing to a regular schedule can prevent a lot of health issues down the line. Remember: prevention is always better than cure! 

Symptoms to look out for 

As pet parents, we have to keep an eye on our trusted companion and their behavior. Becoming extra moody and easily agitated is a sign that your pet isn’t feeling its best. ? Check if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms: 

• Bad breath 
• Broken or loose teeth 
• Discolored or plaque-filled teeth 
• Abnormal chewing and eating habits
• Reduced appetite or refusal to eat 
• Bleeding, swelling, or pain in the mouth area

How to care

As simple as it may seem, just like hoomans, our pets need a regular tooth-brushing schedule. Of course, daily brushing is an ideal scenario. But we understand that not every pawrent has time for that! So brushing every other day is also good enough. ?

For large pets, using a normal-sized pet toothbrush is fine. If your pet is on the smaller side, baby toothbrushes are better. There are various flavors of pet–friendly toothpaste available on the market, please do not use your own toothpaste on your pet. Unlike our own routine, we don’t have to rinse off the toothpaste after we’re done brushing our pet’s teeth!

Dental treats and toys can help clean your pet’s teeth without brushing them every day. There are also diets that can help prevent dental diseases in the future. Consult with the vet for the best diet plans for your paw friend. ?‍⚕️?

This article is reviewed by the veterinarian from Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University (CUVET)

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

References 

• Pet Dental Care | American Veterinary Medical Association 
• 10 Facts you need to know to protect your pet’s oral health | American Animal Hospital Association
• Dog Dental Care: 6 Ways to Keep a Dog’s Mouth Clean | Pet MD

A big part of having a furry friend that most pawrents find fun yet challenging is taking them to the groomers! 

Whether you have a dog or cat, if you are taking them to the groomers or if you’re DIY-ing yourself, this process takes time, effort, and a lot of energy! Sometimes our fluffy companions have too much fun in the mud. So what exactly happens when we don’t take our furry friends to the groomers? They shouldn’t need that much maintenance right? 

Let’s see what happens to the health of our pets if they don’t receive regular grooming or showers!

Issues with tangled coat and skin 

This is the most common issue when it comes to irregular grooming. If you’re not brushing your trusted companion's fur frequently, the hair that is supposed to shed might linger a little too long. Causing knots, tangles, and matted fur. Especially pets with longer coats, their eyes might be blocked or even irritated from the extra strands. Other than that, there are also issues with ticks and fleas. Regular showers and grooming will help your pet see better and get rid of any annoying pests! 

Problems with walking 

It might seem like pets with untrimmed nails would only affect the well-being of us as a pawrent. But in fact, our furry friends might experience nail breaks and tears. Another thing is that: if the nails are so long, they can curl back into your pet’s paw, which can cause complications and extreme pain, and as a result, hinder your friend’s ability to walk. Left untrimmed for a very long time, this change in walking habits can cause arthritis on top of any other deformities. Keeping our pet’s nails trimmed lets them live their best life and stay happy. 

Complications with ear infections 

If our furry friend doesn’t get their ears cleaned regularly, they are especially susceptible to ear infections. Our pets will have varying anatomies of their ear, and this variety can cause different issues such as ear fungus, rashes, ear mites, or even blockage. All of these complications can be avoided if we regularly keep our pet’s ears spotless!

Dental hygiene issues

Our pet’s oral health is something important we often overlook. Because our paw friends can’t brush their teeth themselves, unlike what we do for ourselves on a daily basis. Taking care of our pet’s oral hygiene means brushing their teeth, and checking for any abnormalities such as bad breath, which can tell us a lot about our pet’s current physical condition.

There’s a common understanding that grooming is done for sanitary purposes, and to keep everyone in the house clean, but an added benefit is that it keeps our pet's health in tip-top shape with early detection. Whether you are fumbling around with the hose in your backyard, or you are taking your friend to the groomer, it’s a great time for you to bond with each other! ??

?️ What about you guys? When was the last time you took your furry friend to the groomer?

This article is reviewed by the veterinarian from Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University (CUVET)

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

References

• 5 Reasons Grooming Is Vital To Your Dog’s Health | I heart dogs
• 6 Reasons Why Grooming Your Pet is Important to Their Health | Healthy Paws
• The Importance of Pet Grooming | Bridge Park Animal Hospital

It’s the spookiest month of the year! Who doesn’t love Halloween? Or should we say… Howlloween? 

Let’s welcome the spooky season by doing fun festive activities with our furry friends! Trick or treat can be tricky with a pet around the house. Since chocolate, raisins, and other goods with artificial sweeteners are actually toxic for them! How can we celebrate Halloween with our pets? 

Things pawrents should look out for

As a general rule, pets should not be indulging in any Halloween candy we would give to hoomans. But these are especially what we have to keep away from our pets:

• Chocolate - of all forms! Doesn’t matter if it’s dark, milk, or white chocolate - do not give your pet chocolate at all. They contain theobromine, a compound that our furry friends cannot tolerate. 
• Raisins & Grapes - are something very toxic to dogs and can cause a lot of harm to their kidneys.
• Sugar-free candy - contains Xylitol which can cause further health issues in pets.
• Candy Wrappers - are a huge hazard this season too. When our friends are overly excited, they might ingest these, and end up choking!
• Candy corn - and other classic Halloween candy can cause a lot of harm due to their high sugar content.
• Costumes - are cute but pawrents should stay cautious! They’re also a huge choking hazard. Also, the weather in Thailand is hot and humid, so if you’ve got a thick-coat baby, consider other costume alternatives for your friend.

What they can eat 

Don’t get discouraged by the list of forbidden goodies! We can still celebrate and enjoy Halloween with our pets. There are so many healthy options left for us to enjoy safely. Keep in mind that these foods should not be seasoned or spiced. Like everything, moderation is key! 

Here are some ideas outside of the typical treats you can find in stores:

• Pumpkin (both fresh & puree form will work)
• Berries (limited quantity)
• Carrots
• Peanut Butter (natural, unsweetened is best)
• Tuna (an option for the cat parents too!)
• Corn
• Cheese (very small amounts, as it contains dairy)

Symptoms of poisoning

If you suspect that your pet has gotten into the candy stash, call your veterinarian ASAP. There’s a calculator you can also use to determine how much chocolate will be toxic for your pets you should check out here. If you are not sure how much chocolate your fur baby has gotten into, immediately seek veterinary advice. 

Signs of poisoning include: 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy 
• Loss of coordination 
• Excessive thirst
• Rapid heartbeat
• Seizures 

Keep your beloved pet safe this Halloween season! Remember: you can still enjoy the festivities and this howl-liday together, just be mindful of what your little furry friend consumes and keep an eye out for any possible hazards. If you suspect your pet has ingested substances that can be harmful to their health, immediately contact your veterinarian.

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

References:

• It’s Halloween Season! 13 Foods That Your Pets Can Eat | Wag Walking 
• Halloween Dangers to Dogs & Cats | Pet Poison Helpline 
• ช่วยด้วย! หมาฉันกินขนมฮัลโลวีน แล้วฉันจะทําไงดี? | Pet Problem
• จะทำอย่างไรเมื่อสุนัขของคุณกินขนมฮาโลวีน | Animal Thai

No matter what the holiday is, as long as we have our fur babies, that’s all we need! But during Halloween, there are so many festivities and activities to do together. Whether that would be dressing up in fun costumes or snacking on yummy treats, Halloween can be super fun but also super tricky for pet parents. ⚠️

Today, MyFriend is inviting everyone to celebrate the festivities in the safest way possible! Let’s see what we should look out for during this spooky season ???

Hide the candy bowl

A candy-filled holiday like Halloween is super fun for trick-or-treaters! Just remember that many of the go-to spooky treats are toxic to our furry friends. Especially chocolate that has Theobromine, a compound that is toxic to our pets (so there are no exceptions)! Keep an eye out for sugar-free snacks or candies too, many of them will contain Xylitol, which is also very dangerous for our companion. Immediately call the vet if the little one accidentally chowed down on chocolate bars or sugar-free candy ??

? Trick or treatttt! Halloween snacks and treats from Thai businesses ?

? Tap the image to read more information ?

Watch the decorations!

We all love being in the holiday spirit! A way to fully immerse ourselves is through decorating our homes with our wicked creativity. With the new arrangements and ornaments, many things are not placed in their usual spots. The Jack O’Lanterns might be on the floor, and end up being our pet’s new chew toy! Creepy candles are ready to be crashed into, or even fake spider webs might seem a little too appetizing. Pawrents have to be extra attentive, because unexpected or unpredictable events can cause damage to our things, and most importantly, to our pets. ?

Careful costumes

Of course, dressing up and costumes are an essential part of this holiday!! ? Whatever the costume may be, we shouldn’t forget to prioritize your pet’s comfortability! Try to avoid costumes or clothes that are too tight or too loose – so they can move freely. Check the chest, neck, and legs to make sure there’s enough room. Outfits that have dangly accessories or all the glitter glam might attract our pets to gnaw and chew on them! Another thing to consider is Thailand’s hot and humid weather, make sure there’s enough breathing room for the little friend. Read their body language to make sure they’re having a good time, and if they seem a little off – they’re protesting! Changing their costume to a classic bandana, fancy collars, or smaller accessories might be the move.

? Cute costumes for our Friends this Halloween! ?

? Tap the image to read more information ?

Keep calm and recognizable 

For those of us who are taking our precious babies out to enjoy Halloween ?️ Don’t forget to put on a collar that has all proper identification on them. Whether that would be their name, your name, phone number, or address, all of this can save your precious ones if they do get lost. Our pets in costumes can make it harder to recognize them, so taking them to get their microchip is ultimately the best way! ?

There might be a lot of things to look out for, but it's important you don’t furget to have fun! Use this article as a rough guide to protect your floof ball. Halloween only happens once a year, so make sure you’re still having fun and celebrating this spooky season with your furry friends! ??

? Don’t forget to share this article with your friends! 

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

References

• Halloween Safety Tips | ASPCA

Like us hoomans, our pets need vaccines to protect them from diseases and possible infections. These diseases include those that are very hard to cure, even with expensive treatments, medication, and the best technology. Prevention is better than cure! We always want to be safe rather than sorry, especially when it comes to a beloved family member.

How will vaccines protect my pet? 

Vaccines work the same way for our pets as it does for hoomans. Simply put, they train and prepare your body (or more specifically, your immune system) to fight against diseases. These shots contain the dead or very weak version of the germ, think of it as a “trial” round for your body to practice. Because your immune system remembers these “intruders”; when you come into contact with the real disease, the immune system will be able to detect them before they can do any harm.

Vaccination schedule 

Research has shown that there is an increased risk of intense symptoms if multiple shots are given in a single session. So try to schedule vaccination appointments with time in between so your pet has some time to recover! Especially if they are younger or a smaller breed.

Effects and risks of vaccination

Before you take your companion into their first or annual vaccination, don’t forget to inform the vet about your pet’s medical history. If your pet has had reactions to vaccines in the past, tell your vet! Even if it feels like a minor reaction. 

Normal side effects

These symptoms should be very mild.

• Mild swelling and tenderness in the vaccination area
• Fatigue 
• Loss of appetite 
• Minor fever

Severe symptoms you should watch out for

If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms for more than 48 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately.

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Hives
• Breathing difficulties

The side effects your friend may experience after getting their vaccination are usually mild, and short-lived. Compared to the disease they’re going to be protected from, post-vaccination symptoms are much less of a concern. The chances of your pet having a serious reaction are super low, but it is always best to share your fur baby’s full medical history before any procedure.

Check out our Healthcare feature to fill in your pet profile and keep up with their vaccination!

This article is reviewed by the veterinarian from Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University (CUVET)

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

References

• The Importance of Pet Vaccinations | Max’s Corner 
• Adverse events diagnosed within three days of vaccine administration in dogs |  National Library of Medicine 
• โปรแกรมวัคซีนในสุนัขและแมว ฉีดให้ครบถ้วนเพื่อสุขภาพที่ดี | Baan Lae Suan Pets
• ตารางฉีดวัคซีนสุนัข | Pedigree