About DoctorsBecknStone

Status:

Expatriate  

Currently Lives:

Beijing, China

Citizen Of:

Denmark

HR/Relo
Professional:

Provider of Expat-Related Services & Products

Some Forum Posts:

China: First international pet hospital in Guangzhou:

Pet-owners in Guangzhou can now visit Doctors Beck & Stone in Pearl River New City in Guangzhou. You can find the contact details at www.doctorsbeckandstone.com Warm regards Dr Tony Beck

China: Bringing Pets to China:

Public Security alert regarding large dogs in Beijing, China. You can read more by clicking on this link: http://www.doctorsbeckandstone.com/index.php/pet-regulations Warm regards Dr Tony Beck

China: "Kennel Cough" is very prevalent at this time in Beijing.:

"Kennel Cough" or a similar respiratory infection is very prevalent at this time in Beijing. "Kennel Cough" is defined as an infection cause by the bacteria Bordetella bronchisepta in complex with up to 110 other infectious agents including a wide variety of viruses. However the diagnosis is rather academic and based on the infection’s principle clinical sign which is a very sensitive airway (tracheitis) eliciting a honking cough and the highly contagious nature of the infection. Ours Dr. Clement is very experienced at providing the correct supportive treatment to alleviate the clinical signs. You will be pleased to know that daily injections are not required. There is also a vaccination available though it is not licensed for use in China. For this or any other queries please contact us. Warm regards Tony Dr. Anthony David Beck, BVetMed MRCVS Doctors Beck & Stone Pet Health Care Center info@drbns.com www.vetinChina.com www.facebook.com/pages/Doctors-Beck-Stone/112354722153741 www.youtube.com/user/DoctorsBecknStone http://twitter.com/#!/DrBecknStone

China: Rabbit pets in China.:

Rabbits are wonderful pets and, as such, need a wonderful veterinarian! Dr. Stone is renowned in Beijing as a rabbit specialist. Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha found in several parts of the world. There are 8 different genera in the family classified as rabbits. The male is called a buck and the female is a doe; a young rabbit is a kit. Rabbits are herbivores feeding on grass, forbs and leafy weeds. These plants contain a large amount of cellulose, which means that a rabbit’s hind gut is specially adapted to digest this polysaccharide. Rabbits have a high reproductive rate. The breeding season for most rabbits lasts 9 months, from February to October. In Australia & New Zealand breeding season is late July to late January. Normal gestation is about 30 days. Rabbits are the third most common pet in China, and whilst they are a fabulous pet they are not necessarily a fabulous patient. This is simply because of their specialized hind gut; the bacteria is easily disrupted by the antibiotics that veterinarians commonly use. Approximately 70% of all problems found with rabbits are associated with their dentition. A rabbit's teeth continually grow and unless they are fed a sufficiently fibrous diet these teeth are not worn down leading to teeth problems, eye problems and gut problems. Modern rabbit diets are designed to be tasty and commonly have too much protein and not enough fiber. Ask your vet for advice. Whilst rabbits make very good house pets if they are kept in cages it is important to get it right; don't over feed, ensure good hygiene and if you are to use a wire mesh floor then ensure that there is a deep straw/ wood chip litter. A flat wooden floor to the cage is best. Whilst there are vaccines for Myxomatosis and Hemorrhagic Gastro- Enteritis (HGE) neither of these infections are seen in China. It is of interest to note that both of these viral infections were made by man to control the rabbit populations. Rabbits can carry rabies without showing symptoms hence vaccination is advisable and whilst no rabies vaccinations are licensed for use in rabbits, problems are very rarely seen. Question: My rabbit produces soft poo and hard poo. Is this normal? Yes it is normal and essential. Rabbits are hindgut digesters. This means that most of their digestion takes place in their large intestines. In rabbits the cecum is about 10 times bigger than the stomach and it along with the large intestine makes up roughly 40% of the rabbit's digestive tract. The unique musculature of the cecum allows the intestinal tract of the rabbit to separate fibrous material from more digestible material; the fibrous material is passed as feces, while the more nutritious material is encased in a mucous lining as a cecotrope. These wetter damper feces are high in minerals, vitamins and proteins that are necessary to the rabbit's health. Rabbits eat these to meet their nutritional requirements; the mucous coating allows the nutrients to pass through the acidic stomach for digestion in the intestines. Happy Year of the Rabbit. Warm regards Tony Dr. Anthony David Beck, BVetMed MRCVS Doctors Beck & Stone Pet Health Care Center info@drbns.com www.vetinChina.com www.facebook.com/pages/Doctors-Beck-Stone/112354722153741 www.youtube.com/user/DoctorsBecknStone http://twitter.com/#!/DrBecknStone Contact information: Doctors Beck & Stone - Central Business District (CBD) Reception: +86 10 8776 6346 Opening hours 9am to 9pm Mon - Sun, consultations by appointment. 3 Hao Lou B-104, Hou Xian Dai Cheng, Bai Zi Yuan, Bai Zi Wan Lu, Chaoyang Qu, Beijing, 100022 Doctors Beck & Stone - Shunyi Reception: +86 10 8046 2886 or +86 10 8046 2235 Opening hours 9am to 7pm Mon - Sun, consultations by appointment. Shop LB05, Euro Plaza, #99 Yu Xiang Road, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District, Beijing, 101300 If you have an emergency outside of regular opening hours please call: English speakers: +86-135 0103 0572 Chinese speakers: +86-139 1185 2572 We have ambulances for collection and drop off of your pet. Please call us to arrange.

China: Cat care in China:

Kittens Bringing a new kitten into the home is a very exciting event for everyone. In the excitement of the moment, one may forget to take into consideration a few things. When first obtaining your new kitten, it would be helpful to find out from the previous owner the feeding schedule and diet. The reason for this is that a change in diet and water can cause some intestinal upset; though usually transient it may cause concern. Ideally it is best to keep the same diet for the first few days and then to change the food gradually over a period of a week. Thus by the end of a week or more, your new kitten is totally on the new food. This should avoid loose stools. In addition to new food, some owners think milk would be good for their new kitten. This is inadvisable; the digestive system of adult mammals is not designed for milk. Putting a dash of milk in your cat’s water may add to their quality of life however please note whether diarrhea is seen and adjust this feeding regime accordingly. Young kittens have a very small stomach, but need a lot of nourishment. Feedings should be frequent but not too much as to cause regurgitation, bloat or colic. Depending on how much your kitten wants to eat the following regime should be followed: 2-3 months: 4 meals per day 4 months: 3 meals per day 5 months: 2 meals per day Cats rarely get fat as adults but some can! Whilst owners commonly leave food down for cats all the time and this causes little harm it is best to feed them twice per day. If your cat tends to over eat then definitely do this. Kittens are often weaned too early here in China. The tendency is often to see a kitten barely one month old separated from its mother. The ideal time to wean a kitten is 6 weeks of age. Early weaning may lead to a poor immunity and ill thrift. Depending on purchase/ re-homing source it may be advisable to quarantine your new pet for a week. Once this initial period is over it’s ready to start a vaccination program at 8 weeks of age. Once through this crucial period of life, kittens can develop quickly into active members of your household. They have so much to contribute and enrich our lives. They deserve a good strong start in life. Cats are very adaptable and seem quite happy to spend their life indoors. It is important to provide them with a comfortable bed and a litter tray to use as a toilet. Cats are very clean animals and if the litter tray is not cleaned regularly they will not want to use it. This can lead to urine retention and complications such as cystitis. Dirty litter tray should be handled hygienically. Wash your hands after cleaning the litter tray out. If you are pregnant, get someone else to do it or wear protective gloves. Food, water dishes and utensils used by the cat should be kept separate from those used by the family and should be washed separately. It is probably better to feed cats once or twice a day, at the same times, rather than leave food out all the time. As well as being more hygienic, it allows you to check your cat and monitor his or her appetite more easily. Cats have claws which are quite sharp and which they like to scratch on hard surfaces to keep them healthy. It is a good idea to get them used to a cat scratch at an early age to stop them from damaging carpets and furniture. They can be encouraged to use the scratcher by rubbing it with catnip, a herb that is available from pet shops. Vaccination All kittens need a course of vaccinations starting at about 8 weeks old and an annual booster. Rabies vaccinations should be given yearly here in China. We always worm kittens at the same time as the vaccination and they should also be wormed at regular intervals throughout the year. What do I need to vaccinate against? Feline Enteritis – Onset of this disease is very rapid and often fatal. It can be particularly severe in pregnant cats, which may lose kittens of give birth to kittens with severe abnormalities. Symptoms include high temperature, loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea and rapid weight loss. Cats can simply collapse as if poisoned. Feline Respiratory Disease– also known as the ‘cat flu’, this causes sneezing, coughing, eye and nose discharge, loss of appetite and sometimes ulcers on the tongue. The disease can lead to severe dehydration and debilitation followed by death, particularly in very young or old cats. Feline Leukemia Virus– this vaccine is not available in China. When should I vaccinate? 8 weeks: Feline enteritis & Cat flu 12 weeks: Feline enteritis & Cat flu + Leukemia (if necessary) 16 weeks: Feline enteritis & Cat flu + Leukemia 5-6 months: Rabies Vaccination Adults: Annual boosters are required to maintain immunity. Worming Kittens should be wormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12 weeks), then every month until 6 months of age (4, 5 & 6 months), then every 3 months routinely. Worming should be performed regardless of whether worms are seen in droppings or not, as some of the more harmful worms are too small to be seen with the naked eye. A thorough complete wormer should be used – Drontal tablets or Revolution drops. Heartworm prevention Heartworm is transferred via a mosquito bite so all pets are susceptible. Continuous lifelong preventative medication is required in sub-tropical regions. The easiest method for cats is a once monthly preventative called Revolution. The drops are simply applied to the skin at the back of the neck. Cats don’t need to be blood tested prior to starting preventative medication. Flea control All pets will be exposed to fleas at some stage. It is best to prevent infestations at a young age. Revolution drops once monthly on the skin will treat fleas, heartworm, intestinal worms and ear mites. Frontline is a specific flea treatment that is also effective against fleas. Both are topical applications and are the easiest way to avoid the hassles of giving cats oral medications. Please note that collars are an out of date mode of treatment; they are usually quite toxic and if used, need to be changed at least fortnightly, Paralysis tick control Paralysis ticks are found in or near bush, scrubland and riverbanks. If your pet is in a tick area, it should be searched daily for ticks. Tick prevention is best achieved by using Frontline spray or drops every 2 weeks. No method of tick prevention is 100% effective, so you still need to manually search your pet. Hot and humid summers The summer weather in China is hot and humid. During this period take care that your pet does not suffer from heat stress. In serious cases it can be fatal. Make sure their living space is well ventilated. When humidity levels become very high it is not only unbearable for us, but spare a thought for a fluffy Persian. Have you seen a cat sweat before? Actually they do sweat, but it is limited to the under-pads of their feet. Sweating is one good way to keep the body temperature under control. Rapid breathing also draws the heat from the vascular blood supply of the tongue. This process has its limits. Your pet can only breathe rapidly up to a certain rate before their breathing becomes too shallow to be of use from an oxygenation perspective. Generally cats will try to cool themselves down by panting. Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to stop the ongoing rise in body temperature. In extreme circumstances organ damage will occur. If the body temperature rise to 105F or 41C organ damage will lead to organ failure and can be fatal. Each summer we see cases of heat stress so please be warned! Cold weather The winters are very cold in northern China. There are a few considerations that you should keep in mind to ensure the good health of your pet. The first consideration is tolerance for changes in temperature, which is both size and age related. Small pets have a greater surface area to volume ratio so lose heat more easily than larger pets. If your pet is over 10 years of age then he or she should be protected against very cold weather. This is because their bodies cannot adjust as well to changes in the environment and if they are out too long in temperatures colder than their own body temperature (100 – 102F or 39C), then they will get very cold. Their own body’s internal “thermostat” may not be capable of warming them up. Leaving your cat alone for long periods in the car in cold weather would be the same as leaving them outdoors. Cats should not be left outdoors in the cold. Cats may crawl under the hood of a car to keep warm especially if the car has just been driven. This might result in a possible accident. During the dry cold winter it may be better to reduce the frequency of bathing your cat. Frequent bathing may exacerbate dry skin and cause skin irritations. If needed, use a warm, damp cloth to wipe down the hair-coat of your cat in between baths. Lastly, nutritional needs for your pet in cold weather are very important. A cat that is outdoors in cold weather for longer periods of time will require more calories to keep warm and additional protein in his/her diet would be recommended. Coat care Regular brushing is important – daily brushing is best particularly with longhaired pets. Shampoo only when absolutely necessary; cats often hate water and this can stress them incredibly. If their rear gets dirty just hang their bottom under the tap and rinse off; they will tolerate this far better than a full bath! Use a good quality pet shampoo. Don’t use medicated shampoos unless prescribed by a veterinarian. Take care what you apply to the skin or fur of cats – because they groom so effectively, antiseptics or certain shampoos can irritate or burn their mouth and tongue. Ears Healthy ears are clean and dry. Signs of ear problems include shaking the head, scratching at the ears, odor or discharge from the ears, and holding the head on one side. A veterinarian should check ear problems. Home remedies and super-market-bought drops will do more harm than good. Human medications Do not give un-prescribed medications to your pet without checking with a veterinarian first. Even aspirin can be dangerous if given incorrectly, especially for cats. Collar tag and microchip All cats should wear a collar with a name and phone number on it so you can be contacted if your pet is lost or injured. Cat collars should always be elasticized in case they get caught on a branch. Microchip identification is a totally safe and permanent way of identifying your pet. The microchip is painlessly injected under the skin and can be read by a special scanner. Your pet’s details are kept on a computer. General cat diet comments Your pet needs a balanced diet and the simplest way to provide this is to feed a balanced commercial diet. Whilst a home cooked diet sounds like a great idea, it is likely to be deficient in vitamins and minerals. Human food is not suitable. Cats are carnivores and should be fed predominantly on meat. Whilst feeding from the table, or feeding your scraps may seem like a good idea this will cause health problems. Fatty food including dairy products can also cause medical problems including pancreatitis. Your cat might like a little bit of cheese but make sure it is a little bit, now and then. Different types of food are required dependant on your pet’s age and lifestyle. Frequency of feeding also changes with age and medical conditions. Please ask our clinic staff for advice on feeding, as a good balanced diet is essential for a healthy happy long-lived pet. A common error made in feeding cats is feeding primarily or exclusively a single food item. The cat becomes addicted to the food and refuses to eat anything else. Although many of these foods are excellent sources of protein in a balanced diet, they are very unbalanced nutritionally when fed as the greater part of the diet and will cause a number of nutritional diseases. Therefore they should not make up more than 10% of the cats’ total diet. This also causes difficulty in changing a cats’ diet as may be required in different situations, including the management of many diseases. The cat by nature is a good eater. Finicky cats are made, not born. Cats are also particularly nose sensitive when it comes to stimulating their appetite; tinned cat food kept in the fridge may only smell tasty after it’s warmed up. Warm regards Tony Dr. Anthony David Beck, BVetMed MRCVS Doctors Beck & Stone Pet Health Care Center info@drbns.com www.vetinChina.com www.facebook.com/pages/Doctors-Beck-Stone/112354722153741 www.youtube.com/user/DoctorsBecknStone Contact information: Doctors Beck & Stone - Central Business District (CBD) Reception: +86 10 8776 6346 Opening hours 9am to 9pm Mon - Sun, consultations by appointment. 3 Hao Lou B-104, Hou Xian Dai Cheng, Bai Zi Yuan, Bai Zi Wan Lu, Chaoyang Qu, Beijing, 100022 ??????????????3?B?104?? 100022 Doctors Beck & Stone - Shunyi Reception: +86 10 8046 2886 or +86 10 8046 2235 Opening hours 9am to 7pm Mon - Sun, consultations by appointment. Shop LB05, Euro Plaza, #99 Yu Xiang Road, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District, Beijing, 101300 ????????????99?????LB05 101300 If you have an emergency outside of regular opening hours please call: English speakers: +86-135 0103 0572 Chinese speakers: +86-139 1185 2572 We have ambulances for collection and drop off of your pet. Please call us to arrange.

China: Pet vaccinations in China!:

When you go to the vet do you actually know what your pet is getting? The viral infections your pet is being vaccinated against are indicated by the letter, though do you know what the letters mean? Below is an explanation. Pet vaccination intervals The immunity response provided by a vaccination lasts longer than 1 year and over-vaccination can lead to certain conditions such as skin cancer or certain immune-mediated disorders. Kittens and puppies are vaccinated at least 2 times at 3- 4 week intervals so that the immunity is boosted; the antibodies that the kitten or puppy may have gained from their mother hinders this immunity from being generated, hence the repeat vaccinations. This is why vaccinations are recommended at 8 and 12 weeks. To ensure excellent immunity is attained, a third vaccination at 16 weeks is advisable. The rabies vaccination is often given at this time or at 20/24 weeks. However in adult pets one vaccination will provide sufficient immunity. If your pet has missed a couple of years of vaccination at this time, then a course of vaccination is NOT required; one injection for each vaccination is sufficient. Yearly health checks Regardless of vaccinations, yearly health checks are advisable; your pet cannot tell you if they are feeling ill or ‘not quite right’. It is a good idea for you to give them a yearly check up. At this time you can decide whether you want to give your pet a vaccination booster for any of the infectious diseases listed below. Pet vaccinations and the law However under Chinese law both dogs and cats need to have the rabies vaccinations yearly; this should be adhered to. We are officially authorized by the government to give pets vaccinations and to issue the certified “Vaccination Red Books”. This official “Vaccination Red Book” is needed by owners to take their pets out of China, move pets to other Chinese cities, and to renew dog registration licenses. For all owners of dogs in Chaoyang and Shunyi Districts, we provide the annual rabies vaccination and the official “Vaccination Red Book” free of charge to all dog owners who register their dog with us. Routinely the authorities register dogs during the month of May, and this is one reason why the rabies vaccination is routinely given at this time, however if your dog has an up to date rabies vaccination in the official vaccination book then this should not be necessary. However please note in other cities such as Shanghai only government vets are allowed to give the rabies vaccinations. This regulation appears to have been applied at registration here in Beijing, however at this time this is not the official regulation. Cat vaccinations The routine injection contains protection against 3 infections: FVR = Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis This is a horrible upper respiratory infection that is airborne and highly contagious among cats. It causes sneezing and coughing with discharge from the eyes and nose. Infected cats will have loss of appetite and a fever. Young kittens and senior cats are more susceptible to this infection and many require hospitalization to recover. C = Calicivirus This is another upper respiratory infection with symptoms similar to feline viral rhinotracheitis. These infections account for 95% of upper respiratory infections in cats. The disease is spread through direct contact with an infected cat or objects, for example a food dish or toy. P = Panleukopenia This is also known as feline distemper. It is highly contagious and deadly among cats. It is similar to the parvovirus seen in dogs. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, weakness, dehydration, tremors, and loss of coordination. A low white blood cell count is also common. Cats with feline distemper need to be hospitalized and have intensive care. Mortality rate is high. Dog vaccinations The routine injection contains protection against 6 infections annotated by DHPPi/L. D = Distemper Distemper is a nasty virus that is highly contagious, occurs world wide, and at one time was the leading cause of death in puppies. Young puppies are more susceptible to the virus then adult dogs. You may see signs of an upper respiratory infection with a high fever. The dog may also have neurological signs. This disease is usually fatal. H = Hepatitis, Adenovirus-1 or -2 Vaccines either contain Adenovirus-1 or -2. There is cross-protection between the viruses i.e. a vaccine containing Adenovirus-1 protects against Adenovirus-2 and vice versa. Adenovirus-2 causes Infectious Canine Hepatitis. This is spread by contact with the urine and feces of infected animals. The virus causes liver and kidney damage. Animals that survive may have chronic illness. Symptoms include but are not limited to: fever, lethargy, anorexia, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. Adenovirus-1 causes respiratory tract infections. P = Parvovirus This virus attacks the intestinal tract and causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. Parvo is highly contagious and dogs contract the virus through contact with an infected animal’s stools. Without treatment dogs become dehydrated and weak and often die. This virus is very common and puppies who are not properly vaccinated are often afflicted. P (or Pi) = Parainfluenza This is a virus that causes an upper respiratory infection. Dogs usually contract the disease through contact with nasal secretions of infected dogs. L = Leptospirosis This disease affects the liver and kidneys and is deadly. Animals with this disease are contagious to other animals and humans. A positive dog should be isolated and the caregiver should wear protective clothing and gloves. The disease is spread through contact with urine of infected animals. Dogs with leptospirosis may show signs of lethargy, dehydration, jaundice, and fever. The vaccine against Leptospirosis is not license for use in China and as such is not available, however Leptospirosis is very uncommon in China. Bordetella or Kennel Cough This is an upper respiratory infection also known as kennel cough. This infection is usually not fatal but is a pain to get rid of. The infection can spread quickly through boarding and grooming facilities and any place dogs congregate. The vaccination can be in the form of a nasal spray or injection. The vaccine against Bordetella is not licensed for use in China and as such is not widely available. Rabies Rabies is a fatal disease that can infect humans. The classic symptoms include apprehension, anxiety, biting or snapping at random, and frothing at the mouth. The virus is passed in saliva typically acquired through a bite wound or by eating an infected animal. Cats and dogs show clinical signs but many other mammals can carry the virus without showing clinical signs. Heartworm Heartworm is a worm of the heart. Typical dog heartworm symptoms are exercise intolerance, cough, breathing difficulties, enlargement of the liver, temporary loss of consciousness due to poor blood flow to the brain, fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, weight loss, loss of stamina and death. The signs are far less severe in cats and the treatment simpler. Whilst there is a yearly injection against Heartworm it is not actually a vaccination. The injection is a large dose of parasiticide that lasts for a year. In this case the ‘vaccination’ has to be given yearly to maintain protection. There are monthly treatments that also prevent both heartworm and other parasites. Heartworm is not prevalent in Beijing as the winter period is too cold for the infectious parasite to survive. However the infection is seen in southern China. Vaccinations in the exotic species Generally vaccines are not required in the other commonly kept exotic species e.g. hamsters or chinchillas, excepting rabbits. There are 3 vaccines that maybe used in rabbits; Myxomatosis, Hemorrhagic Gastro-enteritis and Rabies. Both Myxomatosis and Hemorrhagic Gastro-enteritis are man made viruses not seen in China; neither are the vaccinations available. However it is a reasonable precaution to vaccinate your rabbit against rabies if the rabbit stays outside, though please note that the rabies vaccine is not licensed for use in rabbits. Please contact me for further information concerning vaccinations and preventative health care for your pet. Warm regards Tony Dr. Anthony David Beck, BVetMed MRCVS Doctors Beck & Stone Pet Health Care Center info@drbns.com www.vetinChina.com www.facebook.com/pages/Doctors-Beck-Stone/112354722153741 www.youtube.com/user/DoctorsBecknStone Contact information: Doctors Beck & Stone - Central Business District (CBD) Reception: +86 10 8776 6346 Opening hours 9am to 9pm Mon - Sun, consultations by appointment. 3 Hao Lou B-104, Hou Xian Dai Cheng, Bai Zi Yuan, Bai Zi Wan Lu, Chaoyang Qu, Beijing, 100022 ??????????????3?B?104?? 100022 Doctors Beck & Stone - Shunyi Reception: +86 10 8046 2886 or +86 10 8046 2235 Opening hours 9am to 7pm Mon - Sun, consultations by appointment. Shop LB05, Euro Plaza, #99 Yu Xiang Road, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District, Beijing, 101300 ????????????99?????LB05 101300 If you have an emergency outside of regular opening hours please call: English speakers: +86-135 0103 0572 Chinese speakers: +86-139 1185 2572 We have ambulances for collection and drop off of your pet. Please call us to arrange.

China: Should expats bring their pets to China?:

The Chinese are rapidly becoming a population of pet lovers. As with all social changes this change is painful and the speed of change varies with the city or province. I have read posts that suggest that bringing your beloved pets to China should be avoided at all costs; I disagree with this strongly and if your pet could talk then I think they would too. China is a country where they have strong laws that they enforce firmly, and whilst I may not agree with their methods of enforcement as long as pet owners satisfy the regulations then they will not fall foul of the authorities. Each province has their own regulations; in Beijing import quarantine is 4 weeks, in Shanghai its 7 days. In Beijing vets that have government approval can give the Rabies vaccination but in Shanghai only the government vets can give this vaccination. Hence it is important that the client has a thorough understanding of these local regulations before arrival and this may include where you live! In Beijing to live within the 5th ring road one’s dog has to stand less than 35cm at the shoulder. Throughout China dogs need to be registered yearly with the local police and this process is routine, however owners do often complain that in those areas where the government officials give the vaccinations the procedure can be a little rough and unhygienic. Some of the vaccinations that we take for granted in the west are not available for our dogs and cats in China but generally the health liability is still low even though this is the case; the multi-vaccinations and Rabies are available. Veterinary care in China is understandably at a lower level than in the West however in Beijing and Shanghai this is changing with western veterinary consultants helping drive this improvement, just as Western doctors helped develop the medical profession. Clients often think that such international standard medical services are especially expensive in China, be it human or veterinary, but I’d suggest that its their cost perspective that may have changed as so many other products and services are actually a lot cheaper than in their home countries. Also before you arrive give a thought to where you maybe going after your time in China! China is a non-registered country from an export perspective, hence the EU will require a rabies antibody titer blood sample before your return, as will many other countries; the Americas do not. Hence if you are coming form the EU, get this blood sample and a pet passport before coming. This blood sample aside, the export process has the same steps as the export process from all other countries i.e. an export health certificate and permit from an approved veterinarian, though there is a little bit of blood sampling that this author deems unnecessary. During my time in China, whilst dogs and cats were predominantly the pets that I have treated, iguanas, chameleons, parrots, terrapins, turtles, and all of the small furries found their way though my door. It should be noted that the export of all these exotic species from China is becoming increasingly complicated and in certain instances prohibited e.g. birds, hence I would recommend leaving your more unusual pets at home. Obviously China isn’t presently as pet friendly as many other expat destinations, however it is getting there and if we wanted the familiar and risk-free we would have stayed at home. Hence whilst the countries we visit may well have rules and regulations, beliefs and perspectives that we may find frustrating or unacceptable I think we should remember that in their society we are the oddity. If a local stares or grimaces at us as we walk our 30kg dog down their street I think we should swallow a big dose of humility and accept that in our world experiences vary and mature over time. Warm regards Tony Dr. Anthony David Beck BVetMed, MRCVS Doctors Beck & Stone Pet Health Care Center www.vetinChina.com

China: Getting a new puppy in China!:

This document is essential reading for anyone who is thinking of getting a new puppy in China, and will focus entirely on the first 6 months of your pet’s life. Buying a new puppy in China can be a perilous and sometimes heart-breaking journey. There are 5 essential stages to buying a new puppy, including making the right choice and deciding where to purchase, the health check and preventative health care followed by taking the puppy home. 1) Make the right choice When considering what puppy to buy think about you, your lifestyle, your family and your future. Ask yourself the following questions and answer them honestly. Am I going to take the puppy back to my home country? Do I have time to walk a dog at least twice per day for at least half an hour for a small dog and up to an hour for an active dog?Does my apartment or house suit a small dog or big dog?Which breed will suit my family best? Is buying a puppy right now the best time? Should I buy a breed or rescue a puppy or adult? Go and visit your local vets and discuss these questions. Buying on impulse often leads to the wrong choice that can be distressing for the dog, you and your family alike. 2) Where to purchase? A new pet owner's best option is to go on recommendation be it pet shops or breeders. Avoid the dog markets. The American Kennel Club is advising China’s National General Kennel Club who has a list of recommended breeders in China. Here is the link: http://www.ngkc.us/Clubs/index.html If the puppy has any signs of illness what so ever do not buy it. Do not be persuaded that you are going to save the puppy because another puppy will replace it that may be equally ill. It should have no signs of coughing or sneezing, no eye or nose discharge and there should be no signs of hair loss or redness of the skin. It should be bright, alert and playful. It is important to realize that if the puppy has already contracted a transmissible disease, it may not appear right away. Sometimes the disease may be fulminating and it may surface later. Distemper and Parvovirus commonly appear 72 hours after an apparently perfectly healthy puppy is brought home. It is likely that the puppy you buy will be two weeks younger than you are told as some unscrupulous breeders regularly wean their puppies too early. If your puppy is 8 weeks or older it should have had at least one vaccination and if the puppy does not come with a “burgundy immunity certificate” do not buy it. Do not buy from a pet shop where the staff vaccinate the puppies or give treatment. 3) Health check Immediately on purchase take your puppy to a vet for a health check regardless of the source, history or apparent health of your puppy. The vet will assess the age, check the health of the puppy, confirm vaccination status and provide invaluable preventative health care. At Doctors Beck & Stone we offer a Puppies and Kittens Wellness Package, which takes care of most common medical treatments required during the early life of your puppy and kitten. Please visit www.vetinChina and click on “Our Services” and “Puppies and Kittens Wellness Package” for more details. 4) Essential preventative health care There are 4 important points to be discussed: a) Conformation and congenital (birth) abnormalities Puppies can have congenital problems that it is advisable to recognize early. It is possible that these congenital abnormalities are life threatening though this is rare. b) Vaccination There is a lot of confusion concerning vaccination in China. Here the most important salient points are listed. There are two types of vaccination: - The multi vaccine which vaccinates against 5 infections, the most important being Distemper, causing respiratory and nervous signs, and Parvo virus, which causes diarrhea and vomiting. Both of these infections are fatal. - Rabies that can infect humans. The multi-vaccine is given between 2 and 4 months of life and the Rabies at 5 or 6 months. The mother’s maternal antibodies interfere with the generation of immunity in young puppies. This is why the puppy vaccination course consists of repeat vaccinations. Any vaccination given under 8 wks of age does not provide any long-term immunity as the mother’s maternal antibodies prevent the vaccination from contributing to long-term protection. A vaccination given at 6 weeks of age is given to boost immediate immunity but does not contribute to long-term protection. The inter-vaccination interval is 3 weeks and ideally starts at 8 weeks. In the West vets often give vaccinations at 8 and 12 weeks but in China the risk of these infections is far greater so the vets are inclined to give the vaccines at a 3 weeks interval. Hence vaccinations are given at 8 and 11 weeks or 9 and 12 weeks. Vets in China are also inclined to give a 3rd vaccination at 14 or 15 weeks. This is advisable. There are risks with over-vaccination but the risks of infection associated with poor- immunity are far greater than the risk associated with over-vaccination. The Rabies vaccination is given at 5 or 6 months. Ensure that the vet provides a burgundy “immunity certificate” and uses international brand vaccines. c) Parasite control Your puppy has to be treated with a good quality wormer as they will have a worm burden from their mother and the breeders or pet shops rarely treat this properly. It is advisable to treat the puppy a second time 2-3 weeks later. Upon veterinary advice it is also advisable to treat for fleas and ticks. Please discuss the long-term prevention with your vet. Heartworm treatment is not essential in Beijing. d) Ringworm Ringworm needs a special mention as this fungus can infect humans and is very common in China. Your vet should be using a ultra-violet lamp to check the skin of your puppy. Certain types of ringworm glow fluorescent green under this lamp. Immuno-competent adults should be at low risk however children and the immuno-compromised should take reasonable hygienic measures. If you or any of your family members find itchy skin lesions please contact your doctor. 5) Taking the puppy home Bringing a new puppy or kitten into the home is a very exciting event for everyone. In the excitement of the moment, one may forget to take into consideration a few things. Quarantine for 7 days If you have other dogs this is essential regardless of source. Infections can develop over the first week and it is advisable to limit inter-pet infection. However even if you don’t have other dogs it is still advisable to limit family or other species interaction with your new dog for one week. Outside access Your puppy is NOT to go to public areas until 7days after the second primary course vaccination at 11 or 12 weeks. Before this time your puppy can socialize with vaccinated dogs at their house, and your garden should also be fine. It is up to you as the owner to risk assess the viral challenge. It is understandable to want your puppy to be out and about as early as possible but this needs to be balanced with the risks of life-threatening infections. If there are a lot of stray dogs in your area it may be advisable to wait until after the 3rd primary course vaccination. Please discuss with your vet. General environment A puppy needs a warm, safe and secure environment during the months after introduction to the household. Give special attention to terraces and any place the puppy may get stuck or fall off. Diet When first obtaining your new puppy or kitten, it would be helpful to find out from the previous owner the feeding schedule and diet. The reason for this is that a change in diet and water can cause some intestinal upset; though usually transient it may cause concern. Ideally it is best to keep the same diet for the first few days and then to change the food gradually. Changing the diet should be done over a period of a week. Initially, feed the previous diet, and introduce about 25% the new food. Then after a couple of days, increase the proportion of the new food to 50%. Again after a few days, increase the level of the new food to 75% of the diet. Thus by the end of a week or more your new puppy is totally on the new food. This should avoid loose stool. In addition to new food, some owners think milk would be good for their new puppy. This is inadvisable; the digestive system of “adult” mammals is not designed for milk. Young puppies have a very small stomach, but need a lot of nourishment. Feedings should be frequent but not too much as to cause regurgitation, bloat or colic. Depending on how much your puppy wants to eat the following regime should be followed: 2-3 months: 4 meals per day 4 months: 3 meals per day 5 months: 2 meals per day Bathing A puppy’s surface area to volume ratio is high hence they lose heat quickly. It is best for your puppy to have a first bath at the end of quarantine. However please note that only hair dry your puppy once the majority of the water has been dried off using a towel. Use a good quality vet recommended shampoo. Toilet training You have to teach your puppy where to urinate and defecate. Here are a few tips: Take the dog out frequently. Immediately after awakening (even from a nap), playing, or within 15-30 minutes of eating. Puppies should not be allowed to play and socialize first. They should be allowed to do this after they go to the toilet. Do not punish the dog if he or she goes to the toilet in undesirable areas, instead startle the dog only if caught actually in the act. Once their attention is shifted from the act, you take the dog out to the correct urination area. Praise the dog when they pee in the appropriate places. You are not rewarding the act because the elimination is self-rewarding. You reward the place. Socialization Your puppy is an adolescent and it needs socializing. Once your puppy has good vaccination status you have 2 months in which to fully socialize your rapidly becoming adult dog. Before this time it is fine to socialize your puppy with dogs that are vaccinated. This socialization should be a priority and is especially important in the larger dogs or if you have children. Take your dog to scary places so that they are used to them when they are older; imagine that you had never seen a horse and saw a horse for the first time. Imagine what your dog is thinking; they may either be terrified or aggressive. Dog training Dog training is also advisable, including knowing how to re-enforce the pack hierarchy; ultimately you and your family are your dog’s pack. Who is the boss? If your dog believes that they are, then they may bite you or behave any way they want. Please see www.vetinChina.com for more dog training information. Collar tag and microchip All dogs should wear a collar with a name and phone number on it so you can be contacted if your pet is found. Micro chipping is a safe and permanent way of identifying your pet. The microchip is painlessly injected under the skin and can be read by a special scanner. Your pet’s details are kept on a computer. Neutering This is usually performed after 6 months of age. I hope this article is useful for anybody who is getting a new puppy in China. Warm regards Tony Dr. Anthony David Beck, CEO Doctors Beck & Stone Pet Health Care Center www.vetinChina.com

Date Joined:

12/19/2010

Total Posts:

18

Posts/Day:

0.01