PET Health

This page contains a short summary of the common health concerns for dogs and cats.

Spay & Neuter: Protecting Animals & Our Community

Spaying and neutering are the most effective ways to prevent unwanted litters and reduce pet overpopulation. This includes not only owned pets, but also community-owned and free-roaming dogs and cats, who often have limited access to veterinary care. Here at GAIN and SNIP the priority is population management.

In shelter and community programs, puppies and kittens are often spayed or neutered at 8–16 weeks. These early-age procedures are safe when performed by experienced veterinarians and ensure animals cannot reproduce before entering the community.

For animals not altered early, spaying or neutering before sexual maturity (around 5–6 months) helps prevent reproduction, reduce roaming and mating behaviors, and protect long-term health. Cats reproduce especially quickly, making early spay/neuter critical.

For household pets, ideal timing may vary by size and breed. We encourage families to talk with their regular veterinarian about the best time for spay or neuter for their individual animal.

By spaying or neutering pets and community animals, we reduce suffering, ease pressure on shelters, and create safer, healthier neighborhoods.

vaccinations

Vaccinations are important to prevent contagious diseases. Vaccines may be started for puppies and kittens at 8 weeks of age or older.

DOGS

DAPP: This vaccine protects against the viruses that cause distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Puppies need a series of vaccines 3-4 weeks apart until they are at least 16 weeks of age. After the initial series, the vaccine booster is administered in one year, then every 3 years. ‘Parvo’ is common on Guam and can be fatal. Clinical signs include vomiting and bloody diarrhea.

Leptospirosis: This vaccine prevents infection by a bacteria transmitted through the urine of infected animals or contaminated water. It can cause liver and/or kidney failure. A series of two vaccines is needed to start protection, and a booster is given annually. ‘Lepto’ is common on Guam, can affect animals and humans, and can be fatal.

CATS

HCP: This vaccine protects against feline viral rhinopneumonitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Kittens need a series of vaccines 3-4 weeks apart until they are at least 16 weeks of age. After the initial series, the vaccine booster is administered in one year, then every 3 years.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV): Feline leukemia is a retrovirus is transmissible through direct contact with other cats, including sharing of food and water bowls. This vaccine should be given to any cat who goes outside or has housemates who go outside. The initial series consists of 2 vaccines, 3-4 weeks apart. Starting one year later, a booster should be given annually.

DOGS AND CATS

Rabies: The first dose may be given any time after 12 weeks and is valid for one year. Subsequent vaccines are given every 3 years.

Animals adopted from GAIN receive their first vaccines, but should be taken to a local veterinarian for boosters. All cats and dogs can begin their vaccines at any age, please contact your local veterinary clinic to make an appointment.

heartworm

disease

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm and is transmitted to your dog through the bite of a mosquito.

The worms affect the heart and lungs, and can be fatal.

Heartworm Preventative is a monthly treatment, either oral or topical, and often combined with flea preventative.

Treatment of adult heartworms is possible, though expensive. Even with treatment, the damage from the worms is permanent. It is far better to prevent infection.

Testing to be sure your pet is not infected is required annually. This same blood test may also check for infection with tick-borne diseases.

INTERNAL PARASITES

Pets, especially puppies and kittens, commonly have internal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and coccidia.

Common symptoms include diarrhea, poor haircoat, and anemia (pale gums).

Your pet may pick up eggs of internal parasites from eating grass or licking their paws after walking on infected areas.

Puppies and kittens are routinely dewormed several times, and adults as needed. We recommend regular fecal parasite tests with your local veterinarian to be sure your pet is not infected.

Some of the preventatives for heartworm disease also deworm for common intestinal parasites.

Fleas

and

ticks

Fleas commonly cause scratching, hair loss, bacterial skin infections, and yeast infections in dogs. Cats are more likely to have hair loss or tiny scabs around their tail or neck.

Tick-borne Diseases are very prevalent on Guam. The most common causes the blood to not clot, leading to problems at surgery. Other possible clinical signs include hair loss, severe anemia, and joint pain and swelling.

The majority of the flea/tick population (eggs and larvae) are found off the pet and around the home or yard. The ideal control program targets stages by treating the pet and the pet’s environment.

Treat your pets with a monthly flea and/or tick control product.

Shampoos, collars and topicals can be purchased at pet stores or online.
Do NOT use permethrin-containing products on cats.
Read all labels carefully.Oral flea/tick products are the newest and most effective. They require a prescription from your pets’ veterinarian.

Indoor Environmental Control

Wash/clean your pet's bed or sleeping area frequently.
Sometimes a pet’s indoor environment needs to be treated for fleas using a flea spray designed to quickly kill fleas and stop their reproduction.
Be sure to remove your pets from the area to be sprayed.
Vacuum all carpets and upholstery and then discard the vacuum bag. This will prevent the flea eggs from hatching in vacuum bags and spreading through your home.

Outdoor Environmental Control

Treating the yard and outdoor kennel area is an important tool.
Mow the lawn frequently, remove leaf litter, and clear tall grasses and brush.
Place a 3-ft wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between yard and jungle areas to restrict tick migration into recreational areas.
Keep playground equipment, decks, and patios away from yard edges and trees.
Remove vegetation, old furniture, mattresses, or trash from the yard that may give ticks a place to hide.