At PAWS of Adams County, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools in preventing animal neglect, reducing pet homelessness, and helping families keep their beloved pets healthy and happy.
Whether you're a first-time pet owner or have shared your life with animals for years, we hope these resources provide helpful information for every stage of your pet's life.
💉 Vaccinations Protecting Your Pet from Preventable Diseases One of the greatest gifts you can give your pet is protection against diseases that are often preventable through routine vaccinations. Vaccines help your pet build immunity before they are exposed to potentially serious illnesses, allowing them to live longer, healthier lives. Some diseases can spread quickly between animals and may be life-threatening, especially for puppies, kittens, senior pets, and animals with weakened immune systems. Keeping vaccinations current not only protects your own pet but also helps reduce the spread of disease throughout the community.
🩺 Preventive Care Keeping Your Pet Healthy for Life Preventive care is one of the most important investments you can make in your pet's health. Regular veterinary visits and routine wellness care help identify potential problems early, often before they become serious or expensive to treat. Pets age much faster than people, and changes in their health can happen quickly. Annual wellness exams allow your veterinarian to monitor your pet's overall health, discuss any concerns you may have, and recommend care based on your pet's age, breed, lifestyle, and medical history.
❤️ Heartworm Prevention A Simple Step That Can Save Your Pet's Life Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal illness that affects dogs, cats, and other animals. It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito—not from pet to pet. Once heartworms reach the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels, they can cause permanent damage and become life-threatening if left untreated. The good news is that heartworm disease is almost entirely preventable with year-round preventive medication prescribed by your veterinarian. How Do Pets Get Heartworms? When an infected mosquito bites your pet, microscopic heartworm larvae are transmitted into the bloodstream. Over the following months, these larvae mature into adult worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Because mosquitoes are common throughout Indiana, any dog that spends time outdoors is at risk. Even indoor pets can be exposed if a mosquito enters the home.