Preventive veterinary care includes vaccination, parasite control, regular health examinations, and life-stage-specific screenings (juvenile, adult, senior). The ROI of preventive health investment is extremely high: one vaccination approximately RMB 50-200 can prevent tens of thousands in treatment costs; one annual exam can detect tumors and heart disease early, with early intervention prognosis significantly better than late detection.
## Dog Vaccination Protocol
**Core vaccines (WSAVA recommended, World Small Animal Veterinary Association)**: Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2), Canine Adenovirus (CAV) combination vaccine (DAP/DHP) — puppies receive first vaccination at 6-8 weeks, boosters every 3-4 weeks for 3 total doses, then every 3 years (core vaccine antibody duration >3 years).
**Rabies vaccine**: Chinese regulations require annual vaccination for dogs (or approved 3-year vaccines) — a legal obligation for pet owners and an important public health measure.
**Non-core vaccines (selected based on risk exposure)**: canine influenza, Bordetella (kennel cough vaccine, suitable for dogs frequently visiting kennels/pet stores), Leptospira (suitable for outdoor-active dogs with wildlife/standing water exposure).
## Internal and External Parasite Control
**External parasites (fleas, ticks)**: fleas can transmit tapeworms and cause dermatitis; ticks can transmit Babesia (dogs, cats) and Lyme disease (zoonotic). Prevention options: topical spot-on treatments (Frontline Plus, etc.), oral medications (Bravecto, 3-month efficacy), and collars. Use year-round, particularly during spring and autumn flea/tick peak seasons.
**Internal parasites (heartworm, hookworm, roundworm)**: heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and parasitizes the heart and pulmonary arteries; treatment is complex and dangerous while prevention medication (milbemycin/ivermectin, monthly oral) is extremely low cost and effective. Roundworms are nearly universal in juvenile animals; recommend deworming starting at 2 weeks of age (every 2 weeks until 6 months old, then quarterly).
See [Pet Nutrition Science](https://sunqi.org/pet-nutrition-science-en/) and [WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines](https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/vaccination-guidelines/).
