In a dog’s life cycle, a year is a long time – and many health changes can take place. That’s why, from puppies to seniors, all dogs need routine annual preventive care to live longer, healthier lives.
Ideally, we should examine your dog every six months. If your dog is older or has medical problems, he may need even more frequent examinations.
During a checkup, you can expect us to review these aspects of your pet’s health:
Parasite control
Oral/Dental health
Nutrition
Daily Activity
Digestive System
Behavior
Muscles & Joints
Urinary/Bowel Habits
Current Medications
Nutrition
Vaccinations For Puppies & Dogs
Vaccinations are a vital part of your pet’s preventive health care and should be administered on a regular schedule, depending on your pet’s age and overall health status.
Vaccinations provide protection from a number of serious diseases, including the following:
| DISTEMPER | an airborne viral disease which can affect the lungs, intestines and brain |
| HEPATITIS | a viral disease of the liver |
| LEPTOSPIROSIS | a bacterial disease of the urinary tract |
| PARVOVIRUS | a viral disease of the intestines |
| RABIES | a viral disease that can be fatal to humans and other animals |
| BORDARELLA | a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory system, often referred to as “kennel cough” |
Recommended Vaccinations for Puppies (6 weeks to 1 year old)
| 6-8 WEEKS | DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus) |
| 11-12 WEEKS | DLPP (distemper, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza) |
| 15-16 WEEKS | DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus) |
| OVER 3 MONTHS | Rabies (repeat 1 year later) |
| 7-9 MONTHS | First heartworm test |
Parasite Control
Heartworm Prevention
Did you know that just one bite from an infected mosquito can send worm larvae into your pet’s circulatory system? Or that the larvae mature into worms which burrow into an animal’s heart and adjacent vessels making it difficult for him to breathe?
Many animals with heartworm do not show signs until about two years after developing the disease. Because heartworm is a potentially fatal illness that is preventable, we recommend treatment year-round with a once-a month preventive, such as Heartguard, which we have in the office. Some heartworm preventives also protect animals from intestinal parasites
We recommend heartworm testing of all dogs if they are on heartworm prevention medication. If heartworm testing is negative, preventive care can be given immediately.
Preventing Intestinal Parasites
Roundworms and hookworms in the feces of infected dogs can cause serious disease in people, especially children. We recommend preventive treatment for worms to protect your dog’s health as well as your own.
All dogs should have an annual fecal examination to determine if intestinal parasites are present. If parasites are found, appropriate medication will be given. When treatment is complete, we will prescribe the most appropriate preventive care. Some heartworm preventives also protect animals from intestinal parasites.