Remember the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? That happens to be as true for the health of your pet as it is for any member of your family!

Health examinations, performed twice yearly, will help determine the general well being of your pet and identify potential problems. Early detection ensures prompt action that may solve the problem before serious consequences occur and may prevent suffering.

Vaccinating your dog is a simple procedure that is routinely done by all veterinarians. Vaccinations are safe, effective and well worth the financial commitment. Many diseases that were once considered fatal to dogs are now under control due to the use of modern vaccines.

There is not a general rule regarding vaccinations; however, some basic rules apply to all dog vaccination schedules. At the very least, a minimum of two multivalent vaccines containing Distemper and Parvovirus are given three to four weeks apart to all puppies over three months of age. In most states, Rabies vaccination is also required. Other diseases such as Coronavirus, Bordatella (Canine Cough), and Lyme Disease, require different vaccination protocols.

Young puppies are usually given their first set of vaccinations at six to eight weeks of age. Additional vaccinations are given every three to four weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old. Recent evidence shows that Parvovirus vaccination should be continued even longer, especially with certain breeds of dogs. Thereafter, an annual or biannual vaccination is administered.

Vaccinating your dog is a simple procedure. Only your veterinarian knows the vaccination schedule and the vaccines that are best suited for your dog.

Remember, not only does your dog receive the proper vaccinations, but he or she also gets a thorough physical exam. This medical examination, along with some nutritional and behavioral advice, goes a long way in preventing problems in your adult dog.

Having your pet spayed (ovariohysterectomy) or neutered (castrated) is an inexpensive and realistic method of pet population control. The number of unwanted adult and young animals that are euthanized each year in the United States is astounding. Aside from the pet overpopulation problem, neutering a male dog and spaying a female helps prevent, and even eliminates, medical problems associated with hormonal imbalances.

Male and female dogs reach sexual maturity around nine months of age. Often, male dogs reach maturity slightly later than females. Sometimes confusion exists between sexual maturity and normal puppy behavior. Normal puppy behavior is often exhibited when he or she straddles the leg(s) of an individual. This behavior has nothing to do with sexual maturity and is performed by both male and female puppies.

Having your male dog neutered makes him a better pet. Instead of roaming, he will spend more time at home. Non-neutered male dogs often exhibit aggressive behavior, especially if a non-spayed female is in the vicinity. Dog fights between two non-neutered dogs are not uncommon. Usually one of the dogs ends up severely injured. An aggressive dog will not hesitate to bite a human. Often, non-spayed and non-neutered dogs are significantly more aggressive than spayed and neutered animals. Many people receive serious injuries resulting from dog bites. Dog neuters and spays are generally performed when animals are six to nine months of age.

Health Exams

The history

Your veterinarian will ask you questions about the health history of your dog. Be sure to discuss any unusual behavior with your veterinarian.

Medical records will be consulted if your dog has been a regular patient. Notes will be made about your dog's diet, water consumption and on a variety of daily behavior patterns that relate to your dog's health.

Temperature, pulse, respiration rate and body weight will be noted, then your veterinarian will begin the physical examination from nose to tail.

A wet or dry nose doesn't mean good health

The nose is not the health barometer that some people think it is, but it is a good place to start. Your veterinarian will check your pet's nose for abnormal discharge and changes in color, texture, moisture or shape.

Dog's ears invite infection

You'll probably be asked if your dog has been shaking its head or scratching at its ears. Have you noticed any odor from the ears? Your pet’s deep, curved ear canals provide protection for the inner ear, but these canals also provide a snug home for parasites, infections and foreign objects. A visual check will be made.

Eyes: these are the windows to your pet's state of health

Many conditions, such as anemia and jaundice, often are discovered through eye examinations. Often, dogaracts are some of the first noticeable symptoms of diabetes. Your veterinarian also may observe the inner structures of the eye. Problems such as glaucoma, retinal defects or local inflammation may be noted. Injuries, ulcers and lacerations of the eye can also be detected.

Your pet will receive an oral exam

Oral hygiene is extremely important. Your veterinarian will check your dog’s gums, teeth, tongue and palate for abnormalities, tumors and infection. A dental examination is important for detecting gingivitis, periodontal disease and infected teeth. Teeth cleaning and polishing may be recommended at this time.

Listening to the heart and lungs

Your veterinarian will use a stethoscope to listen to your pet's heart and lungs. If any irregularities are noted, additional tests may be necessary. Early heart disease and respiratory problems are often recognized during a regular health exam.

Reproduction

Your pet's reproductive system will be examined. Your veterinarian will probably explain that spaying or neutering provides many benefits beyond birth control.

Health is sometimes skin deep

The skin is the body's largest organ and a good indidogor of your pet’s health. Your veterinarian will examine the condition of the skin and fur as a means of detecting other health problems.

Your dog will be checked for fleas, ticks, other external parasites, tumors and wounds.

Sense of touch

Your veterinarian will use hands and fingers to feel the abdomen. This sense of touch will help to assess the condition of internal organs and to detect tumors or other irregularities. The legs and feet of your dog will be checked. The condition of joints, muscles, skin, lymph nodes and hair also will be noted.

It's wise to immunize

Immunizing your pet against disease is one of the best tools of preventive medicine. dogs can be immunized against feline panleukopenia (distemper), rabies, feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and feline leukemia.

Health threats vary from city to city and even in various sections of cities; therefore, your veterinarian can tailor an immunization program for your dog based on local conditions and keep your pet protected with the latest vaccines.

If you have any questions concerning your pets' health, please do not hesitate to contact us. Remember, your veterinarian and the friendly staff members at All Friends Animal Hospital are your pets' best friends and your best source of information about your pet.

Heartworm is a serious, life-threatening disease of dogs. It is due to the presence of the adult stage of the parasite, Dirofilaria immitis, in the pulmonary arteries and right ventricle of the dog's heart.

Transmission of heartworm depends upon the mosquito population of an area. About 70 species of mosquitoes are capable of transmitting the disease. The more mosquitoes in an area, the greater the chance of heartworm transmission.

Heartworm disease occurs most commonly in dogs. It has recently been shown that heartworm is a major cause of heart disease in dogs. The infection rates in dogs are much lower than dogs because dogs are not ideal hosts for heartworms. However, this does not mean that the disease is less serious in dogs than in dogs. The opposite is usually the case.

Clinical symptoms of heartworm disease develop very slowly. Often, symptoms are not noticeable until 3 years after the initial infection. Most of the symptoms are due to problems associated with increased work load for the heart. Lack of energy and exercise intolerance are early symptoms. Chronic coughing and difficulty breathing are both common symptoms associated with heartworm disease. As the disease progresses, most dogs develop congestive heart failure and ascites. Dogs often collapse in the final stage of the disease.

Not only is heartworm dangerous, but the treatment for heartworm disease is dangerous as well.

Administration of preventive medication is the best method for keeping a dog free from heartworm disease.