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If you have a child, you are probably diligent about taking her to the doctor for an annual physical, and you would never let her go without proper vaccinations. You most likely take your child to the dentist on a regular basis and make sure she keeps her teeth clean. Why should your dog be any different?
Most people assume that a visit to the veterinarian only happens when your dog is a puppy or when he is sick. However, dogs benefit from preventative care just like humans do. An annual checkup for your dog usually costs less than $100 and can save thousands in medical bills later on. Keeping your dog current on his vaccinations not only keeps him healthy, but prevents the spread of disease to other animals and people in your neighborhood. Having your dogs teeth professionally cleaned semi-annually can add years to his life. Annual Physical Most veterinarians recommend an annual physical for healthy dogs. At the physical you can expect your vet to weigh and measure your dog, check his ears, eyes, and nose, take his temperature, and test for parasites. Your vet may ask for a stool sample, and he’ll want to know how much your dog is eating and how often he gets vigorous exercise. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about how to care for your dog. Come prepared with an observations you have made of strange or unusual behavior in your dog. Vaccination Your dog will get most of her vaccinations while she is a puppy. Usually a series of vaccinations is given between 8-10 weeks of age and another at 12 weeks. Puppies will not be fully protected until at least a week after their second injection, so be careful not to expose them to sick dogs until then. Vaccinations are commonly given for the following dieases: Distemper: A viral disease that is often fatal in unvaccinated dogs. Thanks to wide-spread vaccination, distemper is rare in most parts of the US. Parvovirus: This disease is common in untreated puppies and can be fatal, especially to young, old, or sick animals. Hepatitis: The form of hepatitis found in dogs is not transmissible to humans, but is often fatal to dogs. Leptospirosis: This bacterium attacks the kidneys and liver and can be transmitted across species. Because this disease is potentially harmful to humans, regular booster vaccines for dogs are important. Rabies: Any mammal can carry rabies, including humans, so it is especially important for dogs to be vaccinated against it. In the United States, rabies vaccination is mandatory. While each state has different protocols, most require dogs to have a rabies vaccination every 2-4 years. Kennel Cough: Dogs who spend a lot of time in a shelter or similar environment will often contract Kennel Cough, an upper-respiratory infection that can be caused by bacteria or a virus. Kennel Cough is rarely fatal, but it can put a great deal of stress on a dog’s immune system, leaving it susceptible to other infections. Parasite Control Virtually all puppies have worms, and so do most adult dogs if not treated for parasites. Most worms and other parasites are easy to control with simply veterinary procedures, some of which can even be performed at home with a prescription product provided by your vet. Particularly important is treating your dog for heartworms. How often and what type of heartworm treatment your dog will need depends on the climate where you live. Heartworms are found in all 50 states, so every dog should be on preventative medicine. Although you can give your dog heartworm medication at home, you’ll need a prescription from your vet to get it. Dental Care Having dog’s teeth professionally cleaned used to be seen as a luxury that only the wealthy could afford. However, veterinary science has increasingly shown evidence that cleaning a dog’s teeth can prolong its life and prevent other diseases. If you brush your dog’s teeth at home on a regular basis, you may not need professional teeth cleaning more than once a year. It’s best to begin dental care when your dog is a puppy. If your dog is used to having his teeth brushed and handled, it will be much easier for the vet to clean them. Older dogs that become aggressive during a tooth cleaning will need to be anesthetized, making the procedure more expensive. Read the “Dog Grooming 101” article for more information on brushing your dog’s teeth. |
