Preventative medicine is one of the best ways to improve the likelihood of pets living a longer, healthier life. Rather than treating an illness once it has become manifest, preventative medicine looks for early signs and treats them before the condition becomes serious or life-threatening.
As the “little vet with the big heart”, our staff at Sykesville Veterinary Clinic believes that preventative medicine should not only apply to humans, but also to their pets. With that in mind, we recommend an annual checkup for your pets, including dogs.
Annual Checkups for Dogs are Breed-Specific
Our clinic recommends annual checkups for dogs to take care of any small hidden issues that may become bigger problems in the future if left undetected. We pride ourselves on knowing about each breed of dog and what health problems they are most at risk from.
Annual checkups begin with a general examination of your pet to pick up any early warning signs of health problems that can be prevented or treated if caught at an early stage. The check will include taking your dog’s temperature to see if it is normal (between 101 and 102.5F).
The vet will carefully check the dog’s fur, which should be shiny and smooth in a healthy animal. The skin beneath the coat should be moist, not oily, dry or flaky. The physical examination will include checking for injuries and lumps as well as for fleas, ticks and parasites.
Ears, Nose and Mouth are all part of an Annual Checkup
A check of the dog’s nose is important, as a nasal discharge could be a sign of distemper or a respiratory infection. Eyes should be bright, alert and have no signs of a discharge.
An ear examination will reveal if your dog has any ticks, allergies or infection. Any odor or discharge can signify the presence of ear mites, which are highly contagious and should be treated immediately. Listening to the dog’s breathing can detect any problem with the lungs or heart, such as an infection or heart murmur.
An important part of any annual checkup for dogs is a dental examination. Missing teeth, tumors, lumps, abscesses, infections and other problems can all cause pain or more serious health issues for your pet. The vet will also check for gum disease (gingivitis), tartar and tooth decay and can give advice on keeping your dog’s teeth in good order with regular brushing, scaling when necessary, and correct diet.
A physical palpation of the abdomen and a careful check of your dog’s spine and tail should complete your pet’s annual checkup.
Annual Vaccinations for your Dog
It is highly recommended that vaccinations are kept up to date to prevent distemper, rabies, parvovirus, hepatitis, bordetella, Leptospirosis and canine influenza. Although most core vaccinations are given during the first 6-16 weeks of a puppy’s life, many of these preventative vaccinations need annual boosters. These can all be done at the same time as the annual checkup on your dog.
Other vaccinations may be recommended by your vet, who will take into account what diseases are present in your local area and your pet’s lifestyle in order to recommend which vaccinations are essential to ensure a long and healthy life for your dog.
Although your dog’s annual checkup will hopefully report a clean bill of health, pet owners should make an appointment to see a vet at any time between annual visits if they notice any changes in their pet’s habits, character, mobility, appetite or general health.
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