Dog Health Care

Keeping your dog healthy involves not only good nutrition
and lifestyle but also proper dog health care with your
veterinarian. Sam Meisler DVM, a small animal veterinarian,
discusses the preventive health care needed for your dog.
Health care in dogs includes periodic vaccinations, parasite
prevention and annual physical examinations.

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Health Care in Dogs

This segment covers the basics of canine preventative
healthcare. Preventative healthcare is an important aspect of
your dog’s life because prevention, early detection and
intervention are vital to keeping your dog healthy with a
good quality of life.

Vaccinations, usually given on a yearly basis, can protect
your dog from a variety of diseases and your veterinarian
can help you determine which vaccines are needed and how
often they should to be administered.

Fecal checks can detect the presence of intestinal parasites
and should be performed 1-2 times a year even if your pet
is acting normal and looking healthy. De-worming is also
recommended once to twice a year even if the fecal check is
negative. Protection against the Canine Roundworm is not
only important for your dog but also for you. A study by the
CDC found that 14% of the general population has been
infected with the canine roundworm, a potential problem for
humans. You can prevent heartworm disease and other
problems by giving your dog a monthly preventative against
heartworms. Your vet can determine which preventative
product is best to use.

Yearly blood profiles (twice a year for older dogs) are
important to determine if the liver and kidneys are doing
what they are suppose to do and to make sure there are no
underlying diseases.

Yearly physical exams can uncover certain conditions that
may not be obvious to the owner as dogs are very good
about masking problems. Dog years make it extremely
important to stay current with exams and it is doubly so for
older pets who should receive a physical exam at least twice
a year, if not more. Ask your vet about available senior
programs.

- Sam Meisler DVM

The statements or information on this website have not
been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.