Preventive Care for Dogs
Commit to a lifetime of health.
Preventive care is an essential part of keeping your dog happy and healthy. It will give you peace of mind and increase the odds of detecting underlying health conditions before they become advanced and expensive.
How often should my dog see a veterinarian?
At Companion Animal Hospital, we make our preventive care recommendations using the guidelines established by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). From there, our veterinarians further customize their suggestions based on hereditary factors including your dog’s age, lifestyle, and medical history.
Typically, we suggest scheduling at least one annual exam during which one of our veterinarians will review your dog’s medical history, assess their behavior, make dietary recommendations, and evaluate any known health conditions they may have.
What should I expect from a preventive dog care exam?
Think of your dog’s annual exam like your own yearly physical. At the appointment, we’ll read their temperature, examine their eyes, ears, teeth, and skin, listen to their heart and lungs, and evaluate their joint health.
You can also expect your veterinarian to make recommendations for:
- Vaccines based on your dog’s lifestyle or breed
- DHPP - (Distemper-Hepatitis-Parvo-Parainfluenza virus vaccine) protects against four serious canine viral infections. The initial vaccination series is given at 8,12 and 16 weeks of age and then as recommended.
- Rabies - Protects against a fatal virus transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. It is given at 16 weeks, one year, and then every third year.
- Lyme - A bacterial infection transmitted by deer ticks that causes joint pain, high fever, loss of appetite, and kidney infections.
- Leptospirosis - A bacterial infection spread by infected urine of wild animals which causes serious liver and kidney infection.
- Bordetella - A bacterial infection causing tracheobronchitis (kennel cough). Annual vaccination is recommended.
- Canine Influenza - A virus that causes respiratory and flu symptoms in dogs including fever, cough, and loss of appetite. Dogs that board, attend daycare, frequent dog parks, or attend dog shows should be vaccinated against both strains.
- Parasite prevention products to keep your dog safe from fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworms
- Diagnostic testing to identify any health conditions that cannot be detected during a physical exam and to confirm your dog is free from internal parasites.
- Juvenile Wellness Panel 1- 3 Years A Chem 6 blood profile- checks internal organ health, a CBC (complete blood count), and bile acid test. Generally run before spay or neuter surgery. Every 12 months - Urine Specific Gravity (a simple urine test to check how well the kidneys concentrate urine). Bring in a small, first-morning urine sample to each annual exam.
- Midlife Wellness Panel 4-7 Years An annual Chem 6 blood test for internal organ health screen, electrolytes, a CBC (complete blood count)- checks red and white blood cell counts and a Urine Specific Gravity.
At your dog’s annual exam, your veterinarian will answer any questions you may have and discuss other services that could improve their overall health such as spay or neutering, microchipping, and dental care.
To schedule your dog’s annual exam, call us at (651) 456-5665 or request a dog exam appointment online.
