Preventative Health Care for Dogs

Want to learn more about your dog’s preventative health care?
We understand that your canine companion is an important part of your family, and their well-being is our top priority. Preventative care is crucial for extending your pet’s lifespan, enhancing their quality of life, and potentially reducing future veterinary costs by preventing expensive illnesses.

Below is an overview of comprehensive healthy pet care for dogs:

Vaccinations

Vaccines, often called “shots,” protect your pet by providing immunity to specific diseases. This immunity can either completely prevent your pet from contracting a disease upon exposure or significantly reduce the severity of clinical signs and illness if they do contract it. Most vaccines require a booster 3-6 weeks after the initial dose because the initial immunity is short-lived. For puppies, whose immune systems are still developing, some vaccines need to be boostered every three weeks from six weeks of age until they are four months old. Your veterinarian will provide a tailored vaccine schedule for your puppy.

Rabies Vaccine: This vaccine is legally required for all dogs and prevents a deadly neurological virus that can be spread to people and other animals through bites. It is typically given around four months of age during the puppy series and then every three years thereafter. Unvaccinated pets can face significant penalties if they are involved in a bite incident. While rabies has decreased due to vaccines, it still exists in unvaccinated pets and wildlife, and has caused human fatalities and thousands of possible exposures in Florida.

Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza (DA2PP) Vaccine: These viruses can cause life-threatening symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, or neurological issues, and there is no cure. While supportive care can help some pets recover, hospitalization can be expensive ($2,000-$4,000+), and some pets unfortunately do not survive. These viruses are widespread and can survive in the environment, meaning your pet doesn’t need direct contact with other dogs to be exposed. This combination vaccine should be started around six weeks of age and boostered every three weeks until four months of age. After that, it is needed one year later, and then every three years for life. Alternatively, antibody titers can be tested to determine if vaccines are needed annually, which can help minimize the number of vaccines your pet receives.

Heartworm Disease Testing and Prevention

Heartworm disease is a serious, life-threatening condition transmitted by mosquitoes. A single bite from an infected mosquito can lead to infection. Heartworm larvae develop into adult worms in the heart and lung vessels, causing organ failure. A cough is a common symptom, but some pets show no signs and can die suddenly.

We recommend blood tests every six months, even if your pet is on a monthly preventative, as no preventative is 100% effective and missing a dose can lead to susceptibility. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimizing organ damage. It takes six months for heartworms to show up on tests after infection. We use two types of blood tests: the antigen test for adult heartworms and the microfilaria test for “baby heartworms.”

Prevention is vital, even for indoor pets, as mosquitoes can easily enter homes. Treatment for heartworm disease can be costly ($1,500-$3,000+) and carries risks due to the dying worms. Preventatives come in oral (e.g., Heartgard, Triheart), topical, and injectable forms (e.g., Proheart, given every 6-12 months). Some preventatives also offer protection against fleas and intestinal parasites (e.g. Sentinel, Revolution Plus).

Flea Prevention

Fleas are a year-round threat in Florida. Even if you don’t see them, fleas can cause severe skin reactions in allergic dogs. By the time you notice a flea, there could be millions of eggs in your home. Fleas can live in cocoons for over a year, making eradication difficult. They also transmit diseases and can cause anemia. Fleas can enter your home on shoes or clothing, and they prefer animals to humans. They don’t just live in carpets; they can be found in cracks in floors and furniture. Prevention is crucial, as environmental treatment can be challenging and costly. Prescription-strength preventatives from a veterinarian are generally more effective than over-the-counter products. Recommended preventatives include combination flea and heartworm medications (e.g. Vectro, Bravecto oral or injectable).

Fecal Parasite Testing

Microscopic fecal testing should be done every six months to screen for gastrointestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, coccidia, and giardia. These parasites are rarely visible in feces but pass microscopic eggs that can survive in the environment for extended periods. While some heartworm preventatives protect against certain parasites, routine testing is important for those without preventatives. These parasites can cause diarrhea, vomiting, malnutrition, and weight loss, and most can be transmitted to humans, especially children and immunocompromised individuals. Early detection and prevention are key to managing these parasites.

Oral Care

Dental disease is common in pets who cannot care for their oral health like humans. It involves bacteria that lead to gum inflammation, loose teeth, fractured teeth, and infections. These bacteria can also spread to organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. Periodontal disease is painful, though pets may not show obvious signs. Daily tooth brushing with dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste is the best at-home care. Dental chews, mouth rinses, water additives, and special oral health foods can also be beneficial. Annual and semi-annual examinations will include discussions on professional dental cleanings.

Diet

Proper nutrition is fundamental to your pet’s health. Many prescription diets can support various medical conditions, from heart and kidney disease to diabetes and obesity. Obesity is prevalent in dogs and cats and can lead to arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Your veterinarian will help create a tailored dietary plan. Feeding a high-quality, nutrient-rich diet appropriate for your pet’s life stage and health needs, along with portion control and limiting treats and table foods, is crucial for optimal health.

Microchip

A microchip is a small electronic chip inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades, providing permanent identification for your pet. If your pet ever gets lost or stolen, you can be contacted when they are found. We use a microchip that can also read your pet’s temperature.

Pet Health Insurance

We believe your pet deserves the highest quality of care, and pet insurance can help make that affordable. Trupanion is our hospital’s preferred insurance plan. While it doesn’t cover preventative care, it covers 90% of veterinary bills for illness or injury after your deductible. This coverage helps with unexpected costs for lab tests, surgery, or medications, allowing you to focus on your pet’s recovery.

Questions or need to schedule an appointment? Contact us today! We’re here to help!