How does dog wellness impact the longevity of my pet?
If your dog is not healthy, then it's not going to live as long. We want to ensure your dog maintains a good level of wellness so they can be with us longer.
Dr. Meghan Denney
4 Paws at Fulshear Veterinary Clinic
How soon should I bring my pet in to see a veterinarian for a wellness exam?
We like to see our patients once a year, and after they're 10 years old, we like to see them every six months. This is because a lot can change in your dog's health in a year, which for them is equivalent to aging around seven years for us.
Will additional testing be needed beyond a wellness exam?
Yes, a heartworm test and intestinal parasite screening are required every single year in order to refill heartworm prevention. We also strongly recommend doing yearly annual screening, which includes your heartworm and fecal tests.
How will a veterinarian assess dog wellness?
We'll conduct a physical exam which includes checking their weight, eyes, ears, nose, throat, lymph nodes, heart, lungs, abdominal palpation, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. We also assess if there have been any behavioral changes at home.
What are some dog wellness recommendations my vet is likely to make?
Keeping up to date on your vaccines and ensuring your dog is up-to-date on heartworm and flea prevention. Core vaccines such as Distemper, Parvo, and Rabies must be kept up to date. We strongly recommend Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Lepto vaccines as well. We also recommend being aware of environmental factors that can affect your dog's wellness, such as heat and air quality.
What are some possible environmental factors that can affect dog wellness?
Factors such as extreme heat, poor air quality, access to clean water and food, cleanliness of their environment, exposure to wildlife, and any poisonous plants or toxins around the house can all affect your dog's wellness.
Why is early detection of health issues in my dog so important?
Early detection is cheaper and it's easier to fix a problem in the early stages than when the dog is sick. Preventative medicine is key. It also ensures your dog can live longer as we have more chances to fix issues.
What is geriatric dog screening?
Geriatric dog screening involves coming in every six months for exams and doing full blood panels every year to check liver, kidney, pancreas, gallbladder, thyroid, and urinalysis.We are ensuring the dog’s body is working properly, so if there is something not working properly, we find it early. Elevated iver values, protein in urine, and elevated white blood cell counts are commonly found in bloodwork with no symptoms to your dog.
Will my vet suggest allergy testing for my dog?
If your dog is constantly dealing with itching, scratching, ear infections, anal gland issues, and chewing at the paws, we will likely suggest allergy testing.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (281) 801-1444, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Wellness - FAQs
Dr. Meghan Denney
4 Paws at Fulshear Veterinary Clinic
What can I do to provide my dog with the best nutrition possible?
As far as food goes, as long as it has the AAFCO label on the side of the bag and it's labeled for all life stages, that should be a good diet. We definitely have a few diets that we recommend above others, but there are thousands of different pet foods. If you have questions, we can give you our list of recommended foods.
Are there health issues I can watch out for at home?
Yes. You need to look for behavioral changes, such as changes in appetite, sleeping patterns, and interactions with you and your family. If your dog is getting tired sooner during walks, sleeping more, waking you up in the middle of the night, or going to the bathroom more than normal, those could be signs of issues.
How do I know if my puppy or dog isn't feeling well or is in pain?
Any deviation from their normal behavior can be a signal that something is wrong. If your puppy is sleeping more than usual, doesn't want to eat, has any change in bowel movements or urination, or shows signs of pain like limping, that's a problem. Dogs and cats are very stoic, so we rely on these subtle cues that may mean something isn't right.
How can I keep my dog from becoming overweight?
Pay attention to their weight. If you notice that they're gaining weight, cut their food back and increase their exercise. If that doesn't work and you have a middle-aged to older pet, then we need to get them in for an exam and run some lab work. Various health issues like diabetes, low thyroid, or elevated cortisol levels can cause weight changes.
How important is regular exercise for dog wellness?
Exercise is not just good for the health of their heart and to keep them at a good weight, but it's also great enrichment. Taking your dog on a walk and letting them sniff and see is enriching their lives. If your dog does nothing but stay inside and gets no exercise, they're not getting stimulated. Dogs want to smell things, see things, and be involved in activities, so exercise is an excellent way to keep them healthy.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (281) 801-1444, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram