The Physical Exam is done on every patient at least once yearly to identify health problems. It includes observing, listening to or feeling the whole animal for any abnormalities. Puppies should be examined at 5-8 weeks of age when they go to their new home. It is at this time vaccinations should begin.

Disease Prevention and Control

Canine “Distemper” is a common viral disease that can cause respiratory, intestinal and neurologic symptoms. A series of 3-4 inoculations should begin at the time of weaning from the mother. The last one to be given at about 16 weeks of age. Yearly boosters then maintain immunity thereby preventing disease. The Distemper vaccine used in our practice includes Canine Infectious Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus.

Parvovirus is a virus that causes massive epidemics due to its infectiousness. Symptoms can include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration and sudden death. Infection is very commonly fatal and difficult to treat. Due to the severity of Parvovirus in Elkhart county, Animal Aid Clinic South uses a more advanced vaccine for better protection. Vaccination is especially important for puppies and older dogs.

Rabies Rabies vaccinations for dogs are required by law in Indiana at least once per year. The first Rabies vaccination should be administered at 4-6 months of age, followed by a 1 year booster and then 3 year boosters thereafter. Rabies is a virus transmitted primarily by the saliva of warm blooded animals. Humans can also get this deadly disease.

Parasites

Intestinal Parasites: Many puppies have at least one type of intestinal parasite. They receive them from their mother either while still inside the uterus, through the milk, by contaminated environment, or by eating rodents or fleas. Microscopic examination of feces will reveal the type of parasite present and yearly fecal checks will detect new infections.  Treatment should begin immediately for the specific worm discovered Uncontrolled infestations may cause serious problems.

Common Intestinal Parasites:

Round Worms: Puppies receive roundworms while still in their mother’s uterus, by their littermates after birth and through environmental contamination. Adults are infected from the environment.

Hookworms: Puppies receive hookworms from their mother’s milk and are reinfected after birth through the environment. Hookworms can cause severe blood loss resulting in anemia as well as malnutrition.

Whipworms: Whipwornis are more common in adult dogs then puppies. They are spread by a contaminated environment. Whipworms cause intermittent diarrhea, loss of condition and malnutrition.

Tapeworms: Many species of tapeworms infect dogs. Infection may occur by eating rodents or by eating fleas which have become infected from environmental contamination. Detection often occurs when tape worm segments, small white or yellow crusts appearing like rice, are noticed clinging to the hair of the dog around the rear end.

Heartworms: Heartworms are obtained from mosquitoes which have previously bitten infected dogs. Heartworms live in the heart causing chronic heart failure and lung problems progressing to possible death. A yearly blood test should be run for detection of infection every spring. Preventive medication comes as a convenient monthly or daily treats.

Common External Parasites:

Fleas and Ticks:  Fleas and ticks are a common condition in adult dogs. Fleas cause blood loss, constant irritation to the skin, allergies, and when eaten by the dog, tapeworm infestations. Infestations may become severe, and are more difficult to clear up when they are established in a house hold. Both fleas and ticks play a role in the spread of disease. Please call for proper treatment instructions since there are many ways to approach this problem.

Nutrition

Dogs eat to meet their energy needs only. All other requirements (protein, vitamins, minerals, etc.) must be incorporated in the ration in the correct proportion to the amount of calories being consumed. A “complete” commercial diet is recommended as the basis of the diet. Obesity is a common problem and should be guarded against. We are seeing nutrition related problems in dogs fed generic diets and cannot recommend their use.

Neutering

Assuming your pet has completed the initial vaccination series, has been cleared of parasites and has reached maturity, it is now time to either consider a breeding plan or neutering. Most males and females can be neutered at 6 months of age. Contrary to popular belief, females do not have to be bred once or go through one heat cycle.

Obedience Training

Puppies go though their most important stage of psychological development between 3-12 weeks of age. The personality of your dog will be the single most important trait to your family. We teach a puppy class at the clinic and highly recommend obedience classes.