Veterinary Tips to Protect Your Dog’s Health – SoulPup E1

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SoulPup Episode 1: Tips to Protect Your Dog’s Health

When you bring home a dog, veterinary care is one of the most important components to raising a happy, healthy dog. Avoid sticker shock with veterinary visits with tips from Dr. Annie Price of Ormewood Animal Hospital in metro Atlanta.

1. 1. BEFORE you schedule a veterinary appointment. 
      Whether it’s a puppy or an older rescue dog, schedule that initial vet visit within the first week or two of bringing your dog home. Bring any vaccination records or other info regarding the dog’s history. Also, it pays to take note of any behavioral or health issues you may notice. Share any questions or concerns during your vet visit.
      
      New to the area or in need of a veterinarian? Ask friends for referrals. Dr. Price also suggests checking with a local referral service. For a list of accredited hospitals across the country, visit the American Animal Hospital Association. To find a board-certified veterinary expert in your are, visit Vetspecialists.com and enter your ZIP code.
   2. Prepare to vaccinate your dog.
      While the rabies vaccination is required for dogs, your dog’s lifestyle may mean that some other shots are not necessary. For example, a Yorkie that doesn’t socialize with any other dogs and only potties on a pee pad can probably skip the Bordetella vaccine, which is typically required for dogs that attend dog parks, boarding facilities or doggie daycare centers. Canine influenza is another vaccine to consider if your dog frequently socializes with four-legged friends. Talk to your vet about your dog’s risk factor. As for the rabies shot, it’s available in a three-year dosage. Puppy vaccinations are administered from six to about 17 weeks of age so discuss vaccinations that may already have been administered and prepare to protect your pup,  particularly if you purchased from a breeder.
   3. There are benefits to spaying/neutering a dog.
      If your dog has not been spayed or neutered, expect the vet to make this suggestion. (For those who are unaware, spaying means removing a female dog’s ovaries and uterus. Neutering removes a dog’s testicles and cuts off blood supply to the vas deferens. Both procedures prevent dogs from producing puppies.) Spaying a dog before she reaches her first heat also can reduce her chances of developing breast cancer.  Dr. Price notes that, with neutering, dogs are less likely to mark areas of the house, and 90 percent of dogs hit by cars are intact male dogs (probably in search of a girlfriend).
   4. Protect those pearly whites.
      Dental cleaning sessions at the vet’s office can lead to the biggest “sticker shock” among dog owners. Dr. Price points out some of what goes into an actual cleaning for dogs or cats: The vet is cleaning involves polishing each tooth and cleaning under the gum line. This thorough cleaning can generate a lot of saliva and bacteria. Needless to say, scaling a pet’s teeth is not a pleasant experience and requires the animal to be fully anesthetized. Dr. Price says anesthesia is typically the biggest chunk of your bill. Before anesthetizing, most vets also will run blood tests to assess whether your pet is healthy enough to handle this procedure. During dental cleanings, Dr. Price says vets also monitor things like cardiac functions and oxygen levels.
      
      Regular dental hygiene at home is one of the best ways to reduce extensive veterinary procedures. Dr. Price advocates regularly brushing your dog’s teeth. Start as early as possible to get them used to having their mouths handled. Also, do not use human toothpaste. It can be toxic to dogs. Instead, visit your local pet store for a dog version. She also recommends avoiding hard chew such as deer antlers. She has had to conduct root canals and repair several cracked teeth due to dogs chewing tough items. Instead, opt for rubbery style chews.
   5. Invest in health insurance.
      The best way to cut costs at the veterinary clinic — and avoid stress if there is an emergency — is by investing in pet insurance. There are several plans available. Rates also vary widely based on the dog’s age and the type of coverage. Consult your vet for recommendations and call for a quote. As you shop around, check out results of a pet owner survey of common insurance claims filed. 

All the best!

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