YOUR VET'S ROLE

Your vet is your ally in health care. See him twice a year for check-ups, wormings and vaccinations. The more he sees your dog, the better able he will be to tell you if something is wrong. Insist on seeing the same doctor, even if there is more than one vet at the practice. That way he or she will become familiar with your particular dog. Knowledge of your pet is an important part of animal health care. Select a doctor both you and your dog like. No question is silly or stupid, and no doctor should make you feel like it is. Pick a professional who takes the time to explain things thoroughly.

Sometimes it seems easiest to delay in taking a pet to the vet. '' I thought it would clear up in a few days'' is a common statement. Delay can be costly both to your pet's health and to your pocket. A problem that would have been minor had you attended to it immediately can become major during the delay period. If something is wrong, nip it in the bud. Get that dog to his vet.

 

YOUR ROLE

You are the most imoortant part of your dog's health-care picture. You know him better than anyone. Watch for and note any changes in your dog's normal behaviour. Limping, unusual whining, scratching, increased or decreased appetite, incresed or decreased drinking, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, lethargy, not wanting to play can all be signs of trouble. A dog cannot tell us where it hurts. Some bear discomfort , so if you love him, watch him.

 

WEEKLY HEALTH CHECK

A weekly health check helps catch many problems early. An animal that is uncomfotable or sick will not bahave normally and cannot be expected to learn, Choose a time once a week, and do this five-minute health check.

Eyes:

Look at your dog's eyes. Do they have any thick discharge? This is not good. Gently pull the eyelid down. Does it look red or irritated?

 

Teeth:

Pull up your dog's lips. Are the gums red? Is there tartar or plaque? It may be time to start brushing his teeth. Smell his breadth. It will be doggy but not foul. Bad breadth can signal a number of problems.

 

Skin:

Part the hair along your dog's back. Is the skin healthy or is it red? Look for fleas and ticks, strange bumps, dry skin and matted hair.

 

Ears:

Pull back the flap of the ear. Look inside. Is the ear healthy pale colour or is it inflamed? If you're not sure, compare with the other ear. Look for dark waxy discharge. Smell the ear - it should have little,if any odor. A strong waxy, musty smell means trouble. Watch your dog for head shaking, ear scratching and rubbing his head along the ground- signs that something is wrong.

 

 

 

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