Karen Miller
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???? Do you know that you should visit your doctor at least yearly to have a physical exam? Well, the same applies to your pet. Dogs and cats should be examined at least yearly by their veterinarian. Pets age faster than we do and their lifespans are shorter than ours. For example, the larger breed a dog is, the shorter their lifespan. An 8 year old Great Dane is not the same age in human years as an 8 year old toy Poodle. As dogs and cats get older, they should be examined at least twice yearly because their health status can change rapidly.
During a physical exam, your veterinarian is checking your pet?s eyes, ears, teeth and gums, skin, joints, abdomen, external lymph nodes, and listening to their heart and lungs with a stethoscope. During your visit, your vet can administer the appropriate vaccines for your pet. Yes, vaccines are still needed by dogs and cats. These vaccines protect your pet from various contagious diseases that include distemper, parvovirus, kennel cough, leptospirosis, rabies, feline leukemia, feline rhinotracheitis, feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, and feline chlamydiosis. Your veterinarian can explain what each of these diseases is.? Rabies vaccination is required by state law- even if your dog or cat is a ?totally inside pet?. These diseases are still out there. Did you know that some N.C. animal shelters have been temporarily closed within the last year due to outbreaks of parvo and distemper? Did you also know that there is a canine influenza virus and a vaccine for it? Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the healthcare of your pet. Vets are here to educate you and to help you take care of your pet. Feel free to ask your vets and their staff questions and voice concerns about your pet and be an active participant in the healthcare of your pet.
Heartworm disease is very common in our area and a yearly heartworm test should be part of your dog?s exam. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and are completely preventable with either monthly medication or, for dogs, a 6 month injectable medication. Did you know that cats can also get heartworms and there is prevention available for them too?
Your dog and cat should also be tested at least yearly for intestinal parasites. Heartworm preventions can also deworm for certain, but not all, intestinal parasites. Some of the intestinal parasites that dogs and cats can have are zoonotic, which means that people can get them too.
Flea and tick medications are important for your pet also. Fleas and ticks can both carry diseases, more than just Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease. Some over the counter medicines work, some don?t and you don?t have your veterinarian to advise you with those. Some of those products can be toxic, especially to your cat. Your vet can advise you on your flea and tick options and what is the best medicine for your pet. Did you know there is now a pill available for dogs that is heartworm and flea medication in one?
Remember that your veterinarian is the best advocate for your pet?s healthcare and wants to help you take the best care of them possible. Don?t hesitate to call your vet with your questions or concerns. Together you can help your pet live a longer, healthier, and happier life.
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Karen Miller, DVM
Veterinarian and owner ofLincolntonAnimalHospital
Source: http://lincolncountyview.com/?p=29735
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