Spring Check Ups for Pets

Spring is coming and those reminder postcards from the vet’s office start piling up in the mail. It’s spring check up time. What should and shouldn’t you do for your animal companions?

Just because you have a postcard stating your pet needs a long, laundry list of vaccinations, doesn’t mean it’s true or necessary. As your pet’s guardian, it is important that you do your homework and understand what they do and don’t need. Vaccine protocols have been changing dramatically over the last few years; fueled by research being done at the University of Wisconsin, by Dr. Ronald Schultz. There is increasing evidence that immunity provided from most vaccinations lasts longer than one year. And repeatedly vaccinating every year has been associated with immune-mediated disorders in dogs and certain types of cancer in cats. “Why, when you know from personal experience that life-long immunity exists for many human vaccines, do you have great difficulty believing a canine vaccine can provide life-long immunity?” Dr. Ronald Schultz

There are many good reasons for a spring check up beyond vaccinations. You and your vet can discuss your pet’s overall health. Your veterinarian can examine your pet’s teeth, ears, eyes, skin and coat condition, heart, and weight. Parasite issues can be discussed. Remember, many products used for controlling parasites are pesticides and should be used judiciously. Come in to Pet Pantry and discuss healthy alternatives for controlling pests.

“Yuck, dog breath!” is not really a laughing matter. If your cat or dog has really foul breath, it indicates there are problems with either teeth or tummy - definitely not something to be ignored. Part of a good spring check up should be a really thorough examination of the mouth. Infected teeth and gums aren’t just a mouth problem – the heart, kidneys, intestinal tract, and joints may also be infected. The tartar and any infected areas of the mouth contain a multitude of bacteria that can ‘seed’ to other parts of the body.

It is important to keep a careful eye on your animal companions and visit the veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms:
• Excessive thirst
• Increase or decrease in eating habits
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Changes in behavior
• Vomiting
• Any lumps or bumps
• Bad breath
• Lethargy
• Cough, labored breathing or shortness of breath
• Increase in temperature, pulse or breathing rate
• Changes in litter box habits, constipations, diarrhea, frequent
urination, straining to eliminate, blood in feces
• Abnormal discharges containing pus or blood. These often have an offensive odor. Watch for discharges from the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, penis or vagina.
Prompt veterinary attention should be sought if you notice any of the above symptoms. It is very important for your pets to have regular check ups with the vet, even if they appear to be healthy. Early detection can ward off many potentially serious problems.


Please note:
The articles on this site have not been written by a veterinarian. While great care has been taken in the creation of these posts, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. They are being provided for informative purposes only. Please see your veterinarian for any health problems with your pets.