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Mid-year Check up

Many of you may be asking what the purpose of the mid-year check up is.  The goals of the twice a year wellness exams are to prevent or minimize disease or injury, enhance quality of life, and maximize longevity.  Quite often routine screenings help to identify potentially serious problems like liver disease, diabetes, heartworm disease, kidney disease and thyroid issues.

The mid year check up is the opportunity for you to bring you pet in to see the doctor for a variety of reasons.  For dogs the mid-year check up is a great time to check your dogs weight, maybe schedule that dental cleaning you have been putting off, or to get those optional shots like the Giardia, Lyme disease and Bordetella vaccinations.  By separating some of these vaccines you can break up your cost as well as protect your dog.  This also gives the doctor a chance to give your dog a full body exam and in senior dogs this is the perfect time to have the senior wellness screen done. In addition you can pick up your 6 month supply of heartworm and flea and tick preventative.

For  cats this is also a good time to get the FIV test done, and get an estimate for dental cleanings and senior wellness panels. If your cat is overweight this is also your chance to talk to the doctor about the risks of feline obesity and a weight management plan.

Why Premium Dog Food?

Your dog's nutritional needs are based on age, activity level, temperament, environment and physical makeup. Look for a food that fits your pet and the environment rather than breed. If you're unsure about what to feed your pet, contact your veterinarian. Premium dog foods typically have higher quality protein sources, no artificial dyes, and added antioxidants and vitamins. Better ingredients means better digestibility and contributes more to the health of your dog. The nutritional value per kibble is higher than most economy brands, meaning your pet will have to eat less of a premium brand to get the same nutrition.  A major difference aside from cost is the poop! If your dog has to eat more of the economy brand than the premium brand for the same nutritional content, there is a lot more waste that you will have to dispose of. So before you buy, compare the feeding guide of each brand (usually at the back of the bag).  You may be surprised to find that premium foods may actually be less expensive and healthier for your dog.

 Check out these informative sites:

American Red Cross Pet Disaster Plan- A great site to help plan your family evacuation plans that include your pet.--- http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/animalsafety.html

National Pet Wellness Month - Superb site for information on the highest standards of wellness and preventative care for our pets. The site has useful information and links for pet owners interested in maximizing their pet's quality of life and life span-- www.npwm.com/home.htm

Genetic & Heredity Predispositions - Provides information on genetic and hereditary disease of dogs based on breeds that are most commonly effected. This is an excellent way to begin a surveillance program for your dog, should he or she be predisposed to a condition based on breed -- www.dogpack.com/health/healthproblems.htm#B

Healthy Pet (American Animal Hospital Association) - Provides excellent information and educational resources from the best of the best in veterinary medicine -- www.healthypet.com

Gentle Leader Collars - Official website for the Gentle Leader Collars, which are (in our opinion) the most humane and effective tool in establishing manners and good behavior in boisterous and highly "active" dogs -- http://www.gentleleader.com/pages.cfm?id=17

Veterinary Partner - Information and educational website hosted and supported by the largest online community of veterinarians and veterinary support staff -- http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx

AVMA Online - Website of the American Veterinary Medical Association. A great place to catahc up on changes in veterianry medicine and standards of care, including position statements on vaccination, internet pharmacies, and euthanasia -- http://avma.org/

K9 Advantix Online - Website developed by the maker of K9 Advantix - a good place to learn about how this product works at controlling fleas, ticks, and mosquitos -- http://www.k9advantix.com/

Frontline TopSpot Online - Website developed by the maker of Frontline TopSpot and Frontline Plus for dogs and cats - a place top learn about these products and how they can control fleas and ticks on you dog or cat -- http://frontline.us.merial.com/

Senior Wellness Guidelines fromt he American Aminal Hospital Association (AAHA)  - The AAHA Senior Care Guidelines were developed by a task force composed of seven expert veterinarians, representing a broad range of specialty fields. AAHA released the AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats in March 2005, to provide a framework for practitioners dedicated to enhancing the well-being of senior pets -- http://www.aahanet.org/About_aaha/About_Guidelines_senior.html

Pet Adoption and Welfare Society of Carteret County, North Carolina -The mission of PAWS is to prevent neglect, suffering, abuse, and cruelty to animals; to provide information and raise public awareness of animal issues; to promote responsible pet ownership including education for the need to spay and neuter; and to strive for humane care, treatment and well being of animals through kindness, education, information and action. -- http://www.pawsofcarteret.org