LIFE CYCLE NEEDS - DOGS AND PUPPIES
Puppies (0-1 years):
- Behavior Guidance (house training, manners, socialization, basic commands, two types of classes- puppy kindergarten first, and then beginning obedience class.)
- Start teeth brushing
- Excellent nutrition formulated for puppies (we use and recommend Science Diet products). Pay careful attention to healthy weight. “Once a fat-cell, always a fat-cell.”
- Clean, fresh water daily
- Vaccinations (determined by risk factors) as well as flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal parasite control
- Neuter or ovariohysterectomy
- Age appropriate bloodwork, permanent identification (microchip or tattoo) and stool sample test for intestinal parasites
- Appropriate exercise for the breed
- TLC – large doses and often – Have Fun!
Adult Dogs (1-6 years):
- Continued behavior guidance
- Continued dental care. Professional teeth cleaning when tartar and/or gingivitis is present. Most dogs and cats need at least an annual dental cleaning, unless home dental care is successful
- Life stage appropriate nutrition (we use and recommend Science Diet products)
- Clean, fresh water daily
- Vaccinations as determined by risk factors
- Yearly baseline bloodwork to monitor internal organ health.
- Biannual physical examinations/consultations (since one year of their life is equivalent to 5-7 human years. This is the equivalent of us getting a physical every 2 ½ - 3 ½ years.)
- Flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal parasite control and annual stool sample test
- Appropriate exercise for the breed – it is critical in preventing your pet from becoming overweight
Senior Dogs (7-12 years):
- All the needs of adult dogs PLUS:
- Golden Age Physical (includes items 3 - 8):
- This examination is the “over 40” physical which includes a more thorough testing than the baseline bloodwork of previous years
- X-rays of the chest and abdomen to detect early lung, heart, kidney, bladder, spleen, skeletal and tumor concerns
- EKG – electrocardiograph screens for electrical problems with the heart
- Urinalysis to detect early bladder, kidney or diabetes issues
- Blood pressure measurement.
- Base-line blood work, including thyroid testing.
- Biannual exams/consultations to fine-tune behavior, nutrition, and prevention recommendations for your pet. Osteoarthritis screening exams will be performed.
- Professional teeth cleaning/oral surgery as indicated to control periodontal disease
- Complete the Senior Pet Health Check List every 3-6 months and alert us of any “yes” answers.
- Start a senior supplement, SynoviG3, for optimum joint and mental health.
Super Senior Dogs (13 years or older):
- All of the needs of the senior dog PLUS:
- Evaluation of senior changes. Please see the Senior Pet Health Check List.
- Continued biannual exams unless existing health problems indicate more frequent visits
- Repeat full golden age physical as indicated
- Instructions on passive range of motion and massage therapy
- Osteoarthritis treatment as needed
- TLC – large doses and often
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