Canine Friends

Puppyhood is a short but critically important time for establishing lifelong health. A dog’s early years help form the health profile of the adult and senior canine. Let your Vet help you understand the importance of regular exercise and age-specific diet. These contribute to long term health and happiness for your pet. They ensure that your dog will have a good chance at enjoying a full and active life.

Adult dogs settle into a life period that can benefit from healthy puppyhood and prepare them for their senior years. Balanced levels of activity and dietary habits along with responsible behavioural development make for the best environment an adult dog can experience. Regular examinations of adult dogs is the best way to maintain your pet’s health and monitor it for early signs of changes that may require more serious attention.

Dogs move into their senior years in much the same way as people. Physical limitations, changes in behaviour, appearance and appetite are all normal and expected. Your Vet can help you understand how your dog will age and what this means for the ways in which you care for your pet. Be informed about levels of physical activity, changes in temperament, signs of health changes and what to do when they occur.

A balanced diet of quality food is the foundation to canine health. Every dog is a unique individual with needs specific to its breed, size, age and general health condition. Knowing your pet’s nutritional needs will help guide you to making the right choices in providing the food and the treats that will maintain your dog’s health. Speak to your Vet about an assessment of the best dietary choices available to you for your pet.

A dog’s world is filled with many health challenges. Some of them come in very small sizes like fleas and ticks. Others are internal threats to health like worms. Modern Veterinary medicine has developed a full range of successful treatments to deal with these. Your Vet can help you understand how a regular program of check-ups, treatment and vaccination can protect your pet from the parasites that commonly live in a dog’s environment.

Spaying/Neutering your dog is an important decision you have to make as a pet owner. The ramifications of your choice are medical, social and behavioural. You should be aware of how this will affect your dog. You should also be aware of the reasons people choose to undertake this procedure and why some choose not to. Either way, a consultation with your Vet is an important first step in making this choice in an informed way.