An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Ben Franklin once said "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Being an attentive and proactive owner will give your pet a better quality life. One of the most important things you can do for your pet is having an established relationship with your regular veterinarian. Vaccines for rabies, parvovirus and leptospirosis are important in lowering your pet's risk of contracting these diseases. Rabies and leptospirosis are also zoonotic, meaning they can transfer between different species. Regular deworming is also important as intestinal parasites can cause problems like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and dehydration. Many parasites can be picked up by children as well. Protect both your children and your pets by deworming your pets. Routine bloodwork is also important as serious diseases and conditions can be caught early and treated successfully if managed before it becomes an emergency. For example, many signs of diseases can be vague or easily missed. Common sign of diabetes are increased drinking and urination - these can easily be overlooked if one has several indoor/outdoor cats. Uncontrolled diabetes can be very serious and life threatening. If one has a purebred pet, do your research! Large breed dogs like Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles and German Shepherds are prone to "bloat" or GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus). Bloat is a life threatening condition where the stomach inflates with air and rotates, this process compromises the dog's blood supply throughout its body. Bloat requires immediate veterinary attention. Some other purebred dogs that can develop problems are the brachycephalic dogs like English Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, and Shih Tzu to name a few. Brachycephalic refers to the short noses or squished faces that these dogs have. These dogs can have compromised ability to deal with exercise and heat due to their confirmation. Be diligent in monitoring these dogs and seek immediate veterinary care if they show any signs of respiratory distress! Another recommendation is to have your pet spayed or neutered. Not only does this reduce the risk of any unwanted puppies or kittens, but it can also prevent you from having to deal with your older dog's infected uterus (also known as pyometra) or your cat's difficult and unproductive labor (dystocia). We, as an emergency and referral clinic, know that not everything is preventable but being an informed owner allows you to be better prepared for emergencies!