The best method to detect early signs of difficulty in your pet would be to choose the hands-on strategy. Every day or two, it is very important to inspect your puppy around by running your hands over them while closely observing them. You could realize that your dog really likes it! 

Now, what to look out for when inspecting your dog:

Assess all over for lumps, cuts, bumps, hot spots, or any tender areas.

Just take some opportunity to notice how your dog reacts when you run your hands on distinct regions – some wincing or flinching requires additional care, as it could be an indication of arthritis or injury.

Spreading a little patch of your dog’s fur and looking at the skin underneath will reveal evidence of ticks or fleas if they’re present.

While you’re at it, be certain to check your dog’s gums and teeth and the overall condition of the mouth. Gum disease is severe, so pay particular attention to this area – some changes you see to the gums should be investigated.

Then have a look at and feel your dog’s nails and feet. Make sure that the pads beneath the foot are powerful, clean, and healthy appearing. Look out for whatever could be lodged between the feet.

Any odd (bad) smells coming from your pet’s ears is a certain sign of trouble.

During these inspections or some other times you are observing your puppy, make sure you notice any changes in behavior. It is your responsibility as a pet owner to be on the lookout for signs of discomfort! Has your little friend put on some pounds and also on his way to being an overweight dog? Better take care of this while there’s still time!

As they say, “An ounce of prevention” goes a very long way. The earlier you identify a health problem or condition that requires correcting, the less your pet will endure. Additionally, the problem will be easier to correct, and it will probably be less expensive!

Annual Inspection:

Included in your dog’s routine health care plan, it’s a fantastic idea to include a yearly vet inspection or “wellness evaluation”. Your vet put your little friend through a series of evaluations – it’s a great proactive and preventive health measure. A fantastic vet will be watching out for any flaws in the evaluation results and will check your pet for any sign of breed-specific health issues. As your dog ages, your vet will modify the annual inspection to fit the needs of “mature” dogs – a “senior’s wellness test!” Learn more about puppy checkups here.

If serious illness or injury occurs, you will require a vet (vet) that you trust and can rely on to care for your dog. It certainly helps if your vet is familiar with your dog. When you are first “shopping around” for your vet, attention should be given to accessibility (office hours, after-hours reply, etc.) along with the ability to perform emergency surgery ought to bad things happen and the need arises.

The Importance of Preventive Care

To help your pet maintain great long-term physical health, they must come in for routine examinations.

Combined with their essential vaccinations, parasite prevention and appropriate nutrition, your cat’s or dog’s routine examination includes a physical checkup to provide your pet the very best chance at excellent lifelong health.

When you bring your pet in for their normal examination, we can prevent health issues from growing on your pet or find and treat them early. Click this link for more details.

Regular pet exams from our vets at Pekin Veterinary Clinic concentrate on preventive care. These regular exams help make sure that the pet is in good health. Visit pekinveterinaryclinic.com for more information.