Keeping your dog healthy through prevention
For some, dogs are man’s best friend, but for many they are simply family. Dogs provide love and affection that is unconditional and limitless, and it’s the duty of their owners to do the same by keeping them safe and healthy. For new dog owners or seasoned self-proclaimed dog people, there can sometimes be challenges in keeping a dog in good health. Dr. April Mackey, medical director and DVM with Towne South Animal Hospital in Shreveport, explained that for new dog owners with puppies or young dogs, regular veterinary care is key.
“For young dogs in particular I think wellness exams, vaccines, and parasite prevention is essential,” she said. “Puppies get immunity from their mother’s milk but that immunity significantly declines around six to eight weeks. That is why puppy vaccines at 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks are vitally important. It is also important to deworm puppies at each set of vaccines since intestinal parasites are very common in young animals.”
“We also recommend submitting a sample to test for specific intestinal parasites since there are many different types of parasites puppies can get,” she continued. “Lastly, we recommend starting your puppy on heartworm and flea prevention as soon as possible particularly in the south. Parvo virus is very common in Louisiana and is often fatal in unvaccinated puppies.”
The veterinary team at the hospital is equipped with both qualified and experienced staff as well as state-of-the-art technology and services that can make keeping your dog in optimal health an easier task.
“We are very lucky at [Towne South Animal Hospital] to have many services we can provide for dog owners,” Mackey said. “We have a new state-of-the-art ultrasound machine that can help see all internal organs in the abdomen and catch certain disease processes early. In addition we have digital radiography which can provide for fast and accurate X-rays.”
“Another advanced treatment we offer is K-laser treatment,” she continued. “This is a therapeutic laser that can help treat many illnesses such as arthritis, wounds, surgical incisions, and severe ear infections. We offer a series of treatments after routine surgeries [spay/neuters], and it can really help treat more chronic issues such as arthritis.”
Dental cleanings are also important for the life of a dog, Mackey said. TSAH has the ability to scale teeth, clean teeth, take digital oral X-rays and perform complicated extractions.
For Louisiana dog owners, heartworm disease is an epidemic in the south and is the most common cause of sudden death in dogs in Louisiana.
“We often have very light winters and because of this we see mosquitoes year round,” Mackey said. “Mosquitoes are a vital part of the life cycle of heartworms. Monthly oral preventions help kill the larvae that the mosquito can carry thus breaking the cycle of heartworms.”
“Heartworm disease is deadly if left untreated,” she said. “We follow the American Heartworm Society recommendations for treatment of heartworm disease and have great success treating dogs if they become heartworm positive. However, the disease itself is so preventable with monthly medications or a twice yearly injection.”
As for the quality of a dog’s life, play and exercise are an important part in keeping them from being bored or acting out. Mackey said it is also essential in maintaining a healthy weight as obesity is a problem in the canine community. It’s important to know what amount is appropriate for each breed and type of dog. Additionally, the quality of food plays a role as well.
“If you buy low quality diets with low quality ingredients your dog will not be as healthy,” Mackey said. “The dog food industry is a billion dollar industry. Because of this there are many different types of foods available. Every dog’s food needs are different. Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and need foods that are easily digestible. Some dogs need lower calorie foods. I recommend reading the ingredients on anything you buy. Make sure you buy food/treats that are only made in the USA. The bottom line is it is best to speak with your veterinarian about the food choices you make.”
For pet parents with an older dog, Mackey said twice yearly exams are crucial in detecting disease and checking blood work in order to catch any conditions early on to make treatment more effective. Dental cleanings are also just as important for older dogs as they are for younger.
“Dental tartar carries millions of bacteria that can cause multiple other problems,” she said. “Remember, old age is not a disease.”
Lastly, in addition to veterinary care, quality food and exercise and vaccinations, keeping a dog healthy and giving them the quality of life that they give you involves surrounding them with a safe and loving environment – treating them as the family they are.
– Katie Ho
