My dog urinates all over the house - will spaying or neutering help? - Haywood Road Animal Hospital
Spaying or neutering can help with excessive urination. However, the effectiveness may depend on your pet's age, as older pets may have more ingrained marking habits. Nonetheless, spaying or neutering will not harm your pet in regards to excessive urination.
Shouldn't I let my dog have a litter before I spay her? - Haywood Road Animal Hospital
No, there is no reason or need for your dog to have a litter before being spayed. Depending on your dog's size, your veterinarian may determine a specific time to spay, but there is no benefit to letting her have a litter first.
Why is spaying or neutering a dog so important? - Haywood Road Animal Hospital
Spaying or neutering is important for several reasons, such as preventing or reducing the risk of certain diseases like infections of the uterus, cancer of the mammary glands, and cancer of the testicles and prostate. It also prevents unwanted pregnancies, helps with aggression issues, and reduces the likelihood of your pet running away due to being attracted to intact pets.
Does my dog have to be spayed or neutered? - Haywood Road Animal Hospital
No, spaying or neutering your dog or cat is ultimately your decision. However, it is highly recommended, even if you plan to breed. Spaying or neutering can extend your pet's life and help prevent certain diseases.
What preventive medication does my dog need monthly? - Haywood Road Animal Hospital
Your dog needs monthly medication to prevent heartworms, intestinal parasites, and fleas and ticks. Some of these medications come in the form of an injection that lasts a whole year, while others are available as a monthly or every three-month tablet. Your veterinarian will discuss the best option for you based on your needs and convenience.
What will my veterinarian do during a dog preventive care appointment? - Haywood Road Animal Hospital
During a preventative care appointment, your veterinarian will ensure that all vaccines are up to date and discuss any necessary vaccinations. They will also conduct a heartworm test and a fecal check to screen for intestinal parasites or heartworms. Additionally, your veterinarian may recommend blood work to detect any underlying health issues and establish a baseline for future comparisons.
How often should my dog be seen for preventive care? - Haywood Road Animal Hospital
Puppies should be seen for preventative care around four times between the ages of 8 to 16 weeks. After that, they should be seen once or twice more during their first year. Adult dogs should be seen at least once a year for preventative care. Senior dogs, aged 6 to 8 and older, should be seen twice a year for check-ups to catch any potential health concerns early on.
How does preventive care help my dog? - Haywood Road Animal Hospital
Preventative care helps your dog by keeping them healthy and reducing the risk of diseases and infections. Just like in humans, preventative care can extend your dog's life and contribute to their overall well-being.
What does dog preventative care mean? - Haywood Road Animal Hospital
Dog preventative care refers to any measures taken to prevent diseases and infections in your dog. These measures aim to keep your dog healthy for as long as possible, potentially extending their life by several years.
What are baseline diagnostic tests and how do they help my dog? - Haywood Road Animal Hospital
Baseline diagnostic tests include heartworm tests and fecal tests to check for intestinal parasites and heartworms. The physical exam helps detect external parasites like fleas and ticks. Ideally, blood work and urine tests should also be included as baseline tests to ensure your dog is healthy from the beginning. Identifying any congenital issues or health concerns early on can improve your dog's quality of life and overall well-being.