Preventive Healthcare Program for Puppies and Adult Dogs

Preventive Healthcare program for puppies and adult dogs

Taking care of a dog is a great responsibility. Offering the best for your dog’s life could be challenging. You will find in this document the preventive healthcare program that the Vaudreuil Veterinary clinic promotes to assure an optimal health and well-being for your dog. Most of the information comes from the American Animal Hospital Association which can be found at the following link: https://www.aaha.org/public_documents/professional/guidelines/aaha- avma_preventivehealthcareguidelines.pdf

The Vaudreuil Veterinary Clinic will be pleased to discuss with you a healthcare program that will best fit your pet’s needs, life style as well as your budget.

Table of content

1) The annual exam...... p.2

2) The vaccination schedule...... p.2

3) The deworming program...... p.2

4) Spay and neutering...... p.3

5) Hip dysplasia screening radiograph...... p.3

6) Micro chipping ...... p.4

7) Nutrition and meal time...... p.4

8) Fleas, heartworms and ticks  Fleas...... p.5  Heartworms...... p.6  Ticks...... p.6

9) Puppy training, education and behavior...... p.7

10) Basic healthcare:  The teeth...... p.7  Ears, eyes and skin...... p.8  Nail trimming...... p.8  The bath...... p.8

11) Pet Health Insurances………………………………………………………..……………………………………………p.9

1) The annual exam:

 Generally, 2 to 3 visits are needed before the age of 6 months to begin the vaccination schedule as well as, discuss the preventive health program.

 Just like humans, an annual exam is recommended to ensure the good health of your pet, but also to detect any diseases at an early stage and reduce their evolution. The life expectancy of a dog is considerably shorter than in humans. Omitting the annual examination of your companion would be the equivalent of delaying your own annual visit to your family doctor by about 7 years!

2) Vaccination:

 The Vaudreuil Veterinary Clinic vaccination schedule is available on our website under the Data information tab of the main menu > Dog > Vaccination > Dog vaccination schedule or by clicking on the following link: http://www.veterinairevaudreuil.com/wp- content/uploads/2012/11/Dog-vaccination-schedule.pdf . It is also included in your welcome kit that you will receive at the first visit.

 You will find other useful data information sheets on vaccination in the same section of our website.

 Our schedule is based on the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommendations which are available on their website: http://www.aahanet.org/publicdocuments/caninevaccineguidelines.pdf

3) Deworming (medication against intestinal worms)

 Preventing intestinal parasites is not only a health concern for your dog, it is also a public health issue. Indeed, many intestinal parasites are transmissible to man. Kids, elderly people and immunosuppressed people are the ones most at risk of being infected. Deworming dogs at a young age and on an annual basis in the spring and summer help to treat and prevent intestinal worms, reduces soil contamination thereby protecting your dog, other dogs and your family’s health.

 In a basic deworming, we normally treat for round worms (Ascaris), hookworms and whip worms. Dewormers needs to be given every 2 weeks starting at 2 weeks of age until 3 months (12 weeks) and then once a month until the puppy is 6 months. Afterwards, deworming is recommended on a yearly basis during the seasonal months (May until October-november).

 A coprology (stool analysis) should be done when the dog is still a puppy (3 to 6 months), then annually. It allows to assess the efficacy of the initial deworming and to screen for other intestinal parasites (Coccidia, giardia, cryptosporidium etc) that are not treated with the basic deworming.

 Vaudreuil Veterinary Clinic follows the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine’s recommendations regarding deworming. For more information about intestinal parasites and deworming, you may visit the "Companion Animal Parasite Council" website at http://www.capcvet.org/capc- recommendations/.

4) Spay and Neutering

 Neutering a male dog (Castration) consists of surgically removing both testicles while he is under general anesthesia.

 Spaying a female dog (Ovariohysterectomy) consists of surgically removing the ovaries, the uterine horns and part of the cervix while she is under general anesthesia.

 It is usually recommended to be done between 3 and 6 months of age.

 Spay and neutering in dogs is recommended to prevent health and behavioral problems, as well as to control overpopulation and abandoned pets. Consult the website Stérilisation animale Québec that explains the importance of having your pet spayed and neutered and the “Journée Nationale de la Stérilisation Animale au Québec” that takes place each year in February.

 In female dogs, spaying before the first heat reduces the risk that she will develop mammary tumors as an adult. We recommend spaying be done between 3 and 4 months of age. Beyond 6 months of age, the incidence of surgical complications is higher. Spaying your dog also prevents at any age, infection of the uterus (pyometra) which could be life threatening and involve a more expensive surgical procedure.

 In male dogs, neutering before puberty may eliminate urine marking behavior, wandering and undesired reproduction. At all times, neutering reduces health issues associated with the reproductive system such as prostate or testicular cancer along with perineal hernia.

 Alteration only represent 1% of what an owner will have to spend in their pet’s life! Cost should therefore not refrain you from getting your dog sterilized.

 Details and information of these surgical procedures are available on our website under the Data Information tab of the main menu > Surgery > Dogs > Dog neutering and Dog spay. You can also access this section by clicking on the following link: http://www.veterinairevaudreuil.com/en/dogs/ .

5) Detecting Hip Dysplasia

 Hip x-rays under anesthesia is recommended to be done at the same time as the alteration surgery, for all large breed dogs that are prone to hip dysplasia (Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Bernese mountain dogs, German Sheppards, etc.). The veterinarian will be able to assess any conformation abnormalities that could make your dog prone to develop hip dysplasia. It is only at 2 years of age however, that we can certify that the dog is free of hip dysplasia.

 If abnormalities are noticed on the radiograph, there is still time to act! After the animal is neutered, and according to the severity of the dysplasia, we may recommend switching to an adult diet, and feeding a strict quantity of food to avoid obesity and/or recommend a consultation with a veterinarian specialist.

 The orthopedic foundation for animals website (http://www.offa.org/hd_procedures.html ) is a valuable source of information for clients that want to know more about hip dysplasia in dogs.

6) Microchip implant :

 In order to identify lost pets, a microchip inserted under the skin can be really helpful! A microchip is a identifying integrated circuit about the size of a large grain of rice that allows your animal to be uniquely identify.

 Vaudreuil Veterinary Clinic owns the instrument to detect the electronic chip number. Being a universal identification technique it makes it easier to trace the owner of a lost pet. It is also a requirement for exportation/importation of animals when travelling in certain countries. It will soon become a requirement in many municipalities.

 The associated fees cover for the chip itself along with its implantation subcutaneously (under the skin) by the veterinarian or the veterinary technician. The owner is responsible for filling out and sending the subscription form to 24PetWatch: http://24petwatch.com/Canada/ .

 For further information about microchip implant, consult the following link : http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=8777,131643585&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL .

7) Nutrition and Meals:

 Food and water dish should always be in stainless steel as they are considered to be hypoallergenic.

 Measure the recommended quantity of food and feed your dog two to three times a day. It is best to feed at regular hours and to remove the food bowl 30 minutes after it was offered. Your puppy should be brought outside to do his/her stools 30 minutes after eating.

 Transferring from a puppy diet to an adult diet should occur around nine months of age for small breed dogs and around one to one and a half year old for large breed dogs. The transition should be gradual. We recommend Purina Vet Diet (PVD) pediatric formula for puppies (also available for large breed dogs) and Prescription diet t/d by Hills for adults.

 To prevent digestive upsets when going from puppy to adult food, present ¾ of the old food mixed with ¼ of the new food for 2-3 days, then half-and-half for another 2-3 days, finally give ¼ of the old food with ¾ of the new food for 2-3 days before feeding exclusively the new diet.

 It is important to measure the food quantities offered to your animals in order to prevent weight gain. It is actually recommended to weigh the food portion offered every day.

8) Fleas, heartworms and ticks

Fleas

 Fleas cause discomfort, itching and may transmit intestinal worm (tape worms). Dogs, cats and humans can develop intense allergies to flea bites and must therefore be treated.

 Flea prevention is done either with an oral tablet given by the mouth or by applying a liquid on the skin (topical), once a month throughout the seasonal months which are May to November or every 3 months depending of the product.

 Different products are available at the veterinarian; some require a prescription while others are available over the counter. Products available at Vaudreuil Veterinary Clinic are the following. One or our staff member will be pleased to advise you on a product that is best suitable for your pet’s needs and life style.

 Non-prescription product: o Advantage (Bayer), topical product (applied on the skin) that only kills fleas and that may be issued without a prescription. This product must be applied once a month for 6 months, from May 1st to October 1st.

 Prescription products:

o Bravecto (Merk) is administered by the mouth, as soon as April 1st, once every 3 months (3 months efficacy). It kills adult fleas and is the 1st medication approved in the treatment and control of 3 species of ticks included the one that can transmit the bacteria responsible to the Lyme disease (the black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis). BRAVECTO is indicated for dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older and weighing 2 kg or greater.

o Revolution (Zoetis), topical product (applied on the skin) that protects your animal against heartworm disease (dirofilariosis), kills 3 stages of fleas life cycle (eggs, larvae, adults), ear and body mites. It is also indicated as an aid in the treatment and control of roundworm (Toxocara canis) infections and tick (Dermacentor variabilis) infestations. We recommend applying Revolution once a month, for 6 months, from June 1st to November 1st.

o Sentinel (Novartis) are flavor tablets indicated for the control of flea infestations on dogs by interrupting the flea life cycle at the egg and larval stage (sterilizes the adult flea). It also prevents heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, and treats and controls parasitic infections due to adult hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum), adult roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and adult whipworm (Trichuris vulpis). It is administered once a month for 6 months, from June 1st to November 1st.

o Be aware that flea collars, shampoos or sprays sold in pet stores are not equivalent to products sold in veterinary establishments. Be informed and seek advice!

For further information about fleas, consult « Companion Animal Parasite Council » website at http://www.capcvet.org/capc-recommendations/fleas

Heartworms

 All dogs that go outside during the seasonal months or that travel to endemic regions are at risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes which may transmit heartworms.

 As recommend by the American Heartworm society, a blood test to screen for heartworm should be done each spring in order to identify carrier dogs and hence provide the appropriate treatment. The test is done at the clinic and takes less than 10 minutes. It also detects the presence of the parasite that can be transmitted by ticks that could cause Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Erlichiosis.

 A preventive program, with one of the following products, once a month for 6 months, from June until November can be started if the dog’s blood test is negative for heartworm. One of our staff members will be pleased to advise you on a product suitable to your pet’s need and life style:

o Sentinel (Novartis) are flavor tablets indicated for the control of flea infestations on dogs by interrupting the flea life cycle at the egg and larval stage (sterilized the adult flea. It also prevents heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, and treat and control parasitic infections due to adult hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum), adult roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and adult whipworm (Trichuris vulpis).

o Heartguard30 Plus (Merial), chewable cube that prevent canine heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) and for the treatment and control of ascarids (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, and Uncinaria stenocephala).

o Interceptor is recommended for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis and for the treatment and control of the same intestinal parasites treated by Sentinel.

Ticks

All dogs that go outside during the seasonal months or that travel to endemic regions are at risk of getting bitten by ticks. The black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) is responsible for the transmission of the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Once transmitted in dogs (and humans), the bacteria can cause the Lyme disease.

 Bravecto (Merk) is administered by the mouth, as soon as April 1st, once every 3 months (3 months efficency). It kills adult fleas and is the 1st medication approved in the treatment and control of 3 species of ticks included the one that can transmit the bacteria responsible to the Lyme disease (the black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis). BRAVECTO is indicated for dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older and weighing 2 kg or greater.

Pour de plus amples informations sur les tiques, la maladie de Lyme chez le chien et les humains consulter les liens suivant : - http://sante.gouv.qc.ca/problemes-de-sante/maladie-de-lyme/ - http://www.santemonteregie.qc.ca/agence/santepublique/directiondesantepublique/malad iedelyme.fr.html#.VRGjtlfwucw - http://canlyme.com/lyme-basics/tick-id/

Consult our website under « Data information > Dogs > Parasitology » or by consulting the Parasitology section of the following link to know more about ticks: http://www.veterinairevaudreuil.com/en/dogs/

9) House training, education and behavior

 As with kids, the time period before they are adults is crucial in their development. Puppy training, done properly permits to establish a solid base, helps prevent undesired behavior and helps your dog become a good canine citizen.

 We strongly advise puppy owners attend puppy classes while their dog is young. One of our team members can help you to find a trustworthy dog school in the area to follow puppy classes.

 Meanwhile, we encourage you to continue on puppy training. There is a lot of literature by well-known authors such as: “Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog” by Dr. Ian Dunbar and “The Puppy Primer” by Patricia McConnell. Our staff will also be pleased to answer your question pertaining to canine behavior and training.

 A document on this subject is available in your welcome kit.

10) Basic care: Teeth

 Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats and is 100% preventable. This disease is due to the lack of dental hygiene of your pet and is characterized by a build-up of dental plaque, tartar and gingivitis. This problem causes bad breath, discomfort and pain, and also decreases your pet’s life expectancy.

 A professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia every year or every 2 years, combined with daily oral home care allows keeping a healthy mouth and increasing your companion’s life quality.

 The gold standard for dental health care in humans as well as in pets is teeth brushing. Dental home care for pets also includes the use of enzymatic gel to apply on the gums, adding oral solution in the drinking water, enzymatic treats and a specialized dental diet such as Hill’s prescription t/d (for dental health) and Purina Vet Diet DH (Dental health). Despite this preventive home care, your dog will still accumulate dental tartar so a professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia teeth will eventually become a necessity.

 Our animal health technician will be pleased to talk about a dental care program adapted for you and your pet.

 To know how to brush your dog’s teeth, consult our data information sheet « Teeth brushing» available on our website under the Data information tab> Dogs > Dental health or click on the following link: http://www.veterinairevaudreuil.com/en/dogs/. You will also find in this section, a power point presentation on Buddy’s professional dental treatment.

 Read more about pet’s dental health on the American Veterinary Dental College website : http://www.avdc.org/ownersinfo.html

Ears, eyes and skin:

Check your pet’s ears, eyes and skin on a regular basis. These areas should always be clean and dry. Ask one of our technicians to show you how to keep it that way. Ideally, the dog’s ears should be checked regularly and cleaned as needed using a specialized product, especially if your dog has floppy ears. Nail trimming:

Nail trimming is done once a month or as needed. In order for your dog to get used to it, start trimming one nail per day using a “super treat” to reinforce good behavior. That way, your dog will find the procedure more enjoyable and will tolerate getting its paws handled.

Bath:

 A bath can be given as needed. If you need to wash your dog, make sure to always use a shampoo designed for dogs and that you rinse the coat thoroughly. It is also important to dry your dog after, do not use the blow dryer as it may cause burns.

 The Vaudreuil Veterinary Clinic offers a grooming service. Inform yourself with one of our team members.

12) Pet Health Insurances:

 On your first visit at Vaudreuil Veterinary Clinic you will be eligible for a 6 week trial of health insurance for your puppy.

 It is not the veterinary clinic that sales the insurance, but we are promoting it as we believe it is important. Getting a pet involves a great investment not counting the unexpected illnesses and accidents that can arise as with us in our lives.

 In case of an accident or health problem, this temporary insurance covers 80% of the treatment and hospitalization fees (up to 5000$) while you look into the different coverages. That way you will not be left without protection while you make up your mind as to which coverage is best for you.

For further information about the preventive health program in dogs, do not hesitate to communicate with us! 450-218-9090

The Vaudreuil Veterinary Clinic inc. By Caroline Senay dvm and Caroline Brazeau dvm, April 2015