CANINE HEALTH CARE AND PERMANENT IDENTIFICATION

During recent decades, there has been a concerted effort to emphasize the importance of canine health. For this reason, owners and handlers now have the opportunity to increase dramatically the quality and length of the lives of their dogs. Some of the most important facets of canine health are discussed here.

For canines, there are several serious contractible diseases. Of course, rabies is a well-known perennial problem. Nevertheless, various additional diseases are also concerns. For example, canine distemper, canine adenovirus-2, canine parainfluenza, canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus, bordetella bronchiseptica, and leptospirosis also constitute real health-threats. Fortunately, vaccinations for all of these diseases are available. Breeders often begin the vaccination process for puppies, but those purchasing a pup must be certain to complete the “puppy vaccination” regimen and then continue with periodic boosters.

“Worms” can often afflict canines. Among the most common types of worms are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Some worms can be seen (e.g., in feces or vomit) without the aid of a microscope, but for some microscopic examination is necessary. Fortunately, de-wormers are readily available. Note that the most serious “worm” is heartworm. This disease is mosquito-borne and is often fatal, but preventative medication (often in the form of a monthly oral tablet) has been very successful in protecting dogs from contracting heartworms. Testing for heartworm requires a simple blood-test, which should be repeated on an annual basis.

Ticks and fleas also constitute a threat to canine health. Tick-borne diseases include Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, and Hepatozoonosis. Those living in areas with tick populations should examine their dog each day for ticks and remove them immediately when found. Although less severe than the problems associated with ticks, fleas can cause severe skin irritations and secondary infections. To help protect against these problems, dog owners and handlers normally use flea and tick shampoos or flea and tick collars. “Advantage” and “Frontline” have some new pharmaceutical products that are often even more effective than the traditional methods (that is, than collars and shampoos).

Dog foods differ markedly in quality (i.e., amount of vitamins and protein). Science Diet, Purina, and Eukanuba are among the very best. Note that dry dog food often contains more protein than does canned dog food, so a diet consisting solely of canned dog food is discouraged.

Dogs require exercise, and this is especially the case for sporting dogs. Rigorous cardio-vascular activity (in the form of swimming, a game of fetch, field-work, etc.) can lengthen the life of a dog and improve the quality of life. In addition, regular exercise helps in reducing mischievous behaviors.

Of course, bathing and grooming are very important, with the former often accomplished very nicely by swimming in a clean lake or a river and the latter accomplished with periodic brushing. It should also be noted that dogs should have their teeth professionally cleaned from time to time, in addition to routine brushing at home. Naturally, certain foods contain “abrasives” that assist in maintaining dental health. Finally, it should be stated that trimming the claws of a dog is also important. Health professionals (e.g., groomers and vets) are skilled at this, but many owners and handlers purchase claw clippers and carefully trim the claws on their own.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has been established to screen for genetic problems such as hip dysplasia, and this foundation maintains an accessible database with the results. The University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP) has a similar purpose and maintains a similar database. For both of these organizations, x-rays of the hips are taken by a veterinarian and analyzed by canine radiologists. Note that the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals will return the film x-rays to the owner, handler, or veterinarian for a nominal fee (but the request must be made and the fee paid at the time of the original submission of x-rays). The Canine Eye Registration Foundation has been established to screen for various sorts of genetic visual problems, with board certified canine ophthalmologists conducting the examination. Responsible breeders pursue genetic screenings of these sorts, so as to ensure the genetic quality of breeding stock. Those desiring to purchase a sporting dog pup should request to see documentation that demonstrates that the sire and dam do not have (genetic) hip dysplasia or (genetic) visual problems (because these are the problems that are the most common).

Some form of permanent identification is prudent, so as to assist in the return of a dog to its original owner (e.g., if a dog is lost or stolen). Tattooing (e.g., in an ear) is a common form of permanent identification. Microchipping has become very common in recent years. With this method, the microchip (e.g., from Avid ) is often injected into the dog by a veterinarian (for a very modest fee). Most veterinary clinics and animal shelters have the ability to scan the chip implanted in a dog, thus helping to ensure the safe return of your dog. Of course, it should be noted that it is also important for name tags with contact information to be attached to a dog’s collar. Obviously, this is not a permanent form of identification, but it is the most basic and helpful form of identification.

For more detailed information about canine health care, the American Veterinary Medical Association is a fine resource, but the most important local resource is a good local veterinarian. Caveat: Although veterinarians maintain medical records, owners, breeders, and handlers should also keep organized medical records, especially vaccination records.