'The Woof Book' from Intervet.

Today many people think of their dogs as children, so we need to make sure they have regular check-ups for their long-term health and welfare.

Annual examinations allow a pro-active role in preventive health care; problems can often be spotted early and appropriate treatment or preventive action taken.

A vaccination or report card such as ‘The Woof Book’ from Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health gives detailed results of your dog’s clinical examination during an annual check up, and the checklist allows the veterinarian to note any comments or problems from their findings.

One of the key areas of the annual health check is weight- many problems are caused by pets being overweight. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the pet’s heart and joints and can cause problems like diabetes and arthritis.

The ears, eyes and skin are examined to ensure there are no abnormalities. Fleas are a common parasite, an infestation can cause skin irritation for your pets as well as acting as a carrier of other diseases.

The teeth are checked for gingivitis or decay and a dental may be advised. About 80% of dogs over the age of three suffer from chronic dental disease; this is often more severe than human dental problems.

Infected gums provide a source of bacteria, which can get into the bloodstream. Once there, these bacteria can deposit in major organs such as the kidney, liver and heart valves.

Lymph nodes are felt all over the body as enlarged ones can indicate problems. Listening to the chest with a stethoscope enables the vet to detect any unusual heart or lung sounds. The abdomen is palpated to see if anything is painful or any organs feel abnormal. The whole animal is checked for lumps in the skin; suspicious masses may need to be examined more closely and may need to be removed before they cause problems.

De-sexing is recommended at 6 months in both males and females. An entire bitch will require additional checks at the annual examination, as infection in the vulva or any enlargement of the mammary glands can be a sign of serious problems. In the un-neutered males extra checks are focused on the testicles and prostate as both of these can cause problems in older dogs.

Regular vaccinations ensure your dog has continued immunity against major infectious diseases. Dogs of all ages can become seriously ill or die from infectious diseases, which can be prevented through vaccination. Vaccinations against Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Distemper, Canine Viral Hepatitis, Para influenza Virus and Kennel Cough are recommended.

When your dog comes to Vets at Jansens for its annual health check, we carry out a full physical examination and health check and give vaccinations that are appropriate at the time. This is an ideal opportunity to discuss any aspect of your pet’s health that is of concern to you. If appropriate, further investigation such as blood tests or X-rays may be suggested. Dental treatment or nutritional advice may be recommended, and flea and worm treatments may be administered.

Remember prevention is always better than cure – annual check-ups, routine preventative treatments and correct diet all combine to ensure the best for the health of your pet.

Keep your Woof book/Vaccination card in a safe place as you will need it if your dog ever needs to go into kennels and as a comprehensive record of the progress of your dog’s health.