By Dr. Victoria Bennett, CNIB Veterinary Adviser
With warmer weather well on its way, its time to think about spring veterinary care for your dogs.
Eye Care: Every May, members of The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists generously provide complimentary screening eye exams for service dogs and working dogs. These events are held in many locations across Canada and the U.S. While Covid has caused this event to be cancelled the past two years, we are hopeful that it will return again this May. For details, visit: acvoeyeexam.org
Parasite prevention: Ticks are becoming a widespread hazard in Canada. As soon as the temperature is above zero, ticks become active outdoors and look for hosts to feed upon! Don't forget to ensure your dog is receiving a tick and flea preventative medication from your vet. Year around tick and flea preventative medication is recommended as fleas survive indoors throughout the year as well as outside like ticks, in the warmer months.
Intestinal parasite infections are more common in warmer weather. Heartworm parasite infections can occur across Canada and are caused by infected mosquitos biting your dog.
Heartworm/intestinal parasite preventative medication should be given to most dogs from June to November, inclusive. This medication can be combined with a flea and tick preventative to provide an all-in-one product.
Annual spring blood testing for tick-borne diseases such as Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis is recommended, and is typically combined with a heartworm test, referred to as a 4DX or Accuplex test. A "wellness test" that also includes a CBC (complete blood count of red and white blood cells) as well as a profile (evaluates blood sugar, protein liver and kidney function, electrolytes etc.) is another valuable tool to ensure your dog is healthy. These tests are "early disease" detectors and can provide valuable information about your dog's health. Fecal and urine tests are often included to provide additional information.
A physical exam (annual or semi-annually for dogs over seven years) with regular vaccines will help ensure your dog remains healthy.
Book your dog's appointment now! Most veterinary clinics are still having to schedule appointments several weeks in advance due the pandemic.