The companionship a dog can offer us is undeniable, and multiple studies have shown there are also many health benefits of incorporating dogs into our daily lives.  It is therefore our goal at Boston Valley Animal Hospital to provide you and your dog many shared years together. We achieve this by promoting good health, preventing disease, enhancing longevity, and developing a strong human–animal bond between you and your best friend.

Health & Wellness Care

The individual health care recommendations for your dog are based upon many aspects, including their breed, age, health condition and the lifestyle they lead. The health care needs for example, of a young adult dog who is involved in agility and whom mixes frequently with many other dogs, will differ significantly from those of a senior dog who lives with elderly owners in a home environment and has a much more sedentary and less social lifestyle. There are also 'breed specific' disease predispositions, that a small breed such as a Yorkshire Terrier may need to receive management for during their life time that simply wouldn't be of concern in a giant breed such as a Great Dane.

Throughout your dogs life we will make recommendations in the following areas in order to provide comprehensive and thorough health care:

• Vaccinations
• Parasite Protection
• Dental Care
• Grooming
• Diet and Nutrition
• Exercise and Lifestyle routines
• Training and Behavioral concerns
• Life stage needs - puppy - adult - senior - geriatric
• Pain Management

The Annual Exam - What should i expect?

Your dog will receive a complete physical examination annually and any health concerns that either you or the Dr have will be discussed and a plan made for how to approach the concern in question. However puppies, senior dogs, and those with specific health conditions will have specific and more frequent visits scheduled with our veterinary team. The goal of the annual exam is to maintain optimal health, identify developing problems at the earliest stages, treat diseases or conditions aggressively and effectively, and keep your pet comfortable and happy for the longest time possible.

In addition to a complete physical examination of your dog, the following will also be recommended and/or performed:

• Annual fecal examination for internal parasites
• Annual infectious disease screen - A blood test to determine if your dog has Heartworm Disease or has been exposed to Lyme Disease, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma
• Vaccination boosters if required

Why is a fecal sample necessary when my dog is acting fine?

Dogs can contract various internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, coccidia, or Giardia. Most parasite infections cause the common symptoms listed below, but MANY pets are asymptomatic. This means they do not show obvious signs despite having parasites, but internal damage still occurs. Symptoms of a parasite infection can include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Dry hair
• General poor appearance 

Many of these same parasites can also pose a threat to humans, especially children and those who are immunocompromised. Statistics show that one in three dogs will be infected at some time with intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.

If parasites are found in the fecal sample then appropriate medication will be dispensed to treat them. Even if your dog is on a monthly Heartworm preventative we still recommend checking for parasites as the various preventatives are different in respect to what parasites they protect against.