Canine Health Recommendations
Your dog is part of your family, and at Moon Valley Animal Hospital, we aim to keep your best friend healthy for years to come. Together, we can ensure your dog lives to their longest capacity.
General Exam & Vaccine Appointments
We recommend that your dog be examined at least once a year. During the appointment, our veterinary staff will perform a comprehensive physical exam, checking for any abnormalities or changes from previous years. These appointments are essential for evaluating your pet’s dental health, detecting any new growths or tumors, identifying age-related changes like cataracts, and addressing issues that may arise from an improper diet.
Vaccinations will be tailored to your pet's lifestyle and what is best for your individual dog.
Learn More: Vaccine Information for Dogs, Cats Puppies and Kittens
Vaccinations will be tailored to your pet's lifestyle and what is best for your individual dog.
Learn More: Vaccine Information for Dogs, Cats Puppies and Kittens
Diet & Exercise
Every animal has unique dietary needs that depend on their age and health conditions, varying from dog to dog. Puppies require a puppy diet that is higher in calories, while adult dogs should be fed an adult diet. Geriatric dogs, on the other hand, need a diet specifically tailored for senior pets.
In addition to proper nutrition, all pets need daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight and support joint health. The amount of exercise each dog needs can differ based on their breed, temperament, and health status. Generally, most dogs require between 30 minutes to two hours of active exercise each day.
Learn More: Nutrition and Exercise for Growing Puppies
In addition to proper nutrition, all pets need daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight and support joint health. The amount of exercise each dog needs can differ based on their breed, temperament, and health status. Generally, most dogs require between 30 minutes to two hours of active exercise each day.
Learn More: Nutrition and Exercise for Growing Puppies
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm prevention is crucial for your dog's health and should be administered monthly, starting at 8 weeks of age and continuing throughout their lifetime. It's important to remember that heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Even during the winter months, when temperatures might dip, certain warmer days can allow mosquitoes to thrive and pose a risk to dogs.
There are several effective heartworm preventatives available, including oral chews, tablets, topical solutions, and even injectable treatments. Each option has its own benefits, and the best choice depends on your dog's specific needs, age, size, and lifestyle. We recommend consulting with us to assess your pet's individual circumstances and determine the most suitable preventative method.
It is essential to prioritize heartworm prevention, as an infection can lead to severe health complications and can ultimately be fatal if left untreated. Regular veterinary check-ups and heartworm testing are also advisable to ensure your dog remains healthy and protected.
Learn More: Canine Heartworms and Preventing Disease
There are several effective heartworm preventatives available, including oral chews, tablets, topical solutions, and even injectable treatments. Each option has its own benefits, and the best choice depends on your dog's specific needs, age, size, and lifestyle. We recommend consulting with us to assess your pet's individual circumstances and determine the most suitable preventative method.
It is essential to prioritize heartworm prevention, as an infection can lead to severe health complications and can ultimately be fatal if left untreated. Regular veterinary check-ups and heartworm testing are also advisable to ensure your dog remains healthy and protected.
Learn More: Canine Heartworms and Preventing Disease
Spaying & Neutering
We recommend spaying and neutering your dog to prevent unwanted puppies. It is ideal for female dogs to be spayed before their first heat cycle, as this can significantly reduce their risk of developing mammary tumors. The best age to spay or neuter your pet can vary depending on the individual dog. If you have any questions about when to spay or neuter your dog, please feel free to contact us.
Learn More: Spaying Your Female Dog, Neutering Your Male Dog
Learn More: Spaying Your Female Dog, Neutering Your Male Dog
