Self Checkup

Note: Oily or smelly secretions on the skin, ears or eyes or deposits on the teeth are sign that the body is struggling to eliminate toxins.

1. Does the hair coat feel greasy? Is the skin color a normal gray-white or is it pink or red with inflammation? Do you see dandruff-like scales of dead skin among the hairs?
2. Use your fingers to brush the hair against the grain. Do you see numerous little black specks? These are the excreta of fleas.
3. Now smell your fingers. If the odor they picked up is rancid, rank, or fishy, it's a sign of poor health.
4. As you examine the eyes, check for matter in the corners. Pull down the lower eyelids so you can see the underside. Are the lids red inside or irritated on the edges?
5. Look into the ear holes. Do you see a lot of wax? Do the insides look oily? Sniff to check for offensive odor.
6. Inspect the gums for a red line on the gums along the roots of the teeth. To check the back teeth for that red line, raise the upper lip and push back the corners of the lips at the same time (It is not necessary to open the mouth).
7. Now check the teeth themselves, including the back ones. Are they gleaming white or coated with a brown deposit? Does the breath smell okay or are you overcome by it?
8. Lastly, feel the backbone in the middle of the back and run your fingers back and forth (sideways) over it. Do you feel definite bones there? Is there a prominent ridge sticking up in the middle? If your answers to these questions are yes, your animal is much too thin.

Finding A Vet

Choosing a vet is one of the most important decisions of your dog's life. Here are some guidelines to make the process easier:

• Ask other pet owners
• Visit the vet with your pet. Call first to let them know you'll be arriving to check out the place. Bring some favorite treats and encourage the staff to feed her so your dog has fond memories of the visit.
• Look around. Is it clean? Well-organized? Does it smell? If they let you tour the hospital that's a good sign.
• Ask the doctor some questions. Where did he study? How long has he been practicing? Are there certain diseases he won't handle, does he have references for serious ailments or procedures?
• Finally, trust your dog. Does her personality drastically change when there? If she's miserable, try a different doctor. If still miserable, you know it's likely the dog and not the doctor.

Vaccination Schedule

6-8 Weeks:

• Physical examination
• First DHLPPC (Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo virus, & Corona virus)
• Deworming

10-12 Weeks:

• Physical examination
• Second DHLPPC
• Deworming
• Kennel Cough Vaccination

14-16 Weeks:

• Physical examination
• Third DHLPPC
• Rabies Vaccination*

Annually:

• Physical examination
• DHLPPC Booster
• Kennel Cough Booster
• Rabies Booster*
• Deworming

Rabies

Rabies is not only a threat to your pet but to you as well. A fatal, viral disease, rabies affects the brain and nerves. The main source of rabies comes from infected wildlife, such as foxes, raccoons, skunks, bats, and coyotes. Usually transmitted through bites from rabid animals, rabies also can be spread through contact with broken skin.

The most common sign of rabies is an unexplained change in behavior. A friendly pet may turn aggressive or act strangely, with no apparent cause. However, a wild animal may act tame and not be afraid when approached by people.

It is important to know that once a rabid animal starts to exhibit abnormal behavior, it will continue to do so. It may take two to six months before showing signs, but once it does, it is an irreversible process, and the animal will die in a matter of days. Today, no treatment for rabies exists. Not every animal (including humans) that comes in contact with a rabid animal will contact rabies.

If you think one of your animals may have rabies, be extremely careful and avoid all contact with it. Isolate the pet from other animals and humans and call your veterinarian immediately. The doctor will need to know whether your pet has been vaccinated. By law, you must report this disease in order to protect the public. Notify both your veterinarian and animal control.

-Self Checkup -- Richard H. Pitcairn and Susan Hubble Pitcairn, "Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats," Rodale Press, 1995