Regular dental care, vaccinations, parasite control and a balanced diet are essential for the health of your dog. Laboratory testing plays an integral role in the early detection of changes in your dog's health. Diagnostic tests provide essential information by which our veterinarians can identify blood disorders, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, infection, cancer, thyroid disease and other hormonal problems.

The gradual onset of health problems in an apparently healthy dog often go unnoticed. Once symptoms appear the condition may be too difficult or costly to diagnose and treat. Age is not a disease; however, there are many conditions, that if diagnosed early, can be completely reversed or controlled for extended periods of time

Make your dog's day-to-day life better with answers to your dog's health. Here you'll find answers to basic care and health questions and helpful general information.

WHAT ARE THE FIRST SIGNS OF PREGNANCY IN A DOG?
If you suspect that your dog is pregnant, the best way to find out for sure is to take her to the veterinarian. However, there are some possible clues that you might look for at home. For example, you may notice that your dog seeks your attention more often. Pregnant dogs can also have ravenous appetites. Finally, you might observe enlarged mammary glands and a clear, vaginal discharge that appears about a month into the pregnancy.

These signs may indicate that your dog is pregnant, but they are by no means a diagnosis. If you suspect that your dog may be pregnant, bring her in for an exam and one our veterinarians will palpate the uterus or perform an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy.

CAN CANINE URINARY INCONTINENCE BE STOPPED?

Urinary incontinence - or urine leaking - is a common canine condition with causes ranging from infection to diabetes to abnormal development. Tests will help determine the seriousness of your pet's problem. There are minor things like infection and inflammation that can cause incontinence that are easily treatable.

Another common cause - especially in spayed female dogs and geriatric pets - is a weak bladder sphincter. This condition generally responds well to medication, too, so most incontinent pets do not need to suffer. And for dogs with more serious problems, surgical reconstruction of the lower urinary system may be a way to protect your pet.

MY DOG KEEPS SCRATCHING ITS EARS. WHAT MIGHT BE WRONG?
Don't just assume your dog's ears itch if your pet scratches them frequently. It may be a sign of a painful infection. Other symptoms include ear discharge, a strange odor, and head shaking. If you notice these signs, call one of our veterinarians.

Dogs frequently develop ear infections because of their long el-shaped ear canals that easily trap dirt and moisture. Breeds with long, floppy ears and dogs who swim frequently are the most susceptible. Parasites, such as ear mites, or allergies can also trigger an infection.

The best way to prevent ear problems in your dog is to try to keep its ears squeaky clean and to check them often for any discharge or odor.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DIABETES IN DOGS?
If you notice your dog displaying signs of extreme hunger, thirst or urination, your dog may have diabetes mellitis, the most common hormonal disorder of dogs. The disease is caused by a lack of insulin, the hormone that regulates how sugar is absorbed and used by cells and tissues in the body. It most often afflicts dogs between the ages of five to seven and female dogs are more susceptible than males. Obesity seems to be a risk factor.

So if you notice your dog displaying signs of extreme hunger, thirst or urination, contact one of our veterinarians. Diabetes is manageable!

WHAT ARE SOME REASONS DOGS GET BLACK SPOTS ON THER BELLIES?
It's not uncommon for pigment clusters to crop up on a canine as it ages. So if there are no other symptoms, the dark spots are unlikely to affect your pet's health.

But take a closer look at your dog's belly. Are the dark spots rough or scaly? Is there an odor or hair loss? Are they growing, or changing color? If you said yes to any of these questions, or if the spots are tender to the touch, your pet may have an allergy, bacterial infection, thyroid deficiency, or other skin disease. Schedule a visit to see one of our veterinarians for a more comprehensive examination.

WHY DO DOGS NEED DENTAL CARE?
Healthy bodies and healthy teeth are inextricably linked. The same bacteria that causes stinky breath can also lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease and may increase your dog's risk of heart, liver and kidney problems. So by providing your dog with good dental care, you can help improve your pet's overall health.

Most dogs don't get the preventive dental care they should; therefore, schedule your dog for a yearly dental exam with one of our veterinarians to determine if a professional dental cleaning is needed.

In order to minimize your dog's risk of developing disease, brush it's teeth regularly. Dry food and dental treats may also be helpful.

I'VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT HIP DYSPLASIA. WHAT IS IT?
Some dogs develop a painful hip problem called hip dysplasia. It's most common in large breeds such as Labs, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, and can lead to arthritis later in life. A dog with hip dysplasia will have trouble running and getting up, and may seem to lack energy.

Once a dog shows lameness, there are two treatment methods. One involves managing the pain with medication. The other involves surgery to repair the joint. Some young dogs with hip dysplasia are candidates for a preventive procedure that is similar to a hip replacement in humans. It all starts with an x-ray to see if your dog really has a problem.

WHAT IS MANGE? HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS IT?
Mange is a particular skin condition which is caused by the infestation of parasitic mites. Mange will cause hair loss and itchiness in your pet. One type of mange is called demodex. If demodex spreads over much of the dog's body, it can be very serious and could require long-term therapy.

The most common type of mange, however, is scabies, which is very infectious among dogs and can even be transmitted to humans. A dog with scabies is restless and will continually scratch, bite, and dig at infected areas. If you notice these symptoms or small, red, infected areas, schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians. Dogs with mange need medicine.

WHAT IS RINGWORM AND HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED?
Ringworm is a bit of a misnomer, as the condition is not really caused by a worm. It's actually caused by a fungus that resides on the hair and skin of animals. Ringworm can cause your pet symptoms ranging from bald spots to dandruff to widespread hair loss.

Unfortunately, you can't just look at an animal and determine whether or not it has ringworm. Diagnostic testing is required to find out. If your pet does have ringworm, treatments may include topical antifungal creams, whole-body shampoos, or an oral antifungal agent. No matter the method, treatment is important because ringworm is also contagious to pet owners.

WHAT IS HEARTWORM ANYWAY?

Heartworms are parasites that, in their adult form, pose a serious threat to dogs. The worm-like parasites can infest an animal's heart and the large arteries that go to its lungs. The heartworm larvae is carried by mosquitoes, which transmit it to dogs by biting them. Spring and summer, when mosquitoes are most active, are therefore often thought of as heartworm season. But in some areas of the country, heartworm is a risk all year long.

If a dog does develop heartworm, he will cough, lose weight, and tire easily. Ultimately, the disease can be fatal. But fortunately, it's also preventable. To protect your dog from heartworm, ask one of our veterinarians about which monthly heartworm medication is recommended in order to protect your pet.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE POTENTIAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF CANINE FLEA INFESTATION?
Fleas are common canine pests that can spell big trouble for your dog's health and well-being. Animals can ingest fleas containing tapeworm eggs, which then hatch in their intestines. In a flea-ridden area, the same thing can happen to a child.

It's no secret that flea bites breed itching and discomfort, but woe is the dog that's allergic to any of the fifteen substances in flea saliva. These irritating allergens can cause a reaction that spawns a nasty skin condition called flea allergy dermatitis. Constant biting and scratching can then lead to hair loss and infection.

Fleas transmit tapeworms and other diseases, and in extreme cases, cause anemia, particularly in very young or weak animals. So treat a flea invasion as soon as you spot it. Better yet, contact one of our veterinarians about a monthly flea preventive treatment plan.

HOW LONG DO DOGS LIVE?
Dogs mature relatively quickly, and therefore, age faster than humans. Just as humans need different nutrition, exercise and health care at the various phases in their lives, so too do your pets need different care as they age. Older animals suffer from the same ailments as elderly people, such as arthritis and loss of hearing and vision.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG IS OVERWEIGHT?
Pet obesity is currently one of the top health concerns for our pets, and a quick assessment of optimal body weight could be the start to lengthening your dog's life. Working with one of our veterinarians to rule out other medical problems is the first step. While some drugs and some disease conditions (i.e. hypothyroidism) may cause your dog to be overweight, more often obesity is caused by overfeeding and high calorie foods. Our veterinarians will help you devise a diet and exercise plan for your dog to get on the track to health and fitness.

When viewed from above, your dog's back should show some gentle curves: a gentle dip after the ribs (waist area), a gradual slope to the base of the tail. When viewed from the side, you should see a "tucked up" area just before the hind legs (not a flat line along the base of the belly). Your dog may have a haircoat that prevents easy viewing, but gently running your hands along the top outline of your pet should reveal these natural curves.