Bell County Animal Clinic

Pet ownership carries the responsibility of being proactive in health care. There are certain steps you should take to prevent health problems. We recommend the following:

An annual exam is essential ..remember, one year to us is an average of 7 years to your dog. That’s a long time to go without a thorough physical exam.
Keep vaccinations current. A vaccination program should be individualized to meet the needs of your dog.
Bathe and groom regularly.
Clip toenails as needed to prevent overgrowth.
Keep plenty of fresh water available and monitor its consumption.
Keep other pets from preventing this one free access to food and water.
Eliminate parasites, including fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworms, on a regular basis.
Weigh your dog on the same scale and record results at least every 60 days. Both weight loss and weight gain are noteworthy. Obesity is a very serious condition that is becoming more and more common in our canine population.
Clean teeth are essential to continued good health. Yearly or every-other-year teeth cleanings are often necessary.
Different life stages and health conditions often require special diets. We can help you select a diet that is appropriate for your dog’s needs.

Early Signs of Disease

The following are early signs of disease. Some of these are so minor that they may not seem significant. However, our goal is to diagnose and treat diseases in their early stages when the success rate is much higher. Present your dog for an examination for any of the following:

Sustained, significant increase in water consumption. (For example: Abnormal would be more than 1.5 cups or 12 oz. for a 9-pound dog.)
Sustained, significant increase in urination.
Weight loss.
Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than 2 consecutive days.
Significant increase in appetite.
Repeated vomiting.
Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days.
Difficulty in passing stool or urine.
Lameness that lasts more than 5 days, or lameness in more than one leg.
Noticeable decrease in vision, especially if sudden in onset or if pupils do not constrict in bright light.
Masses, ulcerations (open sores), or multiple scabs on the skin that persist more than 1 week.
Foul mouth odor or drooling that lasts more than 2 days.
Increasing size of the abdomen.
Increase in activity or amount of time spent sleeping.
Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in specific areas (as opposed to generalized).
Breathing heavily or rapidly at rest.
Inability to chew or eat dry food.

Canine Age

The following chart, as developed by William Fortney, DVM and Directory of Community Care at Kansas State University School of Medicine, should help determine the age of a dog. Remember, in general, big dogs age faster than small dogs. A six year-old dog, for example, that weighs less than twenty pounds is the equivalent of a forty year-old person; but a six year-old dog that weighs more than 120 pounds is the equivalent of a sixty-nine year-old person.

Canine Age	0–20 lbs. (equivalent human age)	21–50 lbs. (equivalent human age)	51–120 lbs. (equivalent human age)	121+ lbs. (equivalent human age)
3 years	28 years	29 years	31 years	39 years
4 years	32 years	34 years	38 years	49 years
5 years	36 years	39 years	45 years	59 years
6 years	40 years	44 years	52 years	69 years
7 years	44 years	49 years	59 years	79 years
8 years	48 years	54 years	66 years	89 years
9 years	52 years	59 years	73 years	99 years
10 years	56 years	64 years	80 years	---
11 years	60 years	69 years	87 years	---
12 years	64 years	74 years	94 years	---
13 years	68 years	79 years	---	---
14 years	72 years	84 years	---	---
15 years	76 years	89 years	---	---
16 years	80 years	94 years	---	---
17 years	84 years	---	---	--
18 years	88 years	---	---	---
19 years	92 years	---	---	---
20 years	96 years	---	---	---

Puppy Vaccinations

A six-week old puppy needs a thorough examination, including fecal; a first vaccination for distemper and parvovirus; and worming.
A nine-week old puppy needs a second vaccination for distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and Parainfluenza.
A twelve-week old puppy needs a rabies vaccination and a third vaccination for distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza.
On an annual basis, discuss recommended annual exams and vaccinations with your vet. Vaccinations schedules should be tailored for the individual dog.