Harrisburg, South Dakota

Excellence in Large Animal Medicine and Surgery since 1981!

 

Has your dog had a heartworm test this year?
Have your dog tested before spring comes, so you'll be able to start on Heartgard right away.


Cold Feet in the Winter
In very cold weather, the pads on the bottom of your dog's or cat's feet may appear to be slightly cracked.  If this becomes a problem, here are some tips to help:

  ~ After each walk/outing, wash your pet's feet.  This will get any ice off them, and washes off any road salt which could be causing the dryness.
  ~ Trim the hair between your pet's toes.  This hair often collects ice and snow.
  ~ If dryness persists, apply petroleum jelly to the pads prior to walking your dog.
  ~ In extreme cases, you could buy special boots made of neoprene or similar materials for your pet.
  ~ And, of course, always consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns.

 


Wellness

Because pets age faster than humans do, potential illness many the same ones that people get (heat disease and kidney disease) can sneak up on our pets before we're ready to expect them.  The average dog or cat reaches 'middle age' at approximately 4 years old.  And, unlike the rest of our family, our pets cannot tell us about the symptoms they're experiencing that may be the indications of oncoming illness.  Taking good care of our pets is as much about preventing illness as it is about treating it.

What is a wellness exam?  First will include a consultation, during which you can report anything new or unusual.  Next, the vet will conduct a physical exam, checking your pet's major systems including heart, lungs, skin, ears, and teeth for potential problems. The vet will discuss with you options for preventive care, which can include parasite control, routine dental cleanings, anal sac expressing, and nutrition.  And last of all, the vet can screen for hidden issues with a wellness profile, tests of your pet's blood, stool, and urine that will let us know if there are any problems that have yet to show symptoms.  We have an in house lab, where many of our blood tests are done immediately, providing you with fast results.

 

   

 

Send mail to dlacsd@midconetwork.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 02/13/08