Heartworm

It is recommended that you test your dog for heartworm during their first vet visit. Heartworm is a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes and lives within the circulatory system of a dog and can be fatal. It is generally recommended that dogs be tested for heartworm annually in the spring. Heartworm preventative can be given to your dog during the mosquito season or all year round: consult with your vet for a prevention schedule. If your dog does test positive for heartworm, treatment is available.

Internal Parasites

Symptoms of these common parasites include diarrhea, bloody stools, lots of eating, but little weight gain and a general lack of energy. Often times, however, there are no symptoms. Most parasites can be easily detected by a fecal exam and treated with a dewormer or other medication prescribed by a vet. Most are contagious to other dogs and some to other animals and people. Infected dogs should be kept away from dog social areas and caretakers should wash their hands thorougly after the handling the dog and her feces. Make sure to bring a fecal sample in to your first vet visit.  Also note that there is a higher risk of being infected by parasites if your dog is in dog social areas such as dog parks, doggie day care and dog classes; regular fecals are highly recommended.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is the common name for a number of upper respiratory viruses. If you adopted your dog at DCHS, he has been vaccinated at DCHS against one of the more common upper respiratory viruses, but there are many other contagious upper respiratory viruses. Common symptoms include nasal discharge, coughing, lack of appetite and lethargy. Common treatment includes antibiotics and supportive care such as fluids for rehydration. Kennel cough is contagious to other dogs; limited contact with other dogs is recommended while contagious.