HAS YOUR DOG HAD A NEW YEAR CHECKUP?

At the beginning of a new year, we begin thinking about our health and making changes to improve it, like watching what we eat, exercising more, and getting a health checkup.  It's also a good time to think about getting a yearly health exam for your best friend.  Your dog may seem perfectly fine, but getting him a check-up with your veterinarian may catch problems early that you may not be aware of.  

Beau recently had the full Monty health exam, including a Senior Canine Early Detection chemical panel that tests various things like urine, feces, thyroid function, and also checks for giardia and heartworm.  Giardia is more of a concern these days with dogs that frequent dog parks, where they can contract all manner of bugs, a big reason I don't like taking my dogs there.  The test revealed that his thyroid is in the low normal range, something to watch.  He still has a slight heart murmur, but it doesn't appear to be cause for concern.  I have always had one, too.
  
Add to that panel the Rimadyl and Tramadol meds for his arthritic pain, Otomax Ear Solution, vaccines for Canine DHP and Bordatella aka kennel cough (also important if you take your dogs to dog parks or board them anywhere), and the Pill Pockets to dose him with the pills, and the grand total for the visit was $521.58, but it's only once a year.  If Beau could talk he'd say, "I'm worth it!"