Adult Dogs

Know the Breed Of Your Dog

Your dog reaches adulthood at about one year of age, but many will maintain a “puppy mentality” for the first two years of life. You’ll want to schedule an annual visit with your veterinarian to monitor organ health and development, blood and urine, oral hygiene, weight, gait, skin and coat.  And between those visits, it is up to you to keep a close eye on your dog to detect any health issues that may arise. A healthy dog is easy to spot — it eats, drinks and eliminates regularly, has clean ears and bright eyes, boasts a luminous coat and a moist nose, breathes without effort or panting, has an energy level consistent with the traits of its breed, and enjoys things like walks, treats and affection.

If your dog is not demonstrating these characteristics, or you notice a marked change in habits or behavior, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. If the symptoms include vomiting, serious injury, shaking or collapse, emergency medical care is in order. If your veterinarian doesn’t have an on-call emergency service, take the dog to the nearest 24-hour pet hospital.

It’s always a good idea to study up on your breed to learn about the risks and weaknesses unique to your dog— some are at a high risk for certain diseases and health problems, such as hip dysplasia, arthritic joints, heart disease, kidney failure, ear, eye or skin conditions. Your veterinarian can offer advice on how to recognize relevant symptoms and best to care for your pet in these circumstances.