BTAH

For over 14,000 years, dogs have been our “best friends.”  Although most dogs were used to help people with hunting, herding or work, their roles have mainly changed to becoming members of our families.  In fact, dogs are useful to help with depression and lower blood pressure.  They bring us joy and happiness; they never seem to have a bad day.  Our goal at Brown Trail Animal Hospital is to keep your dog healthy and happy as long as possible.

Each year, we recommend a thorough physical exam where we will examine your dog’s teeth, heart, lungs, abdominal organs, skin, eyes and ears for any ailments.  Considering that a dog ages much quicker than us, it is imperative to have your dog examined yearly.  Please bring any concerns to our attention during the exam so we can address them properly.

Heartworm disease is a fatal parasitic disease transmitted by bites from infected mosquitoes.  When heartworms infect a pet, the heart becomes damaged leading eventually to death.  Unfortunately, our climate in Texas allows mosquitoes to live all year round.  Your dog will be tested each year to ensure that he has not become infected with this disease.  This is a simple blood test.  Each precious pet should take an oral or topical heartworm medication monthly to prevent this disease from forming.  Such products like Iverhart, Sentinel and Revolution are safe and effective.  If your dog tests positive for heartworm disease, do not fret.  Luckily, this disease is treatable (but costly) in dogs.

You pooch will also be tested for intestinal parasites. These parasites are transmitted through ingestion of stool from an infected dog or cat and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and/or weight loss.  It is also frightening to know that some of these intestinal parasites can transmit to people.  Most heartworm preventions contain medicine to treat and prevent most intestinal parasites.

Viral diseases are as unfortunate in dogs as they are in people.  Rabies is the deadliest and can transmit to people.  Because of this, our state requires a current rabies vaccination.  Other viral diseases than can cause major illnesses and even death in dogs are distemper and parvovirus.  Luckily, vaccinating pets provides long lasting immunity towards these diseases.  We also recommend the kennel cough vaccine to dogs that are groomed professionally, boarded at a facility, or frequently enjoy visiting dog parks where many dogs play.  Each case is different; we will make recommendations involving vaccines based on your pet’s tailored needs.

We look forward to meeting your new dog and building a long lasting relationship.  Our staff is trained to answer any question you may have regarding your pet’s health.