TIP OF THE MONTH      

   You have a new dog or cat.  We will take good care of your baby!

What do you do now? Get your new dog or cat checked by your veterinarian today! Your new pet will need:

• Annual health exams until age 8.
• Vaccination booster series then appropriate vaccinations based on your pet’s lifestyle.
• Heartworm preventative and appropriate parasite check.
• Keep coat clean and brushed, nails trimmed, and feed quality food.
• Provide shelter if your pet is outside. Be sure to have plenty of water available at all times.
• Start a behavior class. You are never too old to learn what your pet wants you to know.
• Spay or Neuter you pet around 6-8 months of age.
• Flip their lip...notice any stains, bad breath, blood or tooth loss

 Your pet’s happiness and quality of life will depend on you. When your pet turns 3 years of age do all that you were doing the first 12 months of their life plus;

• Have your pet's doctor check their teeth. Schedule their first annual routine teeth cleaning if needed. 
• Don’t wait for annual exams. Watch for limping, lethargy, confusion, panting, excessive drinking, weight gain or loss, eye, ear or nose discharge, change is stools or urination. Make an appointment for an exam if you notice any of the above or feel like your pet is not acting "normal". Pets cannot verbally communicate their medical issues. Pets communicate through behavior changes. We encourage you to watch your pet's behavior and seek medical advice for any concerns you may have regarding any changes you notice.
• Feel for lumps and bumps. Your pet will love to be touched. Stroking your pet has been proven to help reduce your blood pressure as well. So relax and enjoy the unconditional love your pet will provide.
• By age 8 a dog is almost 50 years of age. Your pet is now considered to be a senior.  

ALL SENIOR PETS 10% OFF MOST SERVICES AT CARING HEARTS

YOUR SENIOR PET'S MEDICAL NEEDS HAVE CHANGED.

WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING FOR SENIOR PETS: 

We recommend a physical exam every 6 months for pets between the ages of 8 and 9. We require an exam every 6 months for pets 10 years of age and older. Waiting for a problem that you can see means you may have waited too long to stop or delay disease process. Disease prevention is always best when possible. Remember your pet cannot tell you they do not feel good.

• Your pet will become less active. Reduce their food intake to avoid obesity. Watch those love treats. Obesity is a big health risk. You can love your pet too much if you show your love by giving treats that are fattening.
• Arthritis presents with stiffness or debilitation. Catching it early can help relieve your pet’s pain allowing them to enjoy quality of life. 
• Body Temperature changes. Keep them warmer or cooler as the weather indicates. 
• Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) manifests itself in confusion, disorientation, or decreased activity.  Medication for CCD can help improve your pet’s quality of life.

From age 8-15 a dog will age over 25 years.  

As their owner you can help them age gracefully and improve their quality of life with appropriate

medical and physical care combined with proper diet and exercise.

 DON'T KNOW WHEN YOUR PET NEEDS THEIR DOCTOR?

SIGNS OF A PROBLEM  *Call us 480-545-8921 if you notice any of the symptoms listed below.

Weight loss or weight gain                          Repeated vomiting               

Diarrhea lasting over 3 days                       Open scabs or sores

Lameness lasting 5 days or more                Increase of abdomen size

Persistent coughing or gagging (dog)         Seizures

Heavy breathing at rest (cat)                      Excessive panting

Thursday, August 28th 2008

Al Schleappe, DVM
3045 East Baseline Road
Gilbert, AZ 85234
480-545-8921

Hours 8-6 Monday-Saturday
Sunday Closed