Does His Bark Sound 
Worse? 

Is His Bite Alright? 

Pet guardians should
tell vets things they notice
about their pets' health.

When you take your dog to the vet, it's important to "PAWS" and ask your vet a few questions. Dog guardians need to talk to veterinarians about any problems their animals may be experiencing. That can help vets form a better diagnosis and help keep your four-legged friend feeling fine.

Veterinarians at Idexx Laboratories offer the following P.E.T. T.I.P.S. to make the most of your dog's next visit to the vet: 

Pay Attentio n. Keep an eye on your dog. Know your dog's habits so you can question the veterinarian about noticeable changes in weight, appetite, water consumption, coat or skin, behavior or mobility. Compile a list of questions before you visit the vet. 

Examine . Check your pet one final time before seeing the vet. Look and feel for any noticeable bumps or lumps. Talk to your veterinarian about what you find.

Test . Regular testing for common canine diseases can save you and your dog a lot of needless frustrations. Testing for such canine diseases as Lyme Disease, Heartworm and Ehrlichiosis can catch the disease early on and improve your dog's prognosis. 

Teeth. Schedule a dental exam and routine cleaning for your pet. Brushing is good for a canine's health and breath.

Immunization . Vaccinate your dog against disease prevalent in the area. The veterinarian can advise you about any new vaccines required by state law.

Parasites. Check for tick-borne diseases and heartworm with a quick and easy in-clinic test. Talk to the vet about prevention and protection strategies. Treatments and medications are readily available. 

Schedule. Plan any necessary follow-up visits immediately after your pet's visit. If you have a senior dog (age seven or older), visit the vet at least twice a year for check-ups. 

For more information visit www.lymetest.com.