As humans and dogs have evolved together over the past 12,000-plus years, we have had a clear impact on our pets’ evolution (through selective breeding), and they have had a considerable impact on modern people. Researchers have gone so far as to suggest that early humans survived due to their canine partners’ capacity to identify prey and transport food and other supplies. We owe it to our best friends (and evolutionary partners.) that they get all the love and support necessary to be happy and healthy. As your partners in pet wellness, Bloomfield Animal Hospital is pleased to offer dog care services in Lakewood, CA, that support lifelong wellbeing.
Wellness visits
You (ideally) visit your family physician for a check-up every year, right? Just as these annual visits are a foundation for your health, wellness exams are also a foundation for the health of your dog. During a visit, our chief veterinarian, Dr. Jose Arambulo, will perform a “nose to tail” check.
Dr. Arambulo takes a special interest in dentistry. Most pets develop gum disease before their third birthday, according to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association). In fact, periodontal disease is the most common dental condition affecting dogs (and cats). Canine oral health is about more than nice, white teeth and fresh breath. Harmful bacteria in plaque can travel to distant organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys by way of the bloodstream. Untreated plaque buildup on the gums can also lead to tooth loss, nasal discharge, weak jawbone and fractures, and bone and oral infections.
During a wellness exam, we may clean and polish your dog’s teeth with specialized dental instruments. We will also demonstrate ways to thoroughly brush pup’s teeth at home and products that support oral health when used consistently. We generally do not recommend hard nylon and dried bones because they can break teeth and damage healthy attachments to the gums.
Dr. Arambulo is also experienced with treating skin, eye, and ear conditions, and takes a special interest in internal medicine. On an ongoing basis, he will assess for:
- Vision and hearing – Unlike cats that may hide when in pain, dogs generally express pain and other problems more overtly. Your vet can confirm if a droopy head, arched or hunched back, unusual gait, or whimpering is due to problems such as ear mites or cataracts. Internal conditions, like high blood pressure and diabetes, can also present in the eyes and ears; for instance, diabetic dogs may have a cloudy vision.
- Overall body condition – Examining by touch (or palpating) can betray underlying disease. Dr. Arambulo evaluates your pup’s muscle tone, lymph nodes, skin, and coat. The joints, spine, heart, lungs, and under the tail are all areas that must be checked. We are looking for signs of tenderness or discomfort when touched, as well as worrisome bumps. Depending on what we find, our board-certified specialists will investigate further. Accurate diagnostics from our cardiologist, Dr. Fred Brewer, as well as our radiologist, Dr. Ann Reed is necessary for focused treatment that effectively resolves the condition.
Additional testing may be ordered to gain better insight into your canine friend’s overall health and potential disease. For example, blood work, urinalysis, and stool samples. Digital x-rays and ultrasound may also be used to rule out conditions or obtain small samples of masses.
Your dog’s health is shaped by his or her environment, exposures, and habits at home and in the community. One of the best things you can do for your pet is to assure a proper schedule of vaccinations and deworming is maintained. Vaccines and other health products protect against contagious and deadly diseases, including parvovirus and heartworm. We can also advise on quality food options, exercise, grooming, and other care that supports a healthy weight, stimulates the mind, and satisfies a dog’s natural digging, herding, chasing, and retrieving instincts.
Bloomfield Animal Hospital offers many services that make it easy to keep your dog (and his cat friends) happy and healthy, including onsite pharmacy, Rx home delivery, and emergency care. Call (562) 383-7788 to schedule your dog’s appointment at our family-owned and family-operated veterinary hospital in Lakewood, CA.
