Here at Sugarland Animal Hospital, we treat dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages. Whether you’ve got a brand-new puppy, a lively adult dog, or an elderly pooch, our team is qualified to help care for any kind of dog.

As dogs age a lot faster than humans, it’s important they visit a vet to check their health regularly. It’s recommended that dogs visit a vet at least once a year for an annual check-up. Dogs also require a number of different vaccinations, so this may increase the number of times your pup needs to go to the vet.

As your dog gets older, it’s health needs will change, and the frequency with which they visit the vet may need to be increased.

Dogs are friendly, loyal, and loving companion pets. And with so many different breeds of dogs out there, you will be able to find one that suits you and your family well.

However, like any pet, owning a dog means you have a lot of responsibilities. There are many things that are necessary in ensuring they have the most optimal health possible. Some of the health needs of your puppy or dog will include:

• Vaccinations
• Annual check ups
• Worming
• Desexing
• Puppy Training
• Heartworm Prevention
• Flea Control
• Dental Care
• A healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Microchipping and Identification
• Bathing and Grooming
• House Training
• Pet Insurance

These are only some of new responsibilities you will have when you get a dog. You will need to dedicate a lot of time to ensure your dog is happy and feels safe and comfortable in their new environment as well.

Like most other animals, dogs and puppies can be good at pretending they are well when they are not. Some signs of illness can be quite subtle, however, there are a number of common symptoms you can keep an eye out for, including:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Lumps or bumps
• Limping
• Constant Bad breath
• Coughing
• Changes to appetite or drinking
• Urine or defaecation changes
• Eye or ear problems
• Itching/ Skin irritation
• Lethargy/ Change in demeanour or activity levels

If you notice any other changes in your dog’s behaviour, it might be a sign that it’s time to see a vet. That way, if something is wrong, then treatment can begin right away.

Like any other animal, taking your puppy or dog to the vet can be a scary and stressful situation for both you and your four-legged friend.

Unless it’s an emergency situation, we highly recommend booking an appointment by calling or booking online. This way you can reduce the total amount of time you are spending at the vet.

There are some things you can do to help prepare your dog for their veterinary visit, some of which include:

• Try to remain as calm and make as little fuss as possible, dogs are very good at picking up on any emotional changes in humans
• Try to spend time with your dog in the car while it’s stationary to get them used to being in the car. Often the car trip is more anxious for the dog than the actual visit to the vet
• Bring treats with you for positive reinforcement
• The new sounds, people and smells of a veterinary clinic can be overwhelming for any pet, so spend time talking softly to your dog, and paying attention to them
• Aim to familiarise them with being touched all over their body. It will help them feel more comfortable when being examined by a vet. Some of the things you can do include touching and lifting their ears, touching their feet, and rubbing their tummies.

We aim to ensure that a visit to Sugarland Animal Hospital is a positive experience for both you and your pet.