Often its the day-to-day care you give your dog, such as taking care of her teeth and haircoat, that makes the biggest difference in the quality of her health. Your veterinarian should be your partner in determining how to provide regular maintenance for your dog.

Vaccinations are another part of your dogs routine health care. As we learn more about the canine immune system and how it responds to vaccination, it becomes necessary for veterinarians and owners to work together even more closely to determine which vaccines are best for an individual dog. Dog owners sometimes tell me to just give her everything she needs, Doc, but determining what that entails requires a frank discussion of the dogs health status and lifestyle.