In the past few years, vaccine technology has improved and for many dogs a yearly vaccine is no longer required, leaving many dog owners wondering about the importance of the yearly check-up which in the past included important vaccinations.

With this said, I thought I would share with our dog loving clients why the annual canine check up is still so important as it really is the key to the long-lived healthy pooches.

The most important part of canine annual exam is checking the canine body for conditions that clients may not notice like ear infections, dental disease and heart murmurs. If heart worm prevention has not been given (a must on Maui) then a blood test should be performed each year to check for this deadly parasite. Other issues such as obesity, flea-tick trouble or behavioral problems can be addressed. And, indeed, this our job - to be thorough with the examination, listen to your concerns and then customize the annual exam to the particular needs of your pooch. And best of all, it is no longer just a needle stick for Fido. 

Dr. Shae Martin, DVM