Raiko

No I havn't heard of that but I will definantly check it out

taxtell

I have to agree with Bigpoodleperson about the yearly checkups.
Of course, I work for a vet as well,and see how many problems we catch early on before it becomes a huge issue.
My boss or I actually do spend a lot of time doing research on breed specific issues. Though I realize not all vets do this, they really should.
We also contact the university frequently about difficult cases.

On the topic of Vaccines, if you're going to skip them, at least have a titer done on your dog every three years.
For the first time in my career I have seen distemper in a dog just this year. The owners didnt' believe in vaccinating and the dog tangled with a raccoon that had the disease. Very sad.

And as far as table scraps go...not a fan. Honestly I'd do a raw diet if I could, but until then, a high quality kibble is it for my guys.

cbrand

Actually yes. I do not see a doctor for routine care except for my OBGYN.

I think yearly well-checks for domestic pets is a pretty new idea. I want to say that it is something that has come into fashion in the last 10 years. We never did it when I was growing up and frankly the practice feels like a revenue generator to me. I feel like owners are being guilted into getting unnecessary medical screenings for their dogs.

I would note as a comparison that I had horses for years and no one every got yearly well checks for their horses. If the horse needed shots or teeth floating or if it was lame then the vet came out. Otherwise you didn't see the vet. Why would it be so different for dogs?

As for vaccines, there is a wealth of information out there about the dangers of over vaccinating dogs especially Poodles who have auto-immune issues anyway. I would lay down money that the dog mentioned above with Distemper had not been correctly vaccinated as a puppy. I have yet to find a vet who has ever seen Parvo/Distemper in a previously vaccinated adult dog.

In the end, an owner has to decide for herself. There is a lot of information out there on the Internet. As always I encourage everyone to become an educated Poodle owner.

bigpoodleperson

True, but there is also alot of Bad information out there on the internet (like the client of ours that "researched" the internet and tried to treat her dogs "UTI" with apple cider vinegar for a long time, and after it wasnt getting better brought her to us where we diagnosed her with cancer of the bladder). Educating ones self on dog health, and knowing your dog are the best ways to keep them healthy (just make sure you take anything on the internet you read with a grain of salt depending on the source).

I dont have horses, but the "large animal" field is a completely different mind set then "compainion animals". Im glad you at least go to the OBGYN Carol (as my grandma was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer after not going for a Long time).