[Patty D]

Well I just joined up for this Dog Food Advisory site.
I have read all the threads about the flea and tick issues of Oral verses Topical verses collars choices.
I too have had questions about side affects (long or short) of these products.
Whether your dog is small to very large, young to geriatric, I feel that Blood Screen Panels, commonly know as Sr. Wellness or Jr. Wellness Blood Screenings should be thought about doing at the least “Once a Year”.
These Blood Screenings, I feel from past experiences with my 2 Silky Terriers. Both have pasted on now and were 16 1/4 yrs and 17 1/4 yrs ( both of which were rescued dogs).
My first sliky died of renal failure ( really had to put her down, horrible thing to had to do..) and the second silky died from pancreatitis, a horrible disease ( died at home in my husbands arms ). Both were terrible to watch them go thru in 2011 and the other 2014.
Great in hindsight now but unfortunately I did not do these Blood Screening Panels every year when I first got my silkies ( at different times). Even worse I could have had this done well before either one ever got to 10 years old and could have foreseen any diet changes that could have been made or any other product changes or problems etc.
Us humans are told by our Dr’s that we should be having our blood screenings done each year or so to help in preventing certain problems or in adjusting all or any meds. So why not do this for our best friends also…
I have now been very blessed with a rescued little Chihuahua as of last year (now is about 2 yrs old). Sarah was about 3.5 #s when they found her abandoned in a parking lot in S. Fl. by a rescue group. She was at 4.5# when I adopted her. She is now 5#s 3 ozs.
Very happy, snuggly and very social little girl.
I have done 2 Jr. Wellness Blood Screens on Sarah ( one at the first week I got her and the 2nd this month ). I want to keep up on anything that she may come down with and to be able to catch it asap then to find out way too late in the game.
These Blood Screens could be a tool in also in deciding what is working for your dog in the flea/tick meds and what is harmful. Each dog is different just as we are and not all things work the same and in all regions of our country ( or world ).
What kind of meds whether Oral or Topical…. single dosing of monthly, quarterly or all inclusive ( 2 or meds combined ) is your choice but please consider as well at least once a year a Blood Screen Panel be done.
These meds can be harmful whether the pet is small, young or getting into geriatric years.
I choose to give Sarah her Flea/Tick ( Comfortis ) separate from her Heart Guard with several days apart. I feel that with her weight ( 5#s 3 ozs ) being the biggest concern to me being too much stuff all at once in such a small body. I would feel the same if my dog weighed more But was in the geriatric years ( over stressing the system ).
Ask questions and concerns at your vets ( write down all before you go in and jot down the answers as you go or use a ( tape, etc ) recorder of sorts ). If you feel you aren’t getting answers then think about going to another Vet ( your friends could be a good source for this info.).
We do this for our family members and our selves when we go to the Drs… right, or really should.
We plan to be vigilant with my 2 yr old Sarah ( Sarah has filled a great void in my husbands and my life ) and hope to keep her in great health as possible well into both our older years. She is now my life insurance of such and Sarah will be our last.
** Blood Screens Panels at least once a year pet parents… could save you heartaches down the line… <3

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