03/14/2026
This page is all about saying goodbye and making that process as easy for both pet and owner as possible but today I'm really wanting to try and share a little advice on how we can prolong that decision. Veterinary medicine is my passion and this service is a very small portion of how I spend my career. At the end of the day, I am not a euthanasia specialist. I am a general practitioner that wants a long, healthy life for every pet. What are some small, easy ways to prolong your pet's life in most cases? Let's talk about it.
PREVENTATIVE CARE!!!! Vaccinate puppies and kittens starting at 6 weeks and do the full series, preferably by utilizing veterinary professionals. Parvo is almost 100% preventable by using vaccines and proper caution in public spaces. Get the yearly exam! I can detect so many diseases early by a simple physical exam. Heart disease, arthritis, dental disease, tumors and so many others can be caught and managed early just by getting a good exam and talking with your vet. Yes, we will offer more in depth diagnostics and absolutely want to do them but we understand if all you can do that day is the exam, that's ok. My primary concerns for yearly visits are proper husbandry, appropriate vaccines, parasite prevention and overall quality of life. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.
Weight control is crucial. Food is not love. A proper body condition is arguably one of the most crucial components of managing and controlling most chronic conditions, especially anything involving the joints or heart. Joint degeneration secondary to obesity is the #1 reason I get called out for large breed dogs that are under 10 years old. Pay attention to your pet's body condition and alter food accordingly. I will never recommend free feeding. Always measure and feed on a schedule. It's very easy to get pets trained to a schedule, especially if you start them young. I'm not saying to never give them extra treats or food but let it be just that, a treat occasionally.
Train your dogs. Every dog should know how to walk on a leash and go in a crate. Even dogs that live on a farm or stay in an outdoor enclosure need to be familiar with crates and leashes. These are skills that your dog absolutely needs to be able to get proper vet care or do well in an emergency situation. If you can't control your pet, neither can I and I cannot give high quality care to a pet that nobody can handle. Teach them to tolerate mild grooming procedures and basic restraint. In the wise words of a coworker, don't let your pets be smarter than you.
***I don't know what that person who is definitely a veterinarian is auscultating on that puppy's shoulder in the first picture but the picture sure is cute 😉
