Useful Tip

Veteran breeders will tell you to keep your healthy puppy/dog away from veterinarian clinics.  The reason is quite simple and very sound advice; this is where sick animals are.  You do not want to expose your healthy puppy/dog to unhealthy environments.  There is so much out there that is contagious and you should definitely avoid that exposure. 

Veterinarian clinics are very big business; the independent veterinarian is disappearing.  Many of these clinics push teeth cleanings, and also over-vaccinate for things like parvo and bordetella; telling you that you must vaccinate every six months.  Keep in mind these clinics are businesses and businesses want and need to make a profit. 

The responsible pet owner finds themselves in a quandary; they strive to keep their pets healthy and happy.  They also vaccinate to prevent diseases.  So what do you do?  Try to approach the whole thing with some common sense.

Teeth cleaning is a big ticket item for these clinics; and if you have a large breed your charges will reflect the size of your breed as well.  Anesthesia is used for teeth cleaning; putting any dog under is dangerous; it becomes even more dangerous as your dog ages. 

We need good veterinarians to treat our dogs when they are sick, perform a surgery, do lab work for diagnosing problems, prescribe medications.  We don't need extra office visits for our healthy pets, nor vaccinations every six months when once a year is sufficient. 

(provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards)