There are 190 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and hundreds more designer and exotic breeds all with unique health concerns. Before purchasing a new dog, ask your veterinarian which predisposing medical conditions you should be aware of.

The most popular AKC breed is the Labrador Retriever, a large breed dog known for, you guessed it, retrieving. Whether it’s retrieving game or playing frisbee, this breed has an abundance of energy, is loyal, and great with children. Labs are predisposed to a multitude of health ailments including hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, and exercise induced collapse (EIC). Fortunately there are surgical treatments to treat hip and elbow dysplasia, ophthamologist evaluations can diagnose ocular disease, and specific genetic tests are available to determine predispositions for EIC.

Bulldogs, french bulldogs, and other brachycephalic (smoosh-faced) dog breeds are predisposed to overheating, especially in warm climates. This group of dogs have a short soft palate and a small nose making it difficult for them to pant efficiently and thus release heat from their body. While these dogs are generally well mannered and adorable this breed does better in moderate climates. There are surgical options available to open up the airway and nostrils to improve brachycephalic dogs ability to breath.

The dachshund, short legged and long bodied, was originally bred to flush burrowing animals out of underground holes. With bold and lively personalities and weighing in around 20 pounds, some would say they suffer from the Napoleon complex. Their small stature predisposes them to back problems, specifically disc herniations, that can occur at a young age. This condition can lead to paralysis of the hind limbs, front limbs or both. If this occurs, an experienced surgeon is usually able to remove a disc impinging on a nerve, however even the most best surgeons can’t repair every injury. New techniques are being developed to remove a portion of each disc thus preventing disc herniation in dachshunds.

Another common and affectionate breed is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Historically a lap dog, these dogs originated from England in the 18th century. While they are crowd pleasers they are predisposed a multitude of serious medical conditions including heart disease and ear infections. A genetic mutation in Cavaliers can lead to mitral valve heart disease and heart failure at a young age. Visiting your family veterinarian on a regular basis to auscultate your dog's heart will go a long way in diagnosing heart disease. If there is suspicion of heart disease following up with a veterinary cardiologist to perform an echocardiogram will further characterize any heart abnormalities. Regular ear cleanings will help to prevent waxy build up and thus ear infections. You should also trim the hair from the inside of their ears and make sure to dry them completely after swimming or a bath.

As you can see each breed described as well as others have very specific predisposing health conditions. Prior to adding a dog to your family, it’s always best to speak with your veterinarian about your lifestyle and your goals of owning a dog.

Dr. Pete Lands is the Director of Emergency and Critical Care at Saint Francis Veterinary Center. In his time off he enjoys traveling, jogging, and gardening. He can be followed on instagram @petevet, his website petespetfacts.com, and emailed at petespetfacts@gmail.com.

Most pet owners have had their animal taken to “The Back”. It’s a mysterious place in a veterinary hospital that most owners have never seen. As the doors close, pets (and owners) may become anxious and nervous about being separated from their loved ones. But what really happens in The Back?

The Back, also called “Treatment,”  is an area of the hospital where in-depth examinations and treatments happen. From a more specific examination to blood draws to anal gland expressions, it is a place for the doctor to perform their service in an efficient and thorough manner.

This is an area of the hospital that is used to examine, diagnose and treat your pet. It is larger than the common consultation room. There are generally multiple exam tables, lab machines, x-ray equipment and other devices that vets use to aid in improving your animals’ health.

In The Back there are also extra veterinary team members that hold animals still while the doctor is assessing and treating your pet. While we would all love our clients to hold their own animals, veterinary technicians are skilled in protecting your pet and the veterinarian from injury.

The treatment area can also be quieter than the rest of the clinic or hospital. This allows the veterinarian to have a closer listen to your animals heart and lungs. Being in a quiet environment may also calm your pet.

Always keep in mind that we want what’s best for your animals; their health is our priority. If you’ve never seen The Back of your veterinarian’s hospital, ask for a tour. Most hospitals are more than willing to show off where all the magic happens.

Q: What are top three reasons people bring their dogs to the vet for during the summer?

Once the weather begins to warm up, dogs often develop skin disease. The change in weather fills the environment with pollens, fleas, and ticks which can create an array of problems with dogs’ skin. Pollens exacerbate pre-existing allergies and can lead to secondary skin infections. Fleas, in a similar fashion to allergens, cause dogs to itch and scratch, which creates red skin and patches of hair loss. Ticks are an entirely different beast. After biting a dog for as little as eight hours they can transmit deadly infectious diseases. Fortunately allergies, fleas, and ticks are all treatable or preventable.

Summer is also the time of year when we all get outdoors with our dogs. Whether you and your dog are on a jog, a hike, or swimming in the ocean, overexertion is an all-too-common reason to visit the veterinary emergency room. Humans sweat from pores throughout their entire body, but sweat plays a very small role in cooling our dogs. Instead, they control their temperatures by panting and dilating their blood vessels. These mechanisms of cooling are not as efficient as humans and can quickly lead to heat stroke. To avoid overheating, exercise your dog in the early morning or late in the evening, provide your dog with plenty of water, and make sure the temperature is cool in your home..

Viral infections are another common reason owners bring their dogs to the vet hospital in the summer. As the temperature warms up, we bring our dogs to parks, we go on vacation and board our animals, and local daycares are swarming with puppy energy. The increased contact among dogs aids in the transmission of common viruses that are spread through nasal and ocular secretions. Many of these dogs present to the vet for coughing, runny noses, and acting lethargic. Fortunately, there are vaccines available to help prevent against the common viral infections and your veterinarian will help you decide which are best for your pup based on their lifestyle.

Q: What’s your top three tips for keeping dogs safe during summer season?

The summer months are generally the busiest time of year for veterinarians. School is out, the weather is beautiful, and the dog parks are crowded. Prevention is key to keeping your dogs safe and healthy.

Flea and tick prevention is relatively affordable and easy to use. Today there are three commonly used products: a chewable tablet, a topical liquid, and a long lasting collar. For dogs that swim often, stick with the chewable tablets as they don’t wash off. Topical liquids are a great choice for dogs who spend most of their time on a leash and out of the woods. Collars are just as effective as the chewable and liquid products and last for up to 8 months.

Vaccines are critical in preventing the spread of viruses during the summer months. The Parvovirus, a deadly virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, is all too common, yet easily prevented with a sound vaccine protocol. Canine Influenza and Kennel Cough are the most common upper respiratory infections seen during the summer months. If you plan on taking your dog to a heavily populated area, always make sure they are protected.

Keeping your dog cool in the summer requires more than a pair of fancy sunglasses and a fedora. Don’t expect your dog to get outside and immediately run a marathon; build up their endurance starting with short, controlled jogs. Take extra precautions if you have a brachycephalic (“smoosh-faced” dog) breed as they overheat very quickly. Provide them with plenty of water to drink or a doggie popsicle after exercise and make sure they have a cool environment for recovery.

Q. What should people think about when traveling with their dog during the summer months?

Just as most of us plan ahead for vacation, you should do the same for your pet. Visiting your veterinarian before leaving the country is almost always a necessity. Many countries have strict vaccine protocols and require an up-to-date veterinary health certificate. Some countries have quarantine periods of up to six months. If you’re staying in the United States, call ahead to your hotels to ensure they are pet friendly.

After packing your suitcase, make sure you pack your dogs’ too. By pre-measuring your dog's food and storing it in plastic bags, you won’t have to stop and shop along the way (pack an extra meal or two to give as treats). If your dog takes medications, make sure you give yourself enough time to obtain refills from your veterinarian or local pharmacy. Don’t forget a water bowl, your dogs bed, and their favorite toy!

Does your dog get anxious or nauseous in the car or on the plane?  Do they pant or pace? How about hypersalivate or vomit? If so, check in with your family veterinarian before traveling and let them know your concerns. There’s most likely a medication can that be prescribed to keep your dog safe and comfortable for all types of travel.

The summer months are an exciting time to be a dog owner. From hiking to swimming and lounging on the dog beach to playing fetch there are plenty of outdoor activities to share. Be safe, careful, and follow up with your veterinarian with any concerns.

Has your veterinarian ever recommended an abdominal ultrasound? Why does your pet need one? And why is it so expensive?

Abdominal ultrasounds are used to aid in the diagnoses of diseases located in the abdomen. The pets abdomen is shaved, gel is applied and a probe is used to obtain image; very similar to a pregnancy scan. The procedure is non-invasive and takes between 20-40 minutes. But why is it needed?

X-rays are great at showing the size, shape and location of organs whereas an ultrasound shows, more specifically, the architecture of the abdominal contents. This imaging modality lets you look within the kidneys, liver, small intestines and other organs to find very small nuances often missed with an x-ray.

When is ultrasound used? There are times when x-rays alone will not give your veterinarian enough information to make a medical decision. For cats with chronic vomiting or dogs who have severe abdominal pain it's best to re-evaluate with an ultrasound. It's also used to help determine the origin of abdominal masses and to continue looking for a cause of elevations in kidney and liver enzymes. There are many other uses, but in general, ultrasound is another instrument in your veterinarians tool belt that helps with obtaining a diagnosis.

Why is it so expensive? The price tag for an ultrasound ($400-600 per full scan) can make some owners shy away from this diagnostic, but the value is unmatched. Entry level units can cost 40-50 thousand dollars whereas high end units will cost more than 100 thousand dollars. On top of the cost of the machine there is the cost of the staff that is needed to help with the scan (doctor and technicians) and likely medications used for sedation.

But the ultrasound didn't find exactly what was wrong with my pet? This can happen! Remember, medicine is not always black and white. An ultrasound can be suggestive of certain diseases in the abdomen but additional diagnostics may be needed. A CT scan, a surgical exploratory, and an endoscopy (camera into the stomach) are commonly needed after an ultrasound to clarify it's findings.

Remeber to always ask questions and follow up with your veterinarians recommendations. Just as in human medicine, it's never wrong to seek a second opinion when you pets case becomes complicated!