Healthcare for your Rottweiler, or any pet, should always be provided by a qualified veterinarian. Develop a relationship with a veterianarian in your area so that you feel comfortable calling or visiting any time you have a question about your pet's health. Your adult pet should visit the vet at least once a year for a heartworm test and general checkup and more frequently if you have any reason to suspect illness or injury. If you have recently acquired a puppy under one year of age, make visiting your vet a priority. Start early to help your puppy understand that visiting the vet clinic is a fun, positive experience. Making frequent visits as the puppy matures will prevent fear later on, and the possibility of aggression as a result of a negative experience.
Heartworms, Fleas and Ticks...
Warm Texas weather means there are many potential risks for insects to trouble your dog. In our climate, mosquitoes are found the year around, and with them comes the threat of HEARTWORMS. Heartworms are transmitted only by mosquitoes, that can pass along the blood from an infected dog it has bitten directly into your dog's bloodstream. Heartworms can kill your dog if not treated. In Texas and many other states, dogs should be kept on a monthly preventive throughout the year to avoid this potentially fatal disease, and the expense of treatment. Recently, newer preventives have been introduced that offer longer protection by means of an injection. Talk to your veterinarian about the type of preventive that is best for your dog. Fleas and ticks are also a constant problem for your pet in the warm climate of Texas and in the Houston area. Treating your yard and the areas where the dog sleeps is important and will help you and your pet avoid the problems of scratching and skin problems that result from flea and tick bites. It will keep fleas from becoming a problem for humans in the home, and prevent diseases carried by ticks. Several serious and potentially deadly diseases can be transmitted to your dog by ticks. Talk to your vet about the newer tick and flea preventives. They are easy to administer and very effective.