Davinci's Korner

Spend less time in the vet’s office and more time playing fetch in the backyard with these healthy, happy canine companions. ​ By  Katie Mills Giorgio Updated April 14, 2022 ​ Just like any member of your family, you want your dog to live a long, happy, and healthy life. Selecting a breed that faces fewer medical issues and diseases can give you peace  of mind while you care for your pooch—and save you trips to the vet. You can consider how long a certain breed typically lives, but lifespan is just one element of what defines the healthiest dog breeds. Genetic predispositions to certain ailments as well as a dog's tendency to stay active throughout their lifetime can also contribute to physical health. ​ "Purebred dogs in general have more issues because they tend to have less variety in the genetic pool," says Liz Trepp, DVM at Banfield Pet Hospital in Clive, Iowa. "If you're looking for a truly healthy breed, you might pick the mid-sized hound from the shelter

With the nice weather approaching us, not only do we humans want to be outside more but so do our pets. Along with that comes some dangers that can affect our pets while being outside – some more obvious dangers than others.   First and foremost, make sure they always have plenty of fresh and clean water. To combat natural elements, make sure they have some kind of cover or shade or shelter for when it gets too hot or cold. You never know what wildlife your pet may encounter outside so ensure your pets are current on vaccinations. For dogs, that could include rabies, distemper, leptospirosis, parvovirus, adenovirus-2, parainfluenza, Bordetella, coronavirus, Lyme disease, and canine flu, based on the risk factors in your area.   Being outside more creates greater exposure to parasites. Preventative medications for fleas, ticks, and heartworms based on your dog’s risk are also a good thing to keep up with.   Sunburns – yes, that’s right, I said sunburns!  Short-haired or short-shaven pet