Depending on what part of the country you live in you'll also need to give your dog heartworm preventative. Heartworm disease (please see Ebony's Heartworm page) is a very serious, deadly, painful disease for a dog to suffer. If you maintain monthly dosages of a heartworm prevantative you do not need to do a blood test each year. If your dog has, or contracts, heartworms you can cause it's death by giving a preventative.
It is also very important to protect your dog from flea and tick infestations which generally runs from early spring into the winter months. This, again, depends on the climate you live in. Always follow your veterinarians advise.
Dental care is also very important as dental disease is as common in dogs as it is in humans. The most common form of canine dental disease is tartar buildup which causes irritation of the gums around the base of the teeth resulting in exposure of the roots. This ultimately leads to infection and tooth loss. Dry dog food is not as sticky as canned food so it does not adhere to the teeth as cause tartar buildup as quickly. However, dry dog food does not remove tartar from the teeth. An adult dog (over the age of 2) should have dentals once a year. If you are able to brush your dogs teeth between cleanings you can extend that time.
Having this lovely breed in my life, I have had to experience alot of heartache with the diseases they have been dealt. I STRONGLY recommend a yearly blood panel to monitor their basic health status and organ function.
It is your responsibility to take care of your dog's health needs!!
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