Welcome to the Bell County Animal Clinic home page.

Serving Bell County, Kentucky, since 1972

Recommendations for Dog Owners

dog care

Pet ownership carries the responsibility of being proactive in health care. There are certain steps you should take to prevent health problems. We recommend the following:

  • An annual exam is essential...Remember, one year to us is an average of 7 years to your dog. That’s a long time to go without a thorough physical exam.
  • Keep vaccinations current. A vaccination program should be individualized to meet the needs of your dog.
  • Bathe and groom regularly.
  • Clip toenails as needed to prevent overgrowth.
  • Keep plenty of fresh water available and monitor its consumption.
  • Keep other pets from preventing this one free access to food and water.
  • Eliminate parasites, including fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworms, on a regular basis.
  • Weigh your dog on the same scale and record results at least every 60 days. Both weight loss and weight gain are noteworthy. Obesity is a very serious condition that is becoming more and more common in our canine population.
  • Clean teeth are essential to continued good health. Yearly or every-other-year teeth cleanings are often necessary.
  • Different life stages and health conditions often require special diets. We can help you select a diet that is appropriate for your dog’s needs.

Early Signs of Disease

The following are early signs of disease. Some of these are so minor that they may not seem significant. However, our goal is to diagnose and treat diseases in their early stages when the success rate is much higher. Present your dog for an examination for any of the following:

  • Sustained, significant increase in water consumption. (For example: Abnormal would be more than 1.5 cups or 12 oz. for a 9-pound dog.)
  • Sustained, significant increase in urination.
  • Weight loss.
  • Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than 2 consecutive days.
  • Significant increase in appetite.
  • Repeated vomiting.
  • Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days.
  • Difficulty in passing stool or urine.
  • Lameness that lasts more than 5 days, or lameness in more than one leg.
  • Noticeable decrease in vision, especially if sudden in onset or if pupils do not constrict in bright light.
  • Masses, ulcerations (open sores), or multiple scabs on the skin that persist more than 1 week.
  • Foul mouth odor or drooling that lasts more than 2 days.
  • Increasing size of the abdomen.
  • Increase in activity or amount of time spent sleeping.
  • Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in specific areas (as opposed to generalized).
  • Breathing heavily or rapidly at rest.
  • Inability to chew or eat dry food.

Canine Age

The following chart, as developed by William Fortney, DVM and Directory of Community Care at Kansas State University School of Medicine, should help determine the age of a dog. Remember, in general, big dogs age faster than small dogs. A six year-old dog, for example, that weighs less than twenty pounds is the equivalent of a forty year-old person; but a six year-old dog that weighs more than 120 pounds is the equivalent of a sixty-nine year-old person.

Canine Age 0–20 lbs. (equivalent human age) 21–50 lbs. (equivalent human age) 51–120 lbs. (equivalent human age) 121+ lbs. (equivalent human age)
3 years 28 years 29 years 31 years 39 years
4 years 32 years 34 years 38 years 49 years
5 years 36 years 39 years 45 years 59 years
6 years 40 years 44 years 52 years 69 years
7 years 44 years 49 years 59 years 79 years
8 years 48 years 54 years 66 years 89 years
9 years 52 years 59 years 73 years 99 years
10 years 56 years 64 years 80 years ---
11 years 60 years 69 years 87 years ---
12 years 64 years 74 years 94 years ---
13 years 68 years 79 years --- ---
14 years 72 years 84 years --- ---
15 years 76 years 89 years --- ---
16 years 80 years 94 years --- ---
17 years 84 years --- --- --
18 years 88 years --- --- ---
19 years 92 years --- --- ---
20 years 96 years --- --- ---

Puppy Vaccinations

  • A six-week old puppy needs a thorough examination, including fecal; a first vaccination for distemper and parvovirus; and worming.
  • A nine-week old puppy needs a second vaccination for distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and Parainfluenza.
  • A twelve-week old puppy needs a rabies vaccination and a third vaccination for distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza.
  • On an annual basis, discuss recommended annual exams and vaccinations with your vet. Vaccinations schedules should be tailored for the individual dog.