Section: Follow-up
Be familiar with your dog's defecation habits. This may sound strange, but it can be very helpful if you notice subtle changes in your dog's fecal size or shape, frequency of defecation, and manner of defecation. The more you are aware of what is "normal" for your dog, the quicker you will be able to notice something going wrong. As with most diseases, early detection and intervention is best.
Be familiar with your dog's body. Look under the tail and feel your dog's body. You should be able to detect lumps or weight loss.
Bring your dog to your veterinarian for an annual complete physical exam. Develop a relationship with one doctor so that he or she will get to know your dog's body and habits. This will help your veterinarian notice subtle changes from year to year.
If your veterinarian prescribes medications or instructions for treatment of one of these diseases, follow their instructions carefully to get the best results.
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