Top Preventable Health Concerns for Chicago Dogs

Dr. Scott M. Rovner, of Chicago’s Roscoe Village Animal Hospital, has been practicing as a small animal veterinarian for more than a decade.

Dr. Rovner received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Iowa State University in 1994 and moved directly to Chicago where he has worked ever since. He has been an animal lover and pet owner his whole life and currently has three dogs (Yodi, Trixie & Jack) and one cat (Spencer).

Q. What would you say are the top preventable health concerns related to Chicago dogs that you see in your practice and how can Chicagoans avoid them?

Obesity is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in dogs and cats and can lead to a number of health risks in your pet, including osteoarthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and respiratory disease. Cancer is another leading cause of death in dogs in this country.

I believe that there is a link between poor quality dog food and cancer, so I encourage my clients to avoid foods containing by-products, and I recommend all-natural food products instead.

Other health concerns include ear infections and periodontal disease. Nearly all ear infections are preventable and can be avoided by properly cleaning your dog's ears with a medically-approved ear cleaning solution one to two times per week and especially after swimming.

In addition, brushing your dog's teeth daily with a pet toothpaste will greatly reduce the chance of periodontal disease. Regular dental procedures, available at most veterinary clinics, are also important in preventing periodontal disease, thus adding years to your dog's life.

More Chicago Dog Q & A with Dr. Rovner:

• What do you Advise About Chicago Dog Parks?