Image by AxsDeny via Flickr A health journal is a valuable tool for keeping track of your dog’s total health history, not just his vaccination records. If you’ve ever had to give your own health history to a new doctor, you’ll recall how difficult it is to remember the specifics for yourself; remembering it for your dog can be even harder.
Keeping a record of your dog’s health history along with notes about his development and activity can help you and your vet track problems. Having a well-maintained health journal will help when transitioning between vets if you move, too.
Creating a health journal doesn’t have to be a big project. You’ll need a spiral notebook or binder with pockets in which you can save all the notes the vet sends home and space to take your own notes. Keep track of vet visits and outcomes, changes in diet or activity, illnesses—anything that relates to your dog’s health. Be thorough, and date each entry. If you like, you can use dividers for each year, or even each month within a year.
No matter how you choose to format your journal, it will be an asset for you and your dog in keeping him healthy and happy.
Excellent advice. Such a simple thing, and so handy in emergencies. And, y'know, you might want to start keeping something similar for the human members of your family, too -- and even (especially!) for yourself!
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Jack@PDB
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