The Advanced Plan for Dogs is designed for mature adult and senior dogs. For young adult dogs, check out the Essential Plan for Dogs. For senior and geriatric dogs, check out the Optimum Plan for Dogs!


advanced plan for dogs

The Advanced Plan for Dogs works great for Grace! She’s a 10-year old Laborador Retriever. The Advanced Profile helped us catch a developing thyroid issue. Her mom loves the discounted thyroid medication, as well as the discounted arthritis medication and supplements!

The Advanced Plan for Dogs covers your dog’s annual wellness needs with some amazing membership perks. Pets on a Plan receive medical exams at no cost and a 10% discount on most products and services outside of the Plan. Plans last a full year!

It includes two semi-annual wellness exams, core vaccinations, and an Advanced Profile. The Advanced Profile includes a heartworm screen, tick-disease screen, intestinal parasite screen, complete blood count, advanced blood chemistry panel, complete urinalysis with urine protein testing (if indicated), and a total T4 thyroid screen.

Membership Perks

Pets on a Plan receive $0 medical exams and a 10% discount on most products and services outside of the Plan. Check out the FAQ to learn how Plans can save you money!

Examination

Our veterinarian will examine your dog from nose to tail for tumors and signs of pain or arthritis. We will assess her overall appearance. Your dog’s heart and lungs will be listened to for abnormalities. Her eyes, ears, nose, and mouth will be evaluated as well.

Consultation

You will discuss medical history, behavior changes, lifestyle, and nutrition with our veterinarian. You also have a chance to ask questions and address any other concerns you may have.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations prevent several common bacterial and viral infections. For dogs, we vaccinate to prevent distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and rabies. Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, vaccines protecting against leptospirosis and bordetella may be indicated and are included in our Plans.

Preventive Care Plans for Dogs

Advanced Profile

The Advanced Plan for Dogs includes an Advanced Profile that includes a heartworm screen, tick disease screen, intestinal parasite screen, and advanced blood and urine screen.

Heartworm Screen

A heartworm screen is included in our Plans. Heartworm disease is a serious disease in dogs. Heartworms can cause severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs in the body. They are spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It’s important to screen for heartworm disease and eliminate heartworm larvae with a monthly preventative. Learn more about heartworm disease from the American Heartworm Society.

Tick Disease Screen

A tick disease screen is included in our Plans. This test screens for Lyme Disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma. These diseases are transmitted from the bite of an infected tick. Lyme Disease and Anaplasma do not have high prevalence in our area.

However, in Taney County, nearly 25% of dogs screened for Ehrlichia have a positive result. Dogs can become infected within hours of a tick’s initial attachment. Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis include anemia, bleeding episodes, lameness, neurological problems, and swollen limbs. Learn more about  ehrlichia.

Intestinal Parasite Screen

An intestinal parasite screen is included in our Plans. Intestinal parasites are common in dogs. They can cause a wide range of symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and anemia. Some types of parasites, including roundworms and hookworms, can be transmitted from dogs to humans. Routine testing and monthly treatment protects your dog, as well as you and your family!

Advanced Blood & Urine Screen

The advanced blood and urine screen is preventive testing that provides valuable information about your dog’s overall health and helps identify any underlying medical conditions. If the results are normal, the testing establishes a baseline of blood values while your dog is healthy. If completed on an annual basis, we can track results as your dog ages and spot potential health issues before they cause problems.

Complete Urinalysis

A complete urinalysis is an important diagnostic test that evaluates the physical and chemical properties of a dog’s urine. A urinalysis in dogs typically includes three main parts:

  • A physical examination involves assessing the color, clarity, and specific gravity of the urine, as well as the presence of blood, protein, glucose, or other substances that should not be present in normal urine.
  • A chemical examination involves the use of reagent strips that can detect the presence of substances such as blood, protein, glucose, ketones, and bilirubin. The presence of these substances can indicate various conditions such as infections, kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes.
  • A microscopic examination involves examining the urine sediment under a microscope to identify the presence of red and white blood cells, bacteria, crystals, and other abnormal structures. This can provide valuable information about the urinary tract and help diagnose conditions such as urinary tract infections or bladder stones.

A urinalysis can help detect early signs of kidney disease, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or other conditions that can affect the health and well-being of the dog.

Urine Protein Testing (if indicated)

If protein is detected in the urine, a Urine Protein/Creatinine (UPC) test will be performed. This test measures the amount of protein in urine and then compares it to the amount of creatinine, which is a waste product that is also present in urine.

A high UPC value is an indicator that there is proteinuria, which means an abnormal amount of protein in the urine. Proteinuria can be a sign of kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and other conditions that affect the kidneys.

Total T4 Thyroid Screen

Screening a total T4 (thyroxine) in dogs is important because it can help diagnose hypothyroidism, which is a common endocrine disorder in dogs. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, which is important for regulating metabolism and other bodily functions.

Complete Blood Count

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) screens for anemia, inflammation, infection, stress, Leukemia, bleeding problems, inability to fight infection, and hydration status.

  • Red blood cells (RBCs) are the most numerous and longest-living of the different types of blood cells. They typically make up almost half of the blood’s volume.
  • RBCs contain a special protein called hemoglobin (HGB) that binds to the oxygen in the lungs and enables the RBCs to transport oxygen as it travels through the rest of the body.
  • Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells that increase during times of increased red cell production, such as blood loss or immunemediated anemia.
  • White blood cells are primarily responsible for fighting infections. There are five different types of white blood cells and each one performs specific functions to keep the body healthy. Platelets play a critical role in preventing bleeding.

Advanced Blood Chemistry Panel

The following is a summary of the blood chemistry markers included in the screen:

  • Total Protein is a measurement of all the proteins in the blood, including albumin and globulin. Abnormal total protein levels can be an indication of liver or kidney disease, malnutrition, or other health issues.
  • Albumin is a type of protein that helps maintain fluid balance in the body. Low albumin levels may indicate liver or kidney disease, malnutrition, or other health issues.
  • Globulin is a type of protein that helps fight infection and disease. Abnormal globulin levels can be an indication of inflammation, infection, or other health issues.
  • An abnormal albumin/globulin ratio can be an indication of liver or kidney disease, infection, inflammation, or malnutrition.
  • Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme produced in the liver, bones, and other tissues. Elevated ALP levels can be a sign of liver disease, bone disease, or other health problems.
  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme produced primarily in the liver. High ALT levels can indicate liver disease or damage.
  • Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme produced in the liver. Elevated GGT levels can indicate liver disease or damage.
  • Bilirubin is a waste product that is eliminated by the liver. Abnormal bilirubin levels can be a sign of liver disease, anemia, or other health issues.
  • Glucose is a type of sugar that provides energy to the body’s cells. Elevated glucose levels can be a sign of diabetes or other health issues.
  • Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a waste product that is eliminated by the kidneys. Elevated SDMA levels can be an early indication of kidney disease.
  • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product of protein metabolism that is eliminated by the kidneys. Elevated BUN levels can be an indication of kidney disease or other health issues.
  • Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is eliminated by the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels can be an indication of kidney disease or other health problems.
  • An abnormal BUN/creatinine ratio may indicate kidney disease or other health issues.
  • Cholesterol is a type of fat that is essential for many bodily functions. Elevated cholesterol levels can be a sign of underlying health issues, such as thyroid disease or diabetes.
  • Triglycerides are a type of fat that is essential for many bodily functions. Elevated triglyceride levels can be a sign of underlying health issues, such as thyroid disease or diabetes.
  • Phosphorus is an important mineral that plays a role in many bodily processes. Elevated phosphorus levels can be a sign of kidney disease or other health issues.
  • Calcium is another important mineral that is essential for many bodily functions, including bone health. Abnormal calcium levels can be an indication of a wide range of health issues, including kidney disease, cancer, and thyroid disease.
  • Sodium is an electrolyte that is essential for proper body function. Abnormal sodium levels can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, or other health issues.
  • Potassium is another electrolyte that is important for proper body function. Low potassium levels can be an indication of kidney disease, Addison’s disease, or other health issues.
  • An abnormal sodium/potassium ratio can be an indication of dehydration, kidney disease, or other health issues.
  • Chloride is an electrolyte that is important for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body. Abnormal chloride levels can be a sign of kidney disease, dehydration, or other health issues.
  • The anion gap is a measurement of the balance of electrolytes in the blood. An abnormal anion gap can be an indication of kidney disease, diabetes, or other health issues.
  • Bicarbonate is a chemical that helps maintain the body’s pH balance. Abnormal bicarbonate levels can indicate kidney disease, metabolic acidosis, or other health issues.

Check out Frequently Asked Questions!