Combining function with canine health education, the Common Health Issues in Dogs Clipboard pairs a sturdy professional A4 clipboard with a detailed double-sided reference chart — everything a veterinary clinic, animal health educator, or dedicated dog owner needs in one convenient package.

The Clipboard

• Durable A4 hardboard clipboard with smooth, reliable clip mechanism
• Lightweight and portable — ideal for exam rooms, waiting rooms, home visits, and consultations
• Fully removable chart attaches and detaches cleanly without damage

The Chart — Side 1: Parasites, Dental Disease & More

Intestinal Parasites & Tapeworms

• Step-by-step illustrated lifecycle showing how dogs ingest fleas carrying tapeworm larvae, how tapeworms develop in the intestine, and how eggs are excreted and reingested from the environment
• Other parasites including roundworm and hookworm covered
• Importance of regular fecal testing and deworming

Fleas & Ticks

• Fleas and ticks as the most common external parasites affecting dogs
• Fleas causing itching, skin irritation, and tapeworm transmission
• Ticks carrying serious diseases including Lyme disease
• Illustrated skin cross-sections showing flea and tick damage
• Year-round prevention strongly recommended

Obesity

• Excess weight putting strain on joints, heart, and organs
• Life expectancy impact and body condition score guidance
• Guidance on ideal diet and weight management

Dental Disease

• Over 80% of dogs over age three show signs of dental disease
• Four-stage illustrated progression:
• Stage I Gingivitis — inflamed and swollen gum margin, plaque covering teeth, reversible with treatment
• Stage II Early Periodontitis — entire attached gum inflamed, sub-gingival calculus, crestal bone loss, professional treatment needed
• Stage III Moderate Periodontitis — cherry red and bleeding gums, infection and calculus destroying tissue, sore mouth affecting eating and behavior, may be irreversible
• Stage IV Advanced Periodontitis — chronic bacterial infection destroying gum, tooth, and bone, bacteria potentially spreading via bloodstream affecting kidneys, liver, and heart
• Importance of regular brushing and professional cleanings

The Chart — Side 2: Allergies, Heartworm, Vaccinations & More

Skin Allergies

• Most frequently diagnosed condition in dogs
• Symptoms including itching, redness, hair loss, and hot spots
• Triggers including food, pollen, dust mites, and flea saliva
• Illustrated skin cross-section showing allergic reaction
• Highly effective treatment options when identified early

Ear Infections

• Dogs with floppy ears or those that swim frequently especially prone
• Signs including head shaking, scratching at the ear, odor, and discharge
• Detailed illustrated cross-section of the canine ear — pinna, ear canal, tympanic membrane, ossicles, cochlea, infection in bulla, parotid and mandibular glands
• Early treatment prevents chronic recurring infections

Hip Dysplasia & Joint Issues

• Common in larger breeds — hip joint not developing properly leads to pain and arthritis
• Signs including difficulty rising and reluctance to exercise
• Illustrated skeletal comparison showing healthy vs dysplastic hip joint
• Weight management and early intervention as key factors

Heartworm

• Serious and potentially fatal condition transmitted by mosquitoes
• Affects heart, lungs, and blood vessels
• Entirely preventable with monthly medication
• Annual testing recommended even for dogs on prevention
• Illustrated transmission cycle

Vaccinations

• Core vaccines protecting against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies
• Full vaccination schedule from 6-8 weeks through annual examinations — DA2PP, Rabies, Leptospirosis
• Lifestyle vaccines including Bordetella, Lyme, and Canine Influenza

Spay & Neuter

• Health benefits including reduced risk of mammary and testicular cancers
• Elimination of life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra)
• Decreased risk of prostate problems and longer healthier life expectancy
• What to expect — same day procedure, recovery within 10-14 days
• Ideal timing — most veterinarians recommend between 6 and 12 months

When to Call Your Vet Immediately

• Not eating or drinking for more than 24 hours
• Straining to urinate or no urine produced
• Pale, blue, or white gums
• Suspected poisoning or ingestion of toxic substance
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or persistent coughing
• Sudden collapse, seizures, or loss of consciousness
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea — especially with blood
• Eye injury, sudden blindness, or rapid eye changes

Does Your Dog Have a Wellness Exam Scheduled?

• Annual exam recommended for all dogs
• Early detection saves lives — many conditions show no symptoms until advanced
• Includes physical exam, weight check, dental review, and parasite screening
• Senior dogs may need bi-annual visits

The fully removable chart means you can pin it to a wall, hand it to a client, or display it independently — and replace it whenever you need a fresh copy.