Hi Boys and Girls,

Yesterday I went to the Vet Check at Iditarod Headquarters.  I wanted to see how the Iditarod dogs checkup was different than the one I had last summer with my vet.  If you haven’t read about my checkup, look it up.  You can compare the check ups also. Not all dogs are checked out by the volunteer Iditarod Veterinarians at Headquarters.  A musher can decide to have his/her dogs checked by their own vet.  It’s the same exam and the same rules apply.  What’s nice about having it done at Iditarod Headquarters is that the fans are able to walk around, talk to the mushers and vets, and pet the dogs.   

When the mushers arrive, they park their trucks in an area in front of Headquarters.  The mushers go into Headquarters and get their paper work ready.  Once that is complete they go back outside and get the dogs ready.

There is an exam form for each dog. As each part of the exam is completed, the information gathered is record on this form.

Outside by the dog truck, the dogs hearts and lungs are check. 

Each dog paw and leg joints are looked at.

The gums and teeth are examined.

Why do you think the dogs need exams?  I’ve heard humans have to go to the Dr. for checkups also.  Have you had a checkup lately?   If so, compare your checkup to the one the Iditarod dogs get.  I bet you might find that they are very similar. 

See you on the trail,

Gypsy