Animal Hospital
Wellness Care
If you want your pet to have a long, healthy life, routine veterinary care is essential. Your pet cannot tell you if he or she feels bad or has a health problem. and most species instinctively hide their symptoms because they do not want to appear injured or weak. That can cause a delay in the treatment of your pet. This delay can be expensive because additional treatment becomes necessary the longer treatment is postponed and create a life-threatening condition for your pet.
Generally, all cats and dogs need to visit the veterinarian at least once annually. Below are some important examples our animal hospital recommends for the routine care that your pet needs.
Vaccinations
Just like human children, kittens and puppies need a variety of shots to protect them from potentially fatal diseases. Vaccinations can start as early as six weeks, and then should be re-vaccinated every three to four weeks until they’re about 16 weeks old. They will also need their first rabies vaccination when they are three to four months old. Older pets that have received a rabies vaccine for two consecutive years may be eligible to receive a three-year vaccine.
Spay or Neuter
In addition to preventing unwanted litters and overcrowding shelters, spaying or neutering also has health benefits. These procedures help modify behaviors that can make animals restless or aggressive. Spaying or neutering can even help prevent cancer and other diseases. Pets may be spayed or neutered as early as eight weeks of age.
Annual Health Exams
Pets age approximately seven times more quickly than humans, making annual exams even more critical for preventing disease, injury, and pain. By establishing a baseline medical history for your pet, your veterinarian will be able to identify any abnormal changes in your pet’s health and begin treatment right away.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworms are commonly fatal. Therefore, prevention is essential. Your pet should be given a blood test for heartworms every year. Although dogs are natural hosts for heartworms, cats can also contract heartworms. We recommend that your dog or cat be given a heartworm preventative all year.
Flea and Tick Prevention and Treatment
Fleas and ticks are not just irritating to your pet; they also carry many dangerous diseases. We will gladly provide the treatment and products necessary so your pet will not be bothered by these irritating pests again. We will also advise you on how to safely prevent flea or tick infestations in your home. With the advancements in medical science and the number of outstanding products on the market today, there is no longer any need for either you or your pet to suffer because of ticks or fleas.
Dental Exams
Just like humans, dogs and cats require regular dental care. Dental exams during annual health checkups help prevent tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, and infections that can lead to major illness and discomfort. Remember to make an annual dental exam part of your animal’s yearly routine wellness program.
Weight Management and Diet Recommendations
While it is hard to say no to that cute little face, pet owners too often provide their pet too many treats and too little exercise. That can result in pets being seriously overweight. Obese dogs or cats face serious health problems. Talk with one of our veterinarians about your pet’s ideal weight and how to maintain that weight.
Older Pet Wellness Exams
Because your pet ages much more quickly than you, it is especially important for older pets to receive regular checkups. We recommend older pets have a wellness exam every six months. These examinations screen for disease, arthritis, tooth problems, and more.
