Dogs and cats require at least one comprehensive wellness exam every year. Preventative health allows us to establish a baseline for your pet and to spot possible issues earlier in their development. If we do find any potential health problems, it is much easier (and more cost effective!) to treat them as early as possible. This goes a long way in making sure your pet stays happy, healthy and by your side for years to come!
During your dog or cat’s checkup, we will examine your pet’s different bodily systems to make sure everything is functioning properly. We will weigh your pet to make sure there haven’t been any unnoticed changes. We will examine your pet’s eyes, ears and nose for any signs of irritation, discharge, or other signs of illness. We will check your pet’s mouth and teeth for signs of tartar, redness, and other symptoms of oral diseases. We will listen to your pet’s lungs and heart for signs of problems, and will examine your dog or cat’s abdomen and joints.
Keeping your pet vaccinated is a crucial component of preventative health care. With vaccines, we have an easy way of immunizing your pet from dangerous health afflictions. Dogs and cats each have “core vaccinations” (which are always strongly recommended) and “non-core vaccinations” (which are recommended due to certain lifestyles and environmental risks). We will be able to advise you on which vaccinations your pet should have, and will help you schedule their regiment.
Along with the comprehensive wellness exam and vaccinations, your pet will also be checked for intestinal parasites by a fecal analysis, prophylactically dewormed, and checked for heartworms through a blood test.
Because you spend the most time with your pet, you are your pet’s expert, as well as his or her greatest advocate. Please let us know if you’ve noticed any physical or behavioral changes in your pet, as well as any other concerns you might have.