🩺 Life Stage Examinations

Regular wellness examinations are essential for maintaining your pet's health and well-being. Whether your companion is a playful puppy, a wise senior, or anywhere in between, these checkups offer a comprehensive evaluation to detect potential health issues early, ensuring a longer, healthier life.

A typical wellness visit includes:

• Thorough Physical Examination: Assessing all major organ systems to identify any abnormalities.
• Behavioral and Lifestyle Discussion: Understanding changes in appetite, activity levels, and home environment.
• Vaccination Updates: Ensuring your pet is protected against preventable diseases.
• Diagnostic Testing: Recommending blood work, urinalysis, or other tests based on age and health status.
• Parasite Screening: Checking for fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites.

This proactive approach allows us to tailor a health plan specific to your pet's needs.

🐾 Why Wellness Exams Matter

• Early Detection: Many health issues, such as dental disease, obesity, and arthritis, can be subtle. Regular exams help identify these conditions before they become serious.
• Preventive Care: Vaccinations and parasite control are crucial components of wellness care, preventing diseases that are not only life-threatening but also expensive to treat.
• Tailored Advice: Veterinarians provide personalized guidance on your pet’s specific needs, including diet, exercise, and behavior management.
• Peace of Mind: Regular checkups reassure you that your pet is healthy and receiving the best possible care.

📅 Scheduling Your Pet's Wellness Exam

To ensure your pet's optimal health, we recommend scheduling a wellness exam at least once a year. For senior pets or those with chronic conditions, more frequent visits may be necessary. Contact us today to book an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier life for your furry friend.

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Regular wellness exams are a proactive way to keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come.

🐾 Vaccines: Essential for All Pets

Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs and cats, regardless of lifestyle, due to the severity of the diseases they prevent and their potential to spread.

For Dogs:

• Rabies: A fatal disease transmissible to humans.
• Distemper: A viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
• Adenovirus (Hepatitis): Affects the liver and other organs.
• Parvovirus: Causes severe gastrointestinal illness.
• Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can affect the liver and kidneys.

For Cats:

• Rabies: Required by law in many areas.
• Feline Panleukopenia (Distemper): A highly contagious viral disease.
• Feline Herpesvirus (Rhinotracheitis): A leading cause of upper respiratory infections.
• Feline Calicivirus: Another major cause of respiratory illness.

🐶 Non-Core Vaccines: Based on Lifestyle and Risk

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your pet’s specific lifestyle, environment, and risk factors.

For Dogs:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica: Causes kennel cough; recommended for dogs in boarding, daycare, or grooming settings.
• Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi): Transmitted by ticks; recommended for dogs in endemic areas.
• Canine Influenza: A contagious respiratory disease.

For Cats:

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Recommended for kittens and cats at risk of exposure.
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): For cats at risk; not routinely recommended.
• Chlamydia felis: A bacterial infection causing conjunctivitis.

📅 Vaccination Schedules: Tailored to Your Pet

Vaccination schedules vary based on age, health status, and lifestyle. Puppies and kittens typically begin vaccinations at 6–8 weeks of age, with follow-up doses every 3–4 weeks until about 16–20 weeks old. Adult pets require boosters at intervals determined by the specific vaccine and local regulations.

It's important to consult with your veterinarian to develop a vaccination plan tailored to your pet's needs. They will consider factors such as your pet's age, health history, and risk of exposure to various diseases.

🐾 Why Vaccination Matters

• Prevents Serious Diseases: Vaccines protect against illnesses that can be severe or fatal.
• Protects Other Animals and Humans: Some diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans.
• Legal Requirements: Rabies vaccination is required by law in many areas.
• Community Health: Vaccinating your pet helps protect the broader animal population.

If you're unsure about your pet's vaccination status or need to update their immunizations, contact us today. Our team is here to provide guidance and ensure your pet receives the best possible care.