Wellness Examinations and Vaccinations

Taking your pet to the veterinarian for a wellness exam every 6 months is a great preventative against certain diseases and conditions. Annual and Semi-annual exams are so important because pets age an average of seven times faster than humans. Therefore, by the time they are 4-5 years old, most pets are considered middle aged; and most dogs, especially large breed dogs, are thought to be seniors at the age of 7. Since pets can age so quickly, a multitude of health problems can occur within a six month period. Therefore, it is important that pets have a wellness exam conducted by a veterinarian every six months.

During this wellness exam your doctor will do several things. The components of a typical wellness exam are:

Comprehensive Physical Examination: Your doctor will assess the following on your pet: •

  • Observe patient’s alertness.
  • Listens to the heart.
  • Listens to the Lungs.
  • Check central nervous center.
  • Check joints and mobility.
  • Palpates the abdomen for painful areas or even tumors.
  • Check urinary and reproductive systems.
  • Eye exam for cataract or ocular issues.
  • Check ears, cleaning and treating if necessary.
  • Dental examination. •Check skin condition.
  • Physical exam for abnormal lumps or bumps.
  • Weight check and body condition.

 

Vaccinations: Maintaining a regular vaccination schedule is essential and an easy way to help keep your pet healthy. We follow federal regulations as well as AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) recommendations for vaccinating all our patients. Typical vaccines for an adult pet are as follows:

Canines:

  • DHP(optional with Lepto)
  • Parvovirus
  • Rabies
  • Bordetella (intranasal or injectable) 

Felines:

    • FVRCP
    • Leukemia
    • Rabies

Blood Parasite Screening: The blood parasite screening, better known as the “Heartworm Test”, allows us to check for more than just heartworms. A simple annual blood draw allows us to test your pet not only for the presence of heartworm disease, but also for Ehrlicia and Lyme’s disease, two tick-borne diseases that can be easily transmitted to dogs and may remain undetected until your pet is symptomatic. This test is required annually for the safety of your pet and can be performed in hospital for prompt results.

Fecal Examination: The fecal exam is highly recommended by your vet to be performed every 6 months in a typical adult dog and annually in adult cats. Fecal exams test for the presence of hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, coccidia, and many other intestinal parasites, several of which are zoonotic (contagious from pet to people).

 

Along with the routine wellness exam, your doctor may recommend regular bloodwork or a specialized diet for your pet.

Bloodwork: Bloodwork is a good way of checking your pet’s internal functions in a non invasive way. Your doctor may suggest regular bloodwork for your pet in order to screen for infection or disease of the organs that otherwise may be undetectable through physical exams. Bloodwork goes hand in hand with the physical exam to give us an overall picture of your pet’s health.

Nutrition & Diets: One of the simplest and most helpful things an owner can do for their pet is feed it right. Studies have indicated that a properly balanced diet can extend the life expectancy of your pet for up to 2 years. Proper nutrition truly makes a huge difference. Nutrition is a key element of overall wellness, along with physical exams and vaccinations. We work hard to find a balanced diet that is right for your pet. Ask your doctor for recommendations at your next exam.

Diets that we carry are: 

  • Hills Science Diet
  • Hills Prescription Diet
  • Royal Canin
  • Purina Veterinary Diet

 

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