Physical Examinations
Remember that for every year you have aged, your pet has aged 7 years, on average. That is a long time for changes to occur in the body. For this reason, we advise that your pet be thoroughly examined every year to assess your pet’s overall health and discuss any changes we see, educate, and update you on advancements in veterinary care. This is also an opportunity for you to discuss any of your concerns or ask questions.We will evaluate the health of your pet’s teeth, eyes and ears, skin and hair coat, body temperature, respiration, heart rate, palpate abdomen and lymph nodes, joints and muscles for arthritis, all to determine possible underlying medical conditions. The doctor may advise further diagnostic testing, if any of these systems appear abnormal.
Vaccinations
Many of the diseases which were once very common among companion animals are now easily prevented and controlled through vaccinations. The technologies used to manufacture vaccines have come a long way to ensure that they are both safe and highly effective against disease when given correctly, and at the appropriate intervals. Up-to-date vaccinations play a large part in keeping your pet healthy and free from disease. However, not every pet requires the same series or frequency of vaccines. Our veterinarians tailor a vaccine protocol that is specific to your pet based on his or her lifestyle. Vaccine schedules are balanced to provide needed protection while not over-vaccinating your pet. Please contact us for more information about vaccinations and a customized protocol for your pet.
Deworming/Fecal Check
Dangerous parasites are always present in the environment. We recommend regular fecal checks and deworming as the best way to prevent parasitic disease and the transmission of intestinal parasites to your pet and your family members.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a serious, life-threatening disease transmitted to your pet by mosquitoes. All dogs are at risk for heartworm disease no matter where they live. Clinical symptoms of heartworm disease develop very slowly. Early signs include lack of energy, exercise intolerance, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Because heartworm disease is increasing in frequency and is potentially a deadly disease, we recommend that your dog be given monthly prevention year round, and be tested annually. Testing and preventing heartworm disease is simple and affordable, collecting a small blood sample that also screens for three different tick borne diseases commonly diagnosed in our area. We recommend giving Heartgard Plus to protect your dog against heartworm infection, as well to control Roundworm and Hookworm Infections (internal parasites).
Flea and Tick Control
Fleas and ticks are virtually everywhere and no cat or dog is completely safe from them. Fortunately, safe and effective products are available. Today, there’s no reason for you or your pet to be bothered by these pests. In addition causing serious discomfort for your pet and infesting your home, fleas and ticks carry diseases dangerous to both you and your pet. Fleas transmit tapeworm, often times you can see segments of the tapeworm in your pet’s stool. Your pet could also be allergic to fleas, just one flea bite can cause a painful skin infection. The good news is that these problems can be avoided by using preventative products such as Bravecto, Nexgard, Scalibor, Revolution and Advantage Plus. These are products we recommend and are available at our clinic. When used properly and according to our directions, they are very safe and effective. Please do not use “over-the-counter†products, these products can sadly be very toxic to your pet and are typically ineffective. Feel free to contact our professionally educated staff to discuss your flea and tick questions at 207-571-9580.
