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Happy and Healthy
We want you to have as many happy and healthy years with your companion as possible. Below is what your adult pet will need to stay well.
Annual comprehensive physical examination
A year between physical examinations for your cat is like 7 years between examinations for us. Senior pets (7 years and older) should be seen twice-a-year to detect common age-related problems early in development.
Follow your veterinarian’s recommended schedule for vaccination
Vaccination against the diseases your pet is at risk for is an important part of keeping your pet healthy. We will remind you when your dog or cat is due for a visit.
Regular internal parasite examination
The Center of Disease Control recommends fecal testing for intestinal worms twice a year. Bring a fecal sample with you at every wellness exam so we can look for parasites that may be contagious to humans.
Annual blood testing
We use a very sensitive in-house test that will look for multiple diseases using only a small amount of blood. Dogs are tested for heartworm and all tick-borne diseases, and cats are tested for Feline leukemia/FIV.
Monthly parasite prevention
Heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are common in our area. For dogs, we recommend using a monthly oral medication to prevent heartworms and intestinal worms. To prevent fleas and ticks in dogs we carry once-a-month topical medications which are safer and more effective than over-the-counter products. For cats, we recommend a using a monthly medication developed to prevent all parasites.
Dental hygiene
In addition to dental care at home, your pet may need to have a professional tooth cleaning and examination here at our hospital. Dental disease is progressive, painful, and expensive to treat in advanced stages, but regular cleanings and good home care will go a long way to prevent problems.
Spay or neuter
Spay or neuter your pets to prevent unwanted litters and to prevent later health and behavior problems.
Daily exercise
A tired dog is a good dog, they say. Exercise is good for mind and body, just like people! For cats, make sure your cat has a stimulating environment. Establish a daily playtime and rotate toys and resting areas.
A good quality diet
Your dog or cat should be eating food formulated for an adult pet. Choose a good quality food and minimize high calorie people snacks. Overfeeding leads to obesity which is associated with joint disease and diabetes in dogs, and liver disease and diabetes among other health problems in cats.
