Dog & Cat Care

During the course of your pet's annual visit with us, a technician will collect a thorough patient history, the doctor will review this and perform a comprehensive physical examination.  Your pet will be examined from tip of the nose to it's tail, looking to uncover any abnormal signs of disease.  After an examination is performed, we may recommend some of the following vaccines and health screenings. 

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Recommended Vaccines for Dogs:

DA2PL VACCINE - For puppies/dogs 6 weeks and older

Vaccines are started at 6 weeks of age and boosters will be given every 2-3 until 16 weeks of age, then given annually.

This vaccine combination includes protection against - Canine Distemper, Canine Adenovirus types 1 & 2, Canine Parvovirus and 4 different serovars of Canine Leptospirosis. These common canine viruses and diseases can be life threatening to your pet.

BORDETELLA ORAL VACCINE (Kennel Cough) - For puppies/dogs 8 weeks and older

Only one vaccine is required initially, thereafter, an annual vaccine is required for continued protection. This vaccine helps to protect against kennel cough caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica.  Kennel cough is a contagious cough your pet can get from being around unprotected dogs or boarding facilities.

RABIES VACCINE - For puppies/dogs 12 weeks and older

Rabies vaccines must be given before 6 months of age to ensure your pet is protected.  After the initial rabies vaccine, your pet should receive a rabies vaccine at least every three years. Requirements for the rabies vaccine vary from state to state.

LYME DISEASE VACCINE - For puppies/dogs 16 weeks or older

For puppies (16 weeks or older) and adult dogs - 2 boosters (2-3 weeks apart) are required initially, then given annually.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the spirochete bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is spread primarily by the painless bite of an infected tick.  If you live near a field or wooded area your pet should have this vaccine. 

CANINE INFLUENZA (H3N8 & H3N2) VACCINE - For puppies/dogs 16 weeks or older

For puppies (16 weeks or older) and adult dogs - 2 boosters (2-4 weeks apart) are required initially, then given annually.

Canine Influenza CIV (H3N8 & H3N2) are newly emerging infectious diseases caused by a "flu" virus.  Because the virus is relatively new, dogs have no natural immunity to it unless they have already had the virus and have recovered from it.  

Recommended Vaccines for Cats:

FEL-O-VAX Lv-K IV + CALICIVAX VACCINE - For Kittens/Cats - 8 weeks or older

2 boosters are required initially (2-3 weeks apart), then given annually.

This combination vaccine will prevent against Panleukopenia (feline distemper), Rhinotracheitis (upper respiratory infection) Chlamydia, Calicivirus (upper respiratory infections) and Feline leukemia (FeLV), a form of cancer in cats. 

RABIES VACCINE - For Kittens/Cats 12 weeks or older

Rabies vaccines must be given before 6 months of age to ensure your pet is protected.  After the initial rabies vaccine, your pet should receive a rabies vaccine at least every three years. Requirements for the rabies vaccine vary from state to state.

Recommended Health Screening for Dogs & Cats

INTESTINAL PARASITE SCREENING / FECAL SCREENING / STOOL SCREENING

This screening helps us determine if your pet has any intestinal worms and other microscopic parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, coccidia or giardia.  Some parasites have zoonotic potential, which means they can be passed from your pet to you or your children. Therefore, it is important to have you dogs feces checked at least every year.

URINALYSIS

A urine specimen can provide your veterinarian with a myriad of information. Including early signs of kidney disease which is the leading cause of death in geriatric patients. A Urinalysis can also show signs of early liver problems, bleeding disorders, high blood sugar, crystals which can form bladder stones or urinary tract infections, which 1 in 3 dogs tend to have without showing symptoms.

HEARTWORM AND TICK-BORNE SCREENING

This examination of your pet's blood will test to see if your dog has heartworms. It also checks for other tick borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichiosis. Even if your dog has been on heartworm preventive, annual testing is recommended by the American Heartworm Society. Though most heartworm preventatives supply sufficient protection, no preventive is 100% effective.

WELLNESS BLOOD SCREENING

Just as with people, your pet’s health will change as it ages.  Since pets age faster than people do (roughly 5-7 times faster!), major health changes can happen quickly. Our doctor may recommend a wellness blood screening which consists of a basic blood chemistry profile, electrolyte panels and complete CBC) that will check your pet’s liver, kidneys, pancreas, blood sugar, minerals and electrolytes. Uncovering disease before symptoms arise can help ensure your pet lives a long and healthy life.