Adult Dog Wellness Care

Pro-active wellness care is the key to keeping your dog healthy throughout his or her lifetime.  Regular wellness exams with one of our veterinarians is the best way you can be sure your dog is as healthy as they can be.  The wellness exam is a great opportunity for you to discuss any concerns you have about your dog’s health with one of our veterinary professionals.   They are also valuable in keeping your dog’s vaccines and parasite prevention up to date to avoid serious–but preventable–diseases.

During your dog’s wellness exam, our veterinarians will:

• Discuss changes in your dog’s health with you and obtain a medical history
• Perform a complete physical examination, discuss any findings and make recommendations
• Perform a visual dental exam.  Dental care is very important for your dog’s overall health, especially as he gets older
• Perform heartworm testing and preventative
• Fecal examination for intestinal parasites and deworming as needed
• Parasite prevention, flea/tick control as needed.  
• Check your dog’s body condition and offer nutritional and diet counseling if needed
• Microchip your pet (if he or she is not microchipped)

Vaccines

Vaccines have proven important in preventing serious disease in dogs and cats, but no vaccine is 100% effective or 100% free of side effects (such as allergic reaction, shock, autoimmune disease, and others). For these reasons, we design a personalized vaccine protocol for each pet, maximizing protection against the diseases your pet is likely to be exposed to.

Our current vaccine recommendations are based on up-to-date research and the incidence of disease in our area. During your pet’s exam we’ll ask you questions to assess your pet’s individual risk, based on his/her lifestyle, and then design a customized vaccine protocol. This can be modified as needed when that lifestyle changes, so be sure to let us know so we can keep your pet protected!  Please visit our canine vaccines page for more information.

Parasite Prevention and Control

There was a time when parasites like fleas, ticks, and roundworms were considered mostly a nuisance. Now, however, we know that parasites can cause serious illness and even death in pets. For example, ticks can transmit infections like Lyme disease, and fleas can transmit tapeworms and Bartonella – the bacteria that causes “cat-scratch fever” in humans. Another type of parasite, called a heartworm, is transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworms live in your pet’s lungs and heart, causing damage to these organs, and sometimes even death. Intestinal parasites, like roundworms and hookworms, also threaten pets and are even transmissible to humans.

You may not always be able to tell if your pet has parasites. Fleas can hide under your pet’s fur, and some ticks are very tiny (only the size of a pinhead), so they are very difficult to find. Intestinal parasites like roundworms can cause diarrhea and other problems, but many infected pets don’t show any signs of illness at all.

Fortunately, we can recommend tests to tell if your pet has parasites. We can also examine your pet for evidence of fleas, ticks, or other parasites. Our expert staff can recommend medications to help control fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. Preventing parasites in your pets also helps protect children and other family members, so let’s work together to protect your pets and family.

Veterinary examinations and parasite testing are important ways to protect your pet’s health. Let our knowledgeable staff provide you with a comprehensive parasite control program. We can recommend a schedule for parasite testing, discuss what signs of parasites you can look for at home, review ways to control parasites in and around your home, discuss treatment options if your pet has parasites, and recommend ways to control and prevent parasites in the future.

Parasites are not just a nuisance. They can carry serious diseases that affect your pet’s overall health and longevity. Let us help you protect your pet. Call today to find out how!

Proper Nutrition is Important Throughout your Dog’s Lifetime

A complete and balanced diet is essential for your dog throughout their lifetime.  As dogs age, their nutritional needs change.  We can offer recommendations for the most nutritious foods for your pet according to your dog’s age, weight and current health.

Maintaining your dog’s ideal body weight can improve his or her life expectancy.  A dog that is overweight or underweight may be experiencing an illness and may be more susceptible to disease and injury. If you pet is overweight, there are many things you can do to help him get back into shape. Speaking with us is the first place to start.

Microchipping

We strongly recommend microchipping every pet.  A microchip is your pet’s permanent ID and, in the event your pet is separated from you, it may be your only means of being reunited with him or her.  For more information on Microchipping, please visit our Microchipping page.

Just as people should visit their dentist and their doctor regularly, all dogs should see their veterinarian at least once a year. Oftentimes your dog is due for vaccinations, but even if they are not, a pet’s health can change a lot in a year due to environment, stress, genetic conditions, and routine aging. By examining your dog and discussing their lifestyle and behavior with you, your veterinarian can determine if your dog may have any health issues of which you are unaware, and catch emerging health problems before they become serious.

Annual Visit

An annual visit includes a thorough nose to tail examination as detailed below, appropriate vaccinations, parasite control, and nutrition, weight and behavioral counseling. As well, your veterinarian will be able to advise you on any preventive care measures you can be taking to help your dog live a long and healthy life. Of course, you can request your choice of veterinarian for your visit.

Physical Exam

• Bone, Joint and Muscle Examination
• Skin & Coat Examination
• Heart & Lung Evaluation
• Eye & Ear Health Examinations
• Abdominal Examination
• Urinary Tract and Genital Examination
• Neurological Evaluation
• Nutrition & Weight Assessment
• Lifestyle & Behavior Consultation
• Nail Trim if Required
• Dental and Oral Cavity Examination

A thorough dental check-up is a routine part of your dog’s physical examination.  Healthy teeth and gums are directly linked to your dog’s general health and well-being.  Dental disease can lead to the spread of bacteria through the bloodstream, settling in vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver and causing serious illness.

Health problems are always easier and less costly to treat when they are detected early.