Exams and primary care

Wellness exams

Routine wellness exams and preventative care form the foundation for a lifetime of good health for your pet. Annual and semi-annual physical exams allow our veterinarians to get to know your pet from nose to tail. They can also enable us to detect and address any changes as early as possible and prevent small problems from becoming large ones.

At your pet’s routine physical exam, our veterinarians will assess your pet’s health across a variety of categories, including but not limited to:

· Heart and lung function

· Weight analysis

· Skin, coat, eye, and ear health

· Dental and oral health

· Nutritional needs

· Behavior and temperament

· Vaccinations and parasite prevention

Your pet’s veterinarian will address any questions or concerns you might have and make recommendations based on the findings of the exam.

Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations are not only critical to preventing major illnesses in both your pet, the larger pet population, and public health, but some of them are also required by law. Core vaccines are recommended for all pets, while others may only be needed if a pet’s lifestyle and risk factors warrant it.

Core vaccines include:

  • Rabies (dogs and cats)

  • DA2PPV – Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo, and Parainfluenza (dogs)

  • FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (cats)

Your veterinarian will discuss additional vaccines for your pet based on their lifestyle and risk of exposure.

Parasite Prevention

Heartworms and intestinal parasites are all threats to the health of your pet, and we recommend year-round preventative medications to keep these pests away. Fleas and ticks are not only unpleasant, but some can also cause serious illness or even death. Zoonotic parasites are ones that can be passed from animals to humans, making parasite prevention essential to not only your pet’s health but the health of you and your family as well.

Routine Blood Work

Routine blood work is crucial for maintaining the longevity and quality of life of dogs and cats. These tests provide valuable insights into the overall health of our furry companions by detecting underlying issues before they become symptomatic. Early detection of diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, and liver problems allows for prompt intervention and treatment, ultimately improving the chances of successful management or even reversal of these conditions. Regular blood work also helps monitor the effectiveness of medications and track changes in health over time, ensuring that pets receive the best possible care and enjoy a longer, healthier life.