Just like humans, pets need regular check-ups to maintain their health. Routine wellness exams allow your veterinarian to catch any potential health issues early on and provide necessary treatments. These exams typically include a physical examination, blood work, and other diagnostic tests. By staying on top of your pet's routine wellness, you can catch any health concerns before they become serious problems.
Vaccinations are an essential part of preventative pet care. They protect your pet from potentially life-threatening diseases and illnesses.
Core Pet Vaccinations
Core vaccinations are those that are considered essential for all pets. These are diseases that are highly contagious, can be life-threatening, and are easily transmitted to other animals or even humans.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has established guidelines for core vaccinations for both dogs and cats. These guidelines are based on the prevalence of the disease, the severity of the illness, and the risk of exposure.
Core Vaccinations for Dogs
Rabies is a fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans, making it a significant concern for public health. Distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus are all highly contagious and can cause severe illness in dogs.
Core Vaccinations for Cats
Rabies is also a core vaccination for cats, as it can be transmitted to humans. Feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia are all highly contagious and can cause severe illness in cats.
Non-Core Pet Vaccinations
Non-core vaccinations are those that are recommended based on your pet's lifestyle, environment, and risk of exposure. These vaccinations are not considered essential for all pets, but they may be necessary for some.
Examples of non-core vaccinations for dogs include:
Bordetella is recommended for dogs that are frequently in contact with other dogs, such as those that go to dog parks or daycare. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans and is recommended for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors. Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks and is recommended for dogs in areas where ticks are prevalent.
Examples of non-core vaccinations for cats include:
Feline leukemia and FIV are recommended for cats that go outdoors or live with other cats that have these diseases. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can cause respiratory issues in cats and is recommended for those at risk.
FIV and FeLV are highly contagious viruses that can be transmitted through saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids. Cats that are most at risk for these viruses are outdoor cats, stray cats, and cats that live in multi-cat households. Kittens can also be born with these viruses if their mother is infected. It is important to note that FIV and FeLV cannot be transmitted to humans or other animals.
Signs and Symptoms of FeLV/FIV
The signs and symptoms of FIV and FeLV can vary, but some common ones to look out for include:
If your cat is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
FIV/FeLV Snap Test
The most common test for FIV/FeLV is the snap test, which is a quick and easy blood test that can be done in the vet's office. This test can provide results in as little as 10 minutes, making it a convenient option for pet owners.
Prevention and Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for FIV or FeLV, but there are ways to prevent your cat from contracting these viruses. The best way to prevent FIV and FeLV is to keep your cat indoors and away from other cats that may be infected. If you have multiple cats, it is important to have them tested and to keep them up to date on their vaccinations.
If your cat does test positive for FIV or FeLV, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan. This may include medications to manage symptoms and prevent secondary infections, as well as a special diet to support your cat's immune system.
Intestinal parasites are organisms that live in the digestive tract of animals, including dogs and cats. They can be microscopic or visible to the naked eye, and can cause a variety of health problems for our pets. These parasites can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, or soil, or through contact with infected animals.
Parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms, can cause serious health issues for your pet. That's why it's crucial to have a parasite control plan in place. This may include preventative medications, regular grooming, and keeping your pet's living environment clean.
Types of Intestinal Parasites in Dogs and Cats
There are several types of intestinal parasites that can affect dogs and cats. These include:
Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites
The symptoms of intestinal parasites can vary depending on the type of parasite and the severity of the infection. Some common symptoms include:
If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, it is important to consult with us for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention of Intestinal Parasites
The best way to prevent intestinal parasites in your pets is through regular veterinary check-ups and preventative measures. Here are some tips for preventing intestinal parasites in dogs and cats:
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are crucial for maintaining your pet's health and wellness. During these visits, we can perform fecal exams to check for the presence of intestinal parasites and prescribe preventative medication if necessary.
Proper Hygiene
Practicing good hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of intestinal parasites. This includes regularly cleaning up after your pet and disposing of feces properly, as well as washing your hands after handling your pet or their waste.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks can carry tapeworms, so it is important to use preventative measures to protect your pet from these parasites. This can include using flea and tick medication, regularly checking your pet for fleas and ticks, and keeping your pet's living area clean and free of pests.
Avoiding Contact with Infected Animals
If your pet comes into contact with an infected animal, they may contract intestinal parasites. It is important to avoid contact with stray or wild animals and to keep your pet away from areas where they may come into contact with infected feces or soil.
Treatment of Intestinal Parasites
If your pet is diagnosed with intestinal parasites, we will prescribe the appropriate treatment based on the type of parasite and the severity of the infection. This may include medication to kill the parasites, as well as supportive care to help your pet recover.
Microchipping is a simple and safe procedure where a small chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the skin of your pet. This chip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by a microchip reader. This number is then linked to your contact information in a national pet recovery database.
Permanent Identification
Unlike collars and tags, which can fall off or be removed, microchips are a permanent form of identification for your pet. The chip is inserted under the skin and cannot be easily removed or damaged. This means that even if your pet loses their collar or tag, they can still be identified and returned to you.
Quick and Painless Procedure
The microchipping procedure is quick and relatively painless for your pet. It is similar to getting a routine vaccination and can be done during a regular vet visit. The chip is inserted using a needle and does not require any anesthesia. Most pets do not even notice the chip being inserted and do not experience any discomfort afterwards.
Lost Pet Recovery
The main advantage of microchipping your pet is the increased chance of lost pet recovery. If your pet ever goes missing, the unique identification number on their microchip can be scanned by a microchip reader at a vet clinic or animal shelter. This number is then used to access your contact information in the national pet recovery database, allowing you to be reunited with your pet quickly and easily.
Peace of Mind
Microchipping your pet can provide you with peace of mind. Knowing that your pet has a permanent form of identification and can be easily located if they ever go missing can alleviate the stress and worry that comes with owning a pet. It also ensures that your pet will be returned to you, rather than ending up in a shelter or with a new owner.
Pets require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain good health. A proper diet can help prevent health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It can also improve your pet's coat, skin, and overall energy levels.
When it comes to pet nutrition, not all pet foods are created equal. It's important to choose a high-quality food that is specifically formulated for your pet's age, size, and breed. For example, a puppy will have different nutritional needs than a senior dog. It's also important to read the ingredients list and avoid foods with fillers and by-products.
Weight Management in Pets
Just like humans, pets can also struggle with weight issues. Obesity in pets can lead to a variety of health problems and can even shorten their lifespan. It is important to monitor your pet's weight and make adjustments to their diet and exercise routine if necessary. We can help you create a weight management plan for your pet, including recommending appropriate portion sizes and exercise routines.
Behavioral issues can be a major source of stress for both pets and their owners. That's why it's important to address any behavioral concerns early on. We can provide behavioral counseling to help you understand and manage your pet's behavior. This can greatly improve your pet's quality of life and strengthen your bond with them.
Behavioral pet counseling focuses on addressing and modifying problematic behaviors in pets. These behaviors can range from excessive barking or destructive chewing to aggression and anxiety.
The goal of behavioral pet counseling is to identify the root cause of the behavior and develop a treatment plan to modify or eliminate it. This can involve a combination of techniques such as positive reinforcement, behavior modification, and environmental changes.
Phone: 518-398-9494