Preventative or general wellness care means a proactive approach to medicine. Ideally, problems are caught before they become more serious – and more expensive – and it frees you and your pet to spend your time doing what you really want to do: enjoy each other’s company and unconditional love.
Annual wellness checkups are a crucial part of preventative care. Our nose-to-tail exams give us a good picture of your pet’s overall health and alert us to any changes that might have occurred since their last visit.
We recommend a physical exam at least once per year for adult pets. If you’ve recently adopted or purchased a pet, then we advise you that you book an appointment for their first examination within the first few weeks of ownership. Younger animals are very vulnerable to illness and this will allow us to make sure they have the vaccinations they need, reassure you of their health, and give us a starting point for their medical records.
Your pet’s comprehensive physical examination will include some or all of the following:
- Temperature and weight
- Eyes, ears, and mouth
- Heart and lungs
- Abdomen and skin
- Bones and joints
- Teeth/Dental health
- Blood tests – establishes health of internal organs and systems, checks for parasites
Another key component of wellness care are vaccinations. Protecting your pet from preventable diseases and viruses is an important part of pet ownership. We recommend vaccines based on the pets age, activity and environment. We follow the American Animal Hospital Association vaccine protocol guidelines.
Finally, a word about microchips: We use the HomeAgain system, meaning we insert a tiny chip that contains an identification number into your pet. The process is quick and nearly painless, and the payoff is significant. Shelters and hospitals are equipped with scanners that can read the chip number. Should your pet become lost or stolen, the microchip will help identify and reunite you with your loved one.
Want to set an appointment for your pet’s wellness exam or talk to a member of our staff about vaccinations or microchipping? Give us a call at (207) 743-6384 today!
