We focus on preventive veterinary care to promote and improve overall pet health. Routine check-ups allow us to diagnose, treat and protect your pet from contracting serious, costly and sometimes fatal diseases. Offering a holistic approach to pet health, we partner with our clients to make sure their pets receive proper preventive care.
| New Puppy checklist While it’s important to start cuddling and training your new puppy early, it’s also crucial to get a head start on your puppy’s health. Depending on your new puppy’s age and expected lifestyle, there are a lot of different things you can expect from us. Read More | New Kitten Checklist You want to make sure your new friend gets off on the right foot, and this means scheduling your kitten’s first veterinary visit. Depending on your new kitten’s age and expected lifestyle, there are a lot of different things you can expect from us. Read More |
Five Tests Every New Pet Should Have
Getting a new pet is a big deal and everyone knows it’s important to get off to a good start. So besides buying supplies and making your home pet-safe, what else should you be doing if you’re adding a new, furry, four-legged member to the family?
1. Veterinary examination
2. FIV and FeLV test
3. Heartworm testing
4. Fecal testing
5. Screening blood tests
Tests and Frequency : All Pets should have completed at the Veterinarian Hospital
| Dogs
Heartworm test: 12 months CBC: 6-12 months Chem: 6-12 months Electrolytes: 6-12 months Urinalysis: 6-12 months Thyroid: 12 months Physical Exam: 12 months Intestinal Parasite screen: 6 months | Cats Physical exam: 6 months Cbc: 6-12 months Chem: 6-12 months Elecs: 6 - 12 months Urinalysis: 6-12 months Thyroid: 6-12 months Intestinal Parasite screen: 6 months Felv/Fiv: 12 months if outdoor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does My Pet Need a Checkup?
As pet parents, we want our pets to live the longest, happiest and healthiest lives possible with us. Regular checkups are an essential part of keeping any pet healthy. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association's preventive care guidelines say that dogs and cats should visit the veterinarian at least annually; in many cases, more frequent healthy-pet checkups are necessary. Below, learn more about the importance of bringing your pet to the veterinarian for checkups, as well as some surprising things that may prompt a visit to the veterinarian.
But My Pet's Healthy! Why should I see my Veterinarian?
It’s actually really important to have your pet examined, blood work and all, at least once a year. Why? Think about it: as humans age, checkups become more and more important in order to monitor for conditions that become more common with aging. The same goes for your pet.
Why should I take my "Healthy" pup to veterinarian?
Most pet owners seek medical care relatively soon when things go wrong with their pet: Injuries, or sudden onset of diseases are obvious issues calling for care. But perhaps the greatest value and need for veterinary attention lies in providing reassurance of the well-being of our pets and early detection of problems before they become critical.
Should I search my Pet's symptoms on Google?
More than 70% of pet parents say they research their pet's health before or after veterinary visits. The Internet can be a useful tool to help you ask your veterinarian the right questions, but how do you know you're getting "vetted" information? Searching and gaining knowledge is fine but please do not rely on all the information you find on Google, visit a Veterinarian.
What should I feed my pet?
The most important health decision you make each day for your pet is what you feed it. Even if you have no plans on changing food, have a conversation about nutrition with your vet. New research, diets, and your pet’s health vary over time. Let your vet know you’re interested in discussing your pet’s diet. For my patients, food is the foundation of good health. There’s simply no better source of pet nutritional information than an informed and interested veterinarian. Ask that question.
There’s this one thing my pet does that bugs me…
Seemingly insignificant behavioral issues can escalate into serious troubles in very little time. Today’s barking and whining can lead to tomorrow’s destroyed couch or injured neighbor. Don’t be embarrassed; the majority of pets I treat have at least one behavioral issue their owners would like to improve. Heck, I’m always working on my pets (and myself). There’s nothing too silly or trivial to bring up if it’s nagging you. Nipping problem behaviors in the bud can prevent future dangerous or destructive habits. Besides, I’d rather work on correcting minor issues instead of complex and deep-rooted problems.
Am I exercising my pet enough?
Along with feeding a healthy diet and maintaining good behavior, physical activity is key to a long and happy life. Tell your vet (truthfully) how much (or how little) you exercise your dog or cat. Your vet isn’t there to judge you; she’s there to help. As little as 15 to 30 minutes a day for dogs and two or three five-minute play periods for cats is all it takes.
What about issues we can’t see?
During an exam I’m limited by what you tell me, my experience, and our five senses. That leaves a lot of unknowns. That’s why I always advise my pet parents to have basic blood and urine tests each year. These tests are the only way I have to uncover hidden disease. You can’t “see” liver or kidney disease, anemia, or diabetes until things are very, very bad.