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We recommend annual exams on all pets, even those that seem healthy and disease free. Signs of disease can be subtle, and dogs can be very good at hiding their sickness. Through yearly exams, we aim to detect diseases early so that your pet’s prognosis and quality of life will improve and to continue preventative care so that your pet will not develop certain diseases. 
In addition to the exam, we will recommend further testing and vaccines depending on your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult and senior) and lifestyle. 

Puppy Care

Similar to human babies, puppies require a lot of work, patience, and visits pertaining to their health. They are susceptible to a lot of viral diseases which they can get very ill from if not fully vaccinated. They can also suffer from a variety of congenital diseases, and can be infected with intestinal parasites and pass those parasites along to us and our children. 

 

During your puppy’s first exam, we will examine your pet to make sure they are developing appropriately. We will establish a vaccination schedule to make sure your pet is appropriately vaccinated against serious diseases, and deworm your pet to make sure they are worm free. As part of your visit, we will also give preventative medications so that your puppy can be protected against heartworm disease, fleas and ticks. The exam is also a time to discuss training and issues with behavior, dental care, and socialization and provide further reading information so that you will have the tools to raise a healthy, well-mannered dog. 

 

Please see our reference section for more information on heartworms, fleas, ticks, distemper virus, parvovirus, rabies, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, kennel cough, dog training, etc. 

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Canine Puppy
Other Services

Canine Healthcare

Canine Adult

Adult Care

During your dog’s wellness exam, we will review your dog’s medical history, thoroughly examine your pet, make sure they are up to date on necessary vaccines, and suggest any further diagnostic tests. From the exam we may discover an ear infection or dental disease that has been undetected, note any other issues with your pet, or give you assurance that your pet is in good health.

 

Our vaccination protocol is based off of the American Animal Hospital Association guide lines. We will also perform blood tests to check for heartworm disease and fecal checks to make sure your pet does not have any intestinal parasites. Based on the results of these tests, further testing may or may not be necessary. 

 

You are also a big component of your pet’s health. We only see your pets when they are at our clinic, while you see them on a daily basis, so you can detect certain changes before we can. Please inform us of any physical, behavioral, or environmental changes that have occurred since your pet’s last exam and any concerns you have regarding your pet. If your pet is performing an odd behavior, please take a video if possible so that we can better understand what you are seeing. 

Senior Care

Canine Senior

It can be hard to notice when your dog starts to age, and hard to realize just how old your dog truly is. In general “toy” breeds become senior pets at age 9, medium sized dogs become senior pets at age 7, and large breed dogs become senior pets at age 5.  As your pet ages, diseases may progress gradually or rapidly.

 

To make sure your dog is not developing any underlying disease, we highly stress an exam every year (and ideally bi-annually), as well as annual blood work. This is especially important as dogs can hide signs of disease from us or even hide that they are not feeling well. During your pet’s senior exam, we will also start to look for any changes in appetite, drinking, urination, activity, hair coat, or breathing, and will want to assess your pet’s level of discomfort from any arthritis.

 

Signs of possible disease in senior dogs include:

  • Vomiting or weight loss

  • Changes in stools (frequency, color, or consistency)

  • Increase in urinations,  drinking, or incontinence

  • Changes in hair coat (thickness, color, or shine)

  • Decreased activity, exercise intolerance, or increased tiredness

  • Decreased appetite or difficulty eating

  • Difficulty walking or using the back legs.

  • Pain when going up/down stairs, when moving, or when handled

  • Coughing or difficulty breathing

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If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call 603-882-8825

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