Preventive wellness care is the best way to keep your pet healthy. During routine veterinary wellness exams, we will perform a thorough physical examination of your pet. This includes checking your pet's weight, temperature, heart rate, and overall appearance. We will also check for any lumps, bumps, or abnormalities that may indicate an underlying health issue.
Additionally, we will discuss your pet's lifestyle and habits with you. This can help identify any potential risk factors for your pet's health.
Vaccinations are injections that contain a small amount of a disease-causing organism. These organisms are either killed or weakened, so they do not cause illness in your pet. When your pet receives a vaccination, their immune system responds by creating antibodies to fight off the disease. This way, if your pet is ever exposed to the actual disease, their body will be prepared to fight it off.
Vaccinations are typically given in a series of shots, starting when your pet is a puppy or kitten and continuing throughout their life. Some vaccinations require annual boosters, while others may only need to be given every few years.
Core Vaccinations
Core vaccinations are those that are considered essential for all pets to receive. These vaccinations protect against diseases that are highly contagious, widespread, and potentially fatal. They are also diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, making them a public health concern.
For dogs, the core vaccinations include:
For cats, the core vaccinations include:
These vaccinations are considered essential because they protect against diseases that are easily spread and can have severe consequences for your pet’s health. In some cases, these diseases can even be fatal.
Non-Core Vaccinations
Non-core vaccinations are those that are recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle, environment, and risk of exposure to certain diseases. These vaccinations are not considered essential for all pets, but they may be necessary for some.
For dogs, non-core vaccinations may include:
For cats, non-core vaccinations may include:
These vaccinations are not considered essential because they protect against diseases that are not as easily spread or are not as severe as the core vaccinations. However, they may still be necessary for your pet depending on their lifestyle and risk of exposure.
Why Are Pet Vaccinations Important?
Pet vaccinations are essential for several reasons:
Protect Your Pet's Health
The primary reason for getting your pet vaccinated is to protect their health. Vaccinations prevent your pet from contracting potentially life-threatening diseases, which can save you from costly vet bills and heartache.
Protect Public Health
Some diseases that pets can be vaccinated against, such as rabies, can also be transmitted to humans. By vaccinating your pet, you are not only protecting them but also protecting the health of your family and community.
Required by Law
In many states, it is required by law to have your pet vaccinated against rabies. This is to prevent the spread of the disease and protect public health.
Required for Travel
If you plan on traveling with your pet, vaccinations may be required for entry into certain countries or states. This is to prevent the spread of diseases across borders.
What is FeLV?
FeLV is a retrovirus that affects cats. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted through saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids. Kittens are most susceptible to FeLV, but cats of any age can become infected.
Causes of FeLV
FeLV is caused by a virus that attacks the immune system of cats. It can be transmitted through close contact with an infected cat, such as grooming, sharing food and water bowls, or through bites from infected cats. It can also be passed from a mother cat to her kittens during pregnancy or through her milk.
Symptoms of FeLV
FeLV can cause a variety of symptoms in cats, including:
Some cats may not show any symptoms at all, while others may experience severe symptoms. It's important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other health issues, so it's important to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Treatment of FeLV
FeLV can be diagnosed through a blood test, known as the FeLV snap test. This test detects the presence of the virus in a cat's blood. If a cat tests positive for FeLV, further testing may be done to determine the stage of the infection and the best course of treatment.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for FeLV, but supportive care can help manage symptoms and improve a cat's quality of life. This may include medications to treat secondary infections, blood transfusions, and nutritional support. In some cases, cats may go into remission and show no signs of the virus, but they can still transmit it to other cats.
What is FIV?
FIV is also a retrovirus that affects cats. It is similar to HIV in humans and attacks the immune system, making cats more susceptible to other infections and diseases.
Causes of FIV
FIV is caused by a virus that is transmitted through bites from infected cats. It is most commonly spread through fighting and mating, but it can also be passed from a mother cat to her kittens during pregnancy or through her milk.
Symptoms of FIV
FIV can cause a variety of symptoms in cats, including:
As with FeLV, some cats may not show any symptoms at all, while others may experience severe symptoms. It's important to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Treatment of FIV
FIV can be diagnosed through a blood test, known as the FIV snap test. This test detects the presence of antibodies to the virus in a cat's blood. If a cat tests positive for FIV, further testing may be done to determine the stage of the infection and the best course of treatment.
Similar to FeLV, there is no cure for FIV, but supportive care can help manage symptoms and improve a cat's quality of life. This may include medications to treat secondary infections, nutritional support, and regular check-ups to monitor the cat's health.
Prevention of FeLV and FIV
The best way to prevent FeLV and FIV in cats is to keep them indoors and away from potentially infected cats. If you have multiple cats, it's important to have them tested for these viruses before introducing them to each other. It's also important to keep your cat up-to-date on vaccinations and to have them spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies and potential transmission of the viruses.
Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism, known as the host, and rely on the host for survival. They can be found in various forms, including worms, fleas, ticks, and mites. Parasites can cause a range of health issues in dogs and cats, from mild irritation to life-threatening conditions.
Common Parasites in Dogs and Cats
Fleas
Fleas are the most common external parasite found in dogs and cats. These tiny insects feed on the blood of their host and can cause severe itching, skin irritation, and even anemia in young animals. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms, a type of internal parasite, to your pet.
Ticks
Ticks are another common external parasite that can be found on dogs and cats. These blood-sucking parasites can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. Ticks are most commonly found in wooded areas and can attach themselves to your pet's skin, causing irritation and discomfort.
Roundworms
Roundworms are a type of internal parasite that can be found in dogs and cats. These worms can grow up to several inches long and can cause serious health issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Roundworms can also be transmitted to humans, making them a potential health risk for pet owners as well.
Hookworms
Hookworms are another type of internal parasite that can be found in dogs and cats. These worms attach themselves to the lining of the small intestine and feed on the host's blood. Hookworms can cause anemia, weight loss, and even death in severe cases.
Ear Mites
Ear mites are a common parasite found in dogs and cats. These tiny mites live in the ear canal and feed on the wax and oils in the ear. Ear mites can cause severe irritation and discomfort, leading to excessive scratching and head shaking.
Testing for Parasites
Regular testing for parasites is essential for the health of your dog and cat. We can perform a fecal exam to check for the presence of internal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. We can also perform a skin scraping to check for external parasites like fleas and mites.
It is recommended to have your pet tested for parasites at least once a year, or more frequently if they show symptoms of a parasitic infection. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious health issues and ensure the well-being of your pet.
Preventing Parasites
Preventing parasites is key to keeping your pet healthy and happy. Here are some tips to help prevent parasitic infections in your furry friends:
Treatment for Parasites
If your pet is diagnosed with a parasitic infection, we will prescribe the appropriate treatment. This may include medications to kill the parasites, as well as supportive care to help your pet recover from any health issues caused by the parasites.
It is important to follow our instructions for treatment and to complete the full course of medication, even if your pet's symptoms improve. This will ensure that all parasites are eliminated and prevent re-infection.
Microchipping is a simple and safe procedure that involves inserting a tiny microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, under your pet's skin. The chip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by a microchip reader. This number is linked to your contact information in a national pet recovery database, making it easy for shelters and veterinarians to contact you if your pet is found.
The Procedure
The microchipping procedure is quick and painless for your pet. It is done in our office and can be done during a routine visit or at the same time as spaying or neutering. The microchip is inserted under the skin between your pet's shoulder blades using a needle, similar to a routine vaccination. Your pet may experience some mild discomfort, but it is short-lived, and they will quickly return to their normal activities.
The Benefits of Microchipping
Permanent Identification
Unlike ID tags and collars, microchips are permanent and cannot be removed or lost. This means that your pet will always have a form of identification, even if they lose their collar or tags.
Quick and Easy Identification
Microchips can be scanned by any veterinarian or animal shelter, making it easy for them to identify your pet and contact you. This is especially helpful if your pet is found outside of your local area.
Increased Chance of Reunion
As mentioned earlier, the chances of being reunited with your lost pet are significantly higher if they are microchipped. In fact, a study by the American Veterinary Medical Association found that dogs with microchips were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time, compared to only 21.9% for dogs without microchips. For cats, the numbers were even more significant, with a 38.5% return rate for microchipped cats compared to only 1.8% for cats without microchips.
Proper nutrition is essential for the overall health and well-being of your pet. A balanced and nutritious diet can help prevent diseases, maintain a healthy weight, and improve their quality of life. On the other hand, poor nutrition and obesity can lead to a variety of health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. As responsible pet owners, it is our duty to ensure that our pets are getting the right nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight.
Choose the Right Food
When it comes to choosing the right food for your pet, it is important to consider their age, breed, and any health conditions they may have. Different animals have different nutritional needs, and it is important to choose a food that is specifically formulated for your pet. Look for high-quality, balanced diets that are free from fillers and by-products. You can also opt for specialized diets that cater to specific health conditions such as joint problems or allergies.
Portion Control
Just like humans, overeating can lead to weight gain in pets. It is important to follow the recommended portion sizes for your pet's size and activity level. Avoid free-feeding and instead, feed your pet at specific times throughout the day. This will help prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight.
Regular Exercise
In addition to a balanced diet, regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight in pets. Depending on your pet's breed and age, they may require different levels of physical activity. Consult with us to determine the appropriate amount of exercise for your pet and make it a part of their daily routine.
Pet Wellness Checks
Regular visits to the veterinarian are important for monitoring your pet's overall health and weight. During these visits, we can assess your pet's weight and make any necessary adjustments to their diet and exercise routine. We can also provide guidance on how to maintain a healthy weight for your pet.
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