Just like you, we want your pet to live the longest, healthiest life possible. That starts with the basics: quality food, enough exercise, and regular check-ups. Yes, love is one of those basics, too—but we figure you’ve got that covered.
We recommend that healthy adult pets visit the vet once a year. Puppies and kittens will initially need to come more often to ensure they get their needed vaccinations, and seniors (pets over about seven) should see us twice per year. Since animals age much faster than we do, disease and illness progress faster as well—and we want to catch problems early while they’re more treatable.
Our nose-to-tail wellness exams for dogs and cats are comprehensive. At an exam, our vet will:
- assess your pet’s physical and dental health
- perform blood, fecal, and urine screenings
- advise parasite prevention
- assess nutritional needs
- ask about behavioral changes
- develop custom vaccination and/or health plan for your pet
Examinations also give us a chance to get to know your pet and acclimate him or her to veterinary care so future visits are less stressful.
Vaccinations
Vaccinating your pet is a relatively inexpensive but essential way to protect his or her health. In addition to preventing many life-threatening illnesses, vaccinations can prevent diseases prevalent in wildlife and those that can be passed to humans. It’s important to administer vaccinations when pets are puppies and kittens because their young immune systems are still developing and need protection to stay healthy.
Which vaccines should your pet have? “Core” vaccines are those recommended—and possibly mandated by law—for most pets. Core vaccines include:
- Rabies (dogs and cats)
- DAPP – Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo and Parainfluenza (dogs)
- HCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (cats)
Other non-core, but highly suggested vaccinations for cats include FIV for feline immunodeficiency virus and FeLV to protect against feline leukemia.
For dogs, bordetella, leptospirosis, and canine influenza shots are recommended if they frequent dog parks, kennels, or any place where they’re socializing with other canines. Your veterinarian may also suggest a Lyme disease vaccination if your dog goes into tick-prone areas.
Your Countryside Animal Clinic veterinarian can advise you which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle. For more information on vaccinations or to schedule an appointment, call us at (352) 746-7171.