WELLNESS CARE FOR DOGS
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Wellness Exam
A regular and comprehensive exam ensures the overall health of your pet for the long run. We strive to ensure that any issues are caught early and that your pet receives the best care at all times. Recommendations for your pet’s care are based on the American Animal Hospital Association guidelines:
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Intestinal Parasite Screen
An annual stool check to screen for intestinal parasites is strongly encouraged. Some parasites can cause illness or even death to your pet Some parasites can be passed on to people. To try to keep risks to a minimum, regular screening helps to ensure everyone is kept healthy!
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Heartworm Testing
Heartworm disease is a complex disease that is transmitted through mosquitoes. Unfortunately, this disease is all too common in unprotected pets, especially in our area. Annual screening (at minimum) is recommended for heartworms, as well as for exposure to some tickborne diseases.
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Vaccines
Vaccine recommendations are based off the most recent American Animal Hospital Association Vaccine Guidelines:
Rabies vaccine: Rabies vaccine is required by law for all dogs and cats. Rabies is a fatal disease that is spread through saliva of infected animals.
DA2PP: (Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus). this multivalent viral vaccine should be given every 3 weeks from the time a puppy is 6 to 8 wks of age until about 5 months. After 1 year, this vaccine can be bolstered every 3 years.
Leptospirosis: This is considered a “noncore” vaccine. It is generally combined with the DA2PP vaccine for puppies/dogs older than 3 months. 2 boosters 3 weeks apart are needed for initial immunization, then annual boosters are required afterward. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease (meaning people can contract it) and it can cause kidney and liver failure. We recommend our patients are vaccinating against Leptospirosis unless medical concerns dictate otherwise.
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Vaccines
Bordetella bronchiseptica: “kennel cough”
This is an upper respiratory disease contagious between dogs (and rarely cats). Most vaccines have a labeled revaccination frequency of every year, but some facilities require every 6 (or rarely every 3) months.
Canine Influenza Virus: “C.I.V.”