Regular physical exams are one of the most important things we can do to stay on top of any health changes in our pets. We recommend an exam every 6-12 months based on age and health status. Your observations of changes in your pet’s activity, routine, or appetite are extremely important in helping us recognize potential health issues. Often we are then able to intervene early rather than wait until it possibly becomes a more serious or urgent problem. Don’t hesitate to bring up questions you have about things you have noticed in your pet, as you are with your pet every day and know them best.

Based on your pet’s history, lifestyle and risk factors, we will determine and discuss with you which vaccines are important for your pet. We offer antibody testing for some vaccines, which you can read more about in our “Resources” section. Because every animal is unique and responds to vaccines differently, antibody testing can tell us when each individual needs a vaccine booster rather than just assuming that all pets need it at the same time interval.

Fecal testing for intestinal parasites and a blood test for heart-worm and tick-borne diseases are important components of staying on top of potential issues that could become more serious if not found early. We recommend these tests yearly, or more frequently if your pet is showing signs that could indicate a possible parasite problem. We will discuss various prevention medications with you to help you decide which ones will be appropriate for your pet.

Trying to navigate what often feels like a maze of pet nutrition? We want to help you make educated decisions about this and can point you in the direction of food that will keep your pet feeling their best based on history, lifestyle and any health issues. The most expensive or most heavily-marketed food isn’t necessarily the best choice for your pet. We are happy to answer your questions on this!

Is your pet having trouble chewing? Do they have bad breath? These are signs that can point to dental problems which can include anything from gum disease to infection to broken teeth. Dental cleanings and in-depth evaluation can only be done under general anesthesia in animals. We include full-mouth x-rays to evaluate potential problems below the gum line such as abscesses and changes in the roots and/or bone.

Traveling or moving out of the country with your pet(s)? You will need a health certificate, and the process can be fairly daunting for going to some countries. We recommend contacting us as soon as you know you are going, so we can help you plan a timeline to get any testing or other required procedures completed. The process can take up to a couple of months, depending on the requirements for the country you are traveling to.

Itchy ears? Vomiting? Limping? Just feeling a little “off”? Despite all of our best efforts to stay healthy, we can still have accidents or come down with something. The same is true with our pets. We are here to help figure out what is going on, which sometimes becomes evident on just an exam, but often needs extra testing. Then we can get them on a treatment path to feeling their best again.

Sometimes our pets do things that puzzle or annoy us, or are dangerous to themselves or others around them. We are happy to talk about any behavior concerns you have regarding your pet. Some can be related to medical issues, so a visit is important to help sort through what the underlying cause may be, and then evaluate the best approach to achieve positive change.

As our pets age, it is often helpful for us to see them a little more frequently to keep up with changes in their health that can seem accelerated in their later years. Sometimes it is easy to think that they are slowing down just because of their age, when really they may have developed a condition that we can treat, help them feel better, and put a little bounce back into their step. We are happy to discuss an individualized plan for your senior.