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Preventive Care & Wellness

  • Adding a puppy to your family is exciting and also a big responsibility. It is important to work with your veterinarian to keep your puppy safe and healthy. This handout includes information about basic puppy care, including vaccinations, internal and external parasites, microchipping, and the importance of early spaying or neutering.

  • The physical examination is a crucial part of assessing the health of a new pet bird. Your first visit with an avian veterinarian should also include a thorough discussion of proper nutrition, housing, care, grooming, and training/socialization. Additional tests may be recommended during the exam.

  • A yearly health examination is highly recommended for all reptiles. Since reptiles are excellent at hiding symptoms illness, it takes an experienced reptile veterinarian to assess the true health of your pet reptile. Blood tests, fecal examinations and/or X-rays may be performed during the health visit.

  • Vulvoplasty, also called episioplasty, is a surgical procedure used to correct a recessed vulva, in which excess skin folds partially cover the vulva and can lead to irritation or infection. During a vulvoplasty, a small amount of tissue is removed above the vulva to expose the vulva more normally.

  • Walking is an excellent way for dogs to burn more calories while working toward weight loss. A short leash and head halter or harness are recommended to keep the walk going at a consistent pace. Gradually work up to several 30-minute walks per day.

  • Pet monitoring systems provide peace of mind for pet owners. While away from home, pet parents can monitor the home and pet. Monitors allow observation as well as interaction that benefits both pet and owner. Numerous options are available to accommodate the individual needs of both pet and pet parent. Do a little research to find the one that best fits your needs.

  • Helping an overweight pet lose weight can be more challenging when activity is limited, but it is still possible with the right plan. This article explains how diet, feeding strategies, safe exercise, rehabilitation therapy, and regular monitoring can work together to support successful weight loss.

  • A wellness examination includes a complete physical examination and discussion about your cat's daily habits and nutrition. Depending on your cat's age, these visits may be recommended annually or more frequently. Lab work such as blood tests, urinalysis, and fecal tests are often recommended to screen for underlying disease. Blood pressure assessment and radiographs of your cat's chest, abdomen, or joints may also be suggested. Prepare for your cat's wellness examination by knowing what food she eats and how much, any supplements or medications they are taking and if anyone in your household has noticed changes or concerns.

  • A wellness examination includes a complete physical examination and discussion about your dog's daily habits and nutrition. Depending on your dog's age, these visits may be recommended annually or more frequently. Lab work such as blood tests, urinalysis, and fecal tests are often recommended to screen for underlying disease. Radiographs of your dog's chest, abdomen, or joints may also be suggested. Prepare for your dog's wellness examination by knowing what food he eats and how much, any supplements or medications he is taking and if anyone in your household has noticed changes or has concerns.

  • Regular wellness exams and laboratory testing are designed to detect hidden disease in cats, allowing for earlier intervention to correct or manage disease. Typical testing in young or middle-aged cats includes complete blood count, biochemistry panel, and urinalysis. These tests can be done in conjunction with your cat’s annual visit to your veterinarian.