- Dental CareIf you have your puppy once they are weaned, at 6 to 8 weeks, you can begin then. Touch their paws, separate their toes and lift their lip to inspect and feel their teeth and lift their ears and tail. This will prepare them for essential veterinary visits and nail clipping/ear cleaning/ dental care at home.
- Vaccination
- Behavioral CounselingEvery year, millions of unwanted dogs and cats, including puppies and kittens, are euthanized. By having your dog or cat sterilized, you will do your part to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens. Spaying and neutering also help protect against some serious health problems, and may reduce many of the behavioral problems associated with the mating instinct.
- Nutritional CounselingIn our article on joint care, we go into more depth about the essential elements to supporting your pet's mobility including weight loss and encouraging regular "low impact" movement. In addition, joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin are frequently recommended for our patients.
- Comprehensive ExaminationThe right treatment can only start with the right diagnosis. We can only achieve a proper diagnosis after a physical exam and diagnostic findings or by ruling out other potential conditions.
- Parasites Treatment and Control: When puppies are 8 weeks old, they can and should start flea-prevention, which they should continue all year. Most flea preventatives that we recommend are given monthly, either by spreading a gel on the skin between the shoulder blades or given orally as a treat. Our favorite brand is
- Pain ManagementThe surgeon will call you once the procedure is complete to give you an update on your pet while your pet’s technician moves them to their cage and watches them closely as they wake up. They are provided warmers to keep them snug, and they may be provided additional pain medication depending on the nature of their procedure.
- Vomiting TreatmentMore persistent vomiting does need to be treated same-day, as it can lead to dehydration and can prolong their recovery. If your pet cannot hold down food or water, you should seek same-day care. If your pet has other symptoms such as lethargy, reduced appetite or diarrhea, they should be seen even if their vomiting is not persistent.
- Leptospirosis Treatment
- Parvovirus Infection TreatmentDHPP stands for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus- four very contagious and dangerous viruses affecting dogs. Your puppy will need to start this vaccine at 6 to 8 weeks of age, and it will need to be boosted every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 to 18 weeks old. The final booster given at 16 to 18 weeks lasts for one year, and then your adult dog will have DHPP boosted every 3 years.Â
- Ear Infection TreatmentClients often seek treatment for their pet's ear infections because the symptoms of their discomfort are obvious. Ear infections are...
- Hip Dysplasia TreatmentConsult your veterinarian about the most appropriate time to spay or neuter your pet based upon his/her breed, age and physical condition. The University of California, Davis, introduced breed-specific guidelines from a landmark study for canines that are helpful in determining the risks from a medical standpoint. Early sterilization prevented many issues, according to the study, but also appeared to increase the risk of other diseases, such as cranial cruciate ligament rupture, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumors, lymphosarcoma, and hip dysplasia.
- Veterinary Surgery1. Murphy, L.A., Barletta, M., Graham, L.F., Reichl, L.J., Duxbury, M.M. & Quandt, J.E. (2017). Effects of acepromazine and trazodone on anesthetic induction dose of propofol and cardiovascular variables in dogs undergoing general anesthesia for orthopedic surgery. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 250(4), 408–416. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.250.4.408
- Spaying and NeuteringEarly spaying of female dogs and cats can help protect them from some serious health problems later in life such as uterine infections and mammary cancer. Neutering your male pet can also lessen its risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland) and testicular cancer.
- MicrochippingFor kittens and puppies, a preventive care plan makes good sense, especially if your puppy or kitten is not yet neutered or spayed. If your deductible (the amount you must pay before insurance kicks in) plus your premiums are less than the cost of your pet's neuter or spay, exams, all vaccines they will need, de-worming and microchipping, then it is a no-brainer.Â
- Boarding
- Senior Pet CareDiets that claim to be "all life stages" are probably not the best. Puppies and kittens, Adults, pregnant and nursing pets and senior pets have different requirements. Make sure to choose a diet based on your pet's phase of life. Remember-