Canine Wellness
Canine Wellness Exams
Since pets age differently from us, puppies need wellness exams every four weeks. We start these exams at 8 weeks of age with their vaccines up until they are 16 weeks old. Adult dogs need wellness exams twice yearly. One year to us is like 4-5 years to our canine friends. Our pets may not always show obvious outward signs of pain, disease, or discomfort, but a veterinarian is trained to pick up early warning signs. Because of the fast-aging process regular wellness exams will help pick up the rapidly changing signs.
What's in the Vaccination?
- Distemper
- Attacks the nervous system - this virus can develop into pneumonia - most common victims are puppies.
- Hepatitis
- Affects the liver
- Leptospirosis
- Bacterial disease that attacks the kidneys as well as other organs.
- Parvo
- Affects the intestines - this virus is very contagious to unprotected pets and can live in the area for months - this virus can be transmitted on our shoes and other articles - the main symptoms are depression, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Parainfluenza
- Affects the lungs - flu like symptoms.
- Bordetella
- Canine bronchitis - very contagious to other dogs - cough can last up to 6 weeks.
- Corona
- Affects the intestines - close cousin to parvo virus.
- Fecal
- Stool sample taken to check for intestinal parasites - we are typically looking for hookworms, roundworms whipworms, coccidia, giardia, and tapeworms. Deworming is done at your puppies first and second visits along with the fecal test.
- Heartworm Preventative
- Heartworms are caused by mosquitoes therefore, it is imperative that your pet stay on heartworm preventative for life. Your technician will go over your preventative choices.
- Birth Control
- Your pet can go into heat anywhere from 4-1/2 to 8 months of age. Neutering (castration) is performed on male dogs. Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is performed on female dogs.
Vaccine Schedule
| 6 weeks | Wellness Exam, Deworming |
| 8 weeks | Wellness Exam, DHPP, Deworming Fecal |
| 12 weeks | Wellness Exam, DHPP, Deworming |
| 16 weeks | Wellness Exam, DHPP, Rabies |
| Annual | Wellness Exam, DHPP, Rabies, Fecal, HW |
| Semi-Annual Exam |
Yearly visits include wellness exams, Rabies, DHPP, Fecal and heartworm check.