Wellness Programs

We don't want you to miss any of the special time you share with your pet.  We also believe that it is important to optimize a pet's quality of life and not just the duration.  That's why we've developed Standards of Care to address the needs of your pet at various stages of his or her life.

The cornerstone of our Wellness Programs is a thorough, nose-to-tail physical examination which includes:

-weight and temperature measurement

-oral and dental health evaluation

-ear, eye and nose examination

-ascult thorax, checking for abnormalities in cardiovascular and pulmonary systems

-palpation of internal abdominal organs, such as liver, kidneys, spleen, etc.

-check skin and coat for external parasites and other abnormalities

-overall body condition scoring

-palpation of lymph nodes, joints and pulses as necessary

A complete physical exam is needed at least once annually.  As our pets age 6-7 years for every calendar year, an exam last year would therefore be equivalent to 6-7 years ago!  Your pet cannot tell us how he or she feels or where it hurts.  Our veterinarians are trained to examine and interpret the findings in order to make recommendations for your pet's continued health. Our veterinarians and staff will then work with you to make customized decisions for each individual pet regarding vaccines, optimum diet and nutrition, further screening tests recommended, controlling parasites and insect-borne diseases, correcting behavior problems and developing good grooming practices.

Vaccinations

Due to the many recent discoveries and innovations in veterinary medicine, your pet can be protected from most major contagious diseases. Today, many immunizations and preventive treatments are available that did not exist just a few years ago.

Vaccination Protocols are no longer a "one size fits all" approach and are developed for each patient based on factors such as age, lifestyle and location as well as other risk factors. The following are general vaccination recommendations for puppies, adult dogs, kittens, and adult cats.

Due to your pet's individual requirements and specific needs, your veterinarian may modify this schedule.

Dog Vaccinations

DHPP - Combination Vaccination Protecting Against Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza

For Puppies - We recommend 3 sets of vaccinations given every 3 - 4 weeks (Typically given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks). For Non-Vaccinated Adult Dogs (or adult dog with unknown vaccination history)  We recommend 2 sets of vaccinations given 3 - 4 weeks apart. After the initial series, your pet will receive a one year booster. Subsequent vaccinations will be given every 3 years.

Rabies - Rabies vaccination is required by state law.

Puppies need to be vaccinated against Rabies at 16 weeks of age. A non-vaccinated adult dog (or adult dog with unknown vaccination history) needs immediate vaccination. The first Rabies vaccination is good for 1 year. Subsequent vaccinations are good for 3 years.

Lyme Disease Vaccination

The first time a dog is vaccinated against Lyme disease, an initial dose followed by a booster dose in 4 weeks is necessary. After the first year, annual vaccinations are necessary.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccination

The initial vaccination is given as an intranasal spray. Subsequent vaccinations are given by injection annually although some boarding and grooming facilities may require it as often as every 6 months.

Cat Vaccinations

FVRCP - Combined Vaccination Protecting Against Feline Rhinotracheitis-Calcivirus-Panleukopenia

For Kittens and Adult Cats - We recommend 2 sets of vaccinations given at 3 - 4 week intervals. Your cat will get a booster vaccine 1 year after the initial set. Subsequent vaccinations are good for 3 years.

Feline Leukemia Vaccination

This vaccination is recommended for all outdoor cats. For Kittens and Adult Cats - We recommend 2 sets of vaccinations given at 3 - 4 week intervals. After the first year, this vaccination should be administered at least every 3 years, can be given yearly for high risk pets.

Rabies Vaccination

Kittens need to be vaccinated against Rabies at 16 weeks of age. A non-vaccinated adult cat (or adult cat with unknown vaccination history) needs immediate vaccination. All feline rabies vaccinations given at Central Animal Hospital are good for 1 year.