Wellness exams are a vital component to keeping your pet in tiptop shape from head to toe. Paw Prints Animal Hospital recommends annual checkups for pets up to age 7, and semi-annual visits after that. At this visit, we will record your pet's weight, look at his/her coat to make sure it is shiny and smooth and not dry or coarse, and check his/her skin for signs of dryness, greasiness, or "hot spots" (localized areas of inflammation or infection). The skin and coat are excellent indicators of overall health. We will also listen to your pet's heart and examine his/her ears deep in the canal where infections can start and get out of control before they can be seen. All findings are noted on the patient's medical chart in order to maintain a complete history and ensure follow up on areas of concern. The annual exam is also the time to update vaccinations and perform necessary testing.
Just as with humans, regular vaccinations are a very important part of your pet's health care routine. Vaccines help prepare the body's immune system to fight foreign organisms, protecting against multiple life-threatening diseases and providing your pet the best chance at a long, healthy life. According to the American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Task Force, vaccines can be classified into three categories: core, non-core and not recommended. Core vaccines are those considered vital to all dogs; non-core are those determined based on outlying factors such as exposure risk, geographic location, etc.
Puppies and kittens should begin to receive vaccinations beginning at about 6-8 weeks, once the benefit of antibodies from its mother's milk is no longer in place. Of course, as with any medical treatment there are some risks. That's why it's crucial to work with your veterinarian to determine the vaccination schedule for your pet based on breed, age, current health and lifestyle. To help in this process, we do offer Wellness Packages for new puppies & kittens as well as for adults!
Just as with humans, regular vaccinations are a very important part of your pet's health care routine. Vaccines help prepare the body's immune system to fight foreign organisms, protecting against multiple life-threatening diseases and providing your pet the best chance at a long, healthy life. According to the American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Task Force, vaccines can be classified into three categories: core, non-core and not recommended. Core vaccines are those considered vital to all dogs; non-core are those determined based on outlying factors such as exposure risk, geographic location, etc.
Puppies and kittens should begin to receive vaccinations beginning at about 6-8 weeks, once the benefit of antibodies from its mother's milk is no longer in place. Of course, as with any medical treatment there are some risks. That's why it's crucial to work with your veterinarian to determine the vaccination schedule for your pet based on breed, age, current health and lifestyle. To help in this process, we do offer Wellness Packages for new puppies & kittens as well as for adults!
