Like you, we want a long, healthy, and happy life for your pet. That’s why we emphasize preventive pet care, annual exams, and appropriate vaccinations. So many diseases can be avoided or minimized with preventive treatment and early detection. Early treatment is typically less invasive, less costly, and often aids your pet’s recovery.
From your pet’s infancy to his or her senior years, we’ll assess the proper preventive care based on your pet’s lifestyle and individual circumstances.
Annual Exams Are Important
While 12 months flies for us, it’s a significant span of time for your pet. Our pets age more rapidly than us, so one year can make a big difference in your animal’s health. Your 5-year-old dog may still feel like your baby, but he’s already middle-aged!
We will want to evaluate your pet’s health at least once a year, with increasing frequency as he or she ages. Blood and other lab tests may be run, since they provide clues to how the body and its internal systems are functioning.
What to Expect at Your Pet’s Annual Exam
- A thorough physical exam from head to tail (eyes, skin, lungs, abdomen, heart, weight, joints, muscles, lumps/bumps, etc.)
- Weight and nutrition assessment
- Pet vaccine updates
- Other tests that may be indicated (heartworm tests, blood profile tests, ova and parasite, etc.)
- A dental assessment
Click here for more information on what to expect at a routine exam.
Exotic & Pocket Pets
Annual exams are also recommended for your exotic and pocket pets. While pocket pets do not require vaccinations, they should be weighed and examined for possible problems. There are many complex husbandry issues that pocket pets can face, and our staff can help.
Pet Health Certificates
We also issue health certificates, which state that your pet is not showing signs of disease that could be passed to other animals or to people. Pet health certificates are often required for traveling pets and many airlines require this documentation. During an annual exam, this is a great time to request a pet health certificate.
Pet Vaccinations
Vaccines are a critical part of your pet’s health. The vets and staff of Ingleside Animal Hospital believe in vaccinating your pet in accordance to your pet’s age, breed, health status, environment, lifestyle, and travel habits.
Vaccination Protocols
Implemented in 2009 and based on the latest research, Ingleside Animal Hospital’s vaccination protocol was developed in response to the advancements of vaccine technology and based on overwhelming evidence that some core vaccinations offer more than one year’s immunity to both cats and dogs.
Core Vaccinations
Veterinary infectious disease experts, veterinary teaching hospitals, and national veterinary organizations (AVMA, AAHA, AFP) have developed a list of what are considered essential vaccines for both cats and dogs. These pet vaccinations are the following:
- Dogs: Canine Distemper (D), Canine Adenovirus (A2), Canine Parainfluenza (P), Canine Parvo (P), Bordetella, Rabies
- Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), Feline Calici (C), Feline Chlamydia (C), Feline Panleukopenia (P), Rabies
Our vaccine protocol essentially rotates the recommended cord vaccinations on a three-year cycle and complies with state and county rabies requirements for dogs.
For puppies and kittens, consider purchasing our specially priced packages that bundle initial vaccinations along with other new pet health care services.
Is your pet overdue for a checkup? Does your dog, cat, or ferret need vaccinations? Contact us to schedule an appointment.