Annual Visits

An adult dogs’ annual check up consists of an annual exam, vaccinations deemed appropriate for your dog based on his/her lifestyle, and lab work. Annual vaccinations include a one-year or three-year Rabies vaccination, a combination Distemper vaccination which includes immunizations against Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis ,Parvovirus, and Bordetella (kennel cough.) The Bordetella vaccine is an intranasal vaccination that is usually given twice a year unless otherwise instructed by a veterinarian.

Your cats’ annual check-up consists of an annual exam, lab work, and appropriate vaccinations. Most cats will receive two or three vaccinations. If your cat is strictly indoors, your cat will not need a Feline Leukemia vaccination like an outdoor cat. This is because the incidence of Feline Leukemia in strictly indoor cats is low. Both inside and outside cats should have a Rabies and Feline Distemper vaccination. The Feline Distemper vaccination protects against several upper respiratory viruses.

The most important part of the annual visit is the physical exam and wellness profile. It gives the doctors base line physical parameters and blood work to refer back to in case your pet becomes ill during the year. It is also helps in detecting underlying illnesses by reporting kidney functions, liver function, blood cell counts, as well as a heartworm test. Our veterinarians require proof of a negative heartworm test within the past two years in order to approve an online prescription or sell heartworm preventive.

The fecal exam is another aspect of the annual exam which should not be overlooked. It helps us to detect internal parasites which not only can affect your pets’ health, but also may infect humans. This is especially important in households with young children.