A Lifetime of Wellnes: Preventive Healthcare Guidelines
The bond between you and your pet is fused from a mutual need for loving companionship. Our goal is to help you maintain that bond for as long as possible! To that end, we have developed guidelines designed to help limit diseases that are preventable. They will also help recognize disease in its early stage, when treatment is more successful. By recognizing important milestones and providing appropriate preventive care, we can often prevent or reduce the irreversible and often debilitating consequences of disease.
Age |
Life Stage |
Expectations |
Preventative Care and Testing Recommendations |
0-1 years |
Kitten/ Puppy |
Growth - skeletal maturity at 8-12 mo.
Sexual maturity at 6-12 months
Primary concerns are congenital defects, infectious diseases. |
Full physical exams at 8 and 16 weeks
At least one negative fecal parasite screening.
Cats: FeLV/FIV/FHW testing at >9 weeks.
Vaccinations based on lifestyle
Parasite prevention based on lifestyle
High-quality, growth-based diet.
Body Condition Scoring
Discuss environment, diet, behavior and dental care.
Spay or neuter at 6-12 months
|
1-7 years |
Adult |
Optimum health/peak athletic activity
Highest likelihood for traumatic injuries
Highest likelihood for orthopedic injuries
Most common age for heartworm disease
Signs of allergies can develop
2/3 of adults will develop dental disease
Obesity development - 2/3 of all pets |
Annual physical examinations
Dogs: Annual 4DX heartworm/tick disease screening
Annual Fecal parasite screening
Body Condition Scoring
Nutritional assessment
Immunizations based on lifestyle
Parasite prevention based on lifestyle
Home dental care and professional cleanings as needed. Complete Blood Count, Blood Chemistry Profile, Urinalysis Additional testing as dictated by problems
|
8+ years |
Senior |
Muscle atrophy and decreased activity can accelerate obesity
Graying of haircoat
Heart, kidney, liver, and thyroid disease
Risk of diabetes increases
Increased risk of cancer
>50% develop osteoarthritis |
Bi-Annual full physical examinations and cancer checks.
Annual fecal parasite screenings
Body Condition Scoring
Nutritional Assessment
Dogs: Annual 4DX heartworm/tick disease screening
Immunizations based on lifestyle
Parasite prevention based on lifestyle
Home dental care and professional cleaning Complete Blood Count, Blood Chemistry Profile, Urinalysis
Thyroid Screening
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Blood Pressure
Chest X-Rays |
|