Wellness protocols

Puppy and Kitten
Puppies and kittens need to be examined and vaccinated for DHPP or FVRCP every 3-4 weeks until they are 14-16 weeks old. The first appointment is usually at 6-8 weeks, and should also include a fecal test for intestinal parasites (please bring a sample to your first visit). At the last appointment (around 16 weeks), we will vaccinate for rabies and ensure that you have any necessary flea, tick, and/or heartworm preventatives. Kittens who will be going outside will receive FeLV on their last 2 visits, and puppies enrolled in puppy classes should receive the bordetella vaccine before they start. We recommend spaying or neutering at 6 months.

Adult Dogs and Cats
Adult pets need to be examined and vaccinated for DHLPPC/FVRCP annually. Rabies vaccines are given every 3 years (after the first, which is only valid for 1 year). Bordetella is boosted yearly for dogs who are exposed to boarding kennels, groomers, puppy parks, or doggie day care. FeLV is boosted annually for cats that go outside. Dogs need to have a wellness profile or a heartworm test yearly (or every other year if on preventative year-round). Cats receive the wellness profile every other year.

Senior Dogs and Cats
As our pets age, we need to be aware of their special needs, and their increased risk of developing certain problems. The age at which we consider a pet to be a senior depends on their size (smaller pets tend to have a longer average lifespan than larger pets). When you bring your senior pet to us for his or her annual visit, we may suggest less frequent vaccinations against DHLPPC or FVRCP. This decision is based on risk-benefit determinations, and is influenced by the health status of your pet, and any diagnoses that may have been made. We also recommend bloodwork be done annually to assist in monitoring or early detection of diseases. While we do expect some changes to occur in our older pets, it is important to report any changes you have noticed to us, so that we can better care for your pet. Specific things to watch for are: vomiting, diarrhea, sudden weight loss or gain, increase in thirst or appetite, confusion, and difficulty going up or down stairs.