ADULT  WELLNESS

            Adult cats and dogs need routine care in order to keep them healthy and happy and to ensure that live to a ripe old age.  As owners, we are responsible for making sure that our furry friends get the nutrition, medical care, exercise, and grooming that they need.  The following information was compiled to give you insight into what exactly your adult companion requires from you. 

DON'T NEGLECT YOUR PETS - BRING THEM TO THE VET!

Let's face it.  Life gets crazy and we have all been guilty of pushing off our pet's annual veterinary visit for "more important" things.  Unfortunately, this is one of the worst things that we can do for our adult companion.  All cats and dogs, no matter how healthy they appear, need to be seen by their doctor at least once a year.  This once a year visit will serve to determine whether or not your pet is as healthy as he or she outwardly seems.  The veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam, a health consultation, appropriate vaccinations, fecal examinations, and any additional diagnostics necessary. 

Physical Examination

A complete physical examination is the most important part of their annual visit.  The doctor will do a "hands-on" examination in which they check your pet's weight, eyes, teeth, ears, heart, lungs, and abdomen.  Many diseases are easily prevented or managed when detected early.  Considering that our pets age four to five times faster than we do, it is extremely important to get them to the doctor on a regular basis.  If you suspect a problem before the annual examination is due, you should not wait to bring your companion in.  Symptoms such as lameness, loss of appetite, lethargy, unexplained weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive drinking and/or urination, etc. should be addressed promptly.  Call your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Health Consultation

During your pet's visit, the doctor will speak to you about your companion's health over the previous year and about your daily routine.  The person in the household who spends the most time taking care of the animal should be present to answer any questions and to provide specific information.  The veterinarian will discuss health and nutritional recommendations as well as any other pertinent information.  If you have questions or concerns, now is the time to bring them up.  You may want to write down any thoughts that you have before the visit so that you do not forget any important points while you are there. 

Vaccinations

Your pet may or may not be due for vaccinations, depending upon their lifestyle and when they have had vaccines given in the past.  Your veterinarian will look through your companion's clinical record and speak to you about your activities in order to decide which vaccinations are necessary.

Fecal Examination

A stool specimen should be checked yearly in order to determine whether or not your furry friend is harboring any intestinal parasites.  The sample should be relatively fresh (less than 12 hours old) and only needs to be about the size of a quarter.  Fecal exams are completed in a timely manner and you will generally have results before you leave the office.

Additional Diagnostics

Doctors will often recommend additional tests for both cats and dogs.  Dogs should routinely be checked for heartworm, lyme, and ehrlichia.  Cats who have not been vaccinated for feline leukemia and who have started going outside should be tested for leukemia and FIV.  Depending upon the age of your pet, the veterinarian may or may not want to do general bloodwork to check body functions. 

GROOMING

            All pets require some type of routine grooming in the form of nail trimming and dental care.  Dogs and indoor cats should have their nails trimmed whenever necessary.  The span of time between trims depends upon the activity level of the animal and in the case of cats, how often they utilize a scratching post.  Outdoor cats should keep their nails long and sharp so that they are able to defend themselves, but owners should check them regularly to make sure that they are not getting too long and growing into the pads of the feet.  If your pet will allow it, you should brush their teeth daily.  Supplies and instructions can be obtained at your veterinary hospital.  For more information on the importance of brushing your companion's teeth, visit out Dental Health page.  Many dogs and long-haired cats require regular brushing and/or occasional professional grooming.  If your pet requires sedation for grooming, contact your veterinarian.

TRAINING

            If at all possible, dogs and dog owners should continue taking obedience and training courses.  This helps to keep the dog active and well-behaved and reaffirms your bond with one another.  There are many types of upper-level training courses that can be taken "just for fun" or with the intention of competing.  For more information on our training facility and the classes that we offer, please visit out Training page.      

NUTRITION

            Adult cats and dogs should be provided with appropriate nutrition for their age group.  There are many quality brands of food available that can provide your companion with the protein and nutrients that they need for a long, healthy life.  Your veterinarian can recommend specific food based upon your pet's individual requirements. 

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

            There are a good deal of harmful parasites that we must keep our pets safe from.  Fortunately, there are also a great deal of wonderful, helpful products available to assist us in this endeavor.  Routine fecal examinations (noted above) and de-wormers can diagnose and eliminate any number of intestinal parasites.  Fleas and ticks can be controlled using products like Revolution and Frontline, among others.  Heartworm disease is easily avoided by feeding your pet a tasty, once-a-month beef treat such as Heartgard or Tri-Heart.

Don't let the hectic pace of everyday life get in the way of offering quality care to your companion. 

Your pet depends on you to be the best owner possible.  Proper, attentive care will help your companion to live a long and happy life.  If you've missed your pet's annual visit, call your veterinary hospital now - it's never too late to get back on track!  Your pet will thank you with many more years of unconditional love!