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Routine Preventative Care
Examinations
Younger pets should have a full physical exam annually. Older pets should come for an exam once every six months and sooner if a problem arises.
Vaccinations
Our vaccination protocol is customized to each pet's personal exposure and risk. We educate our clients about the various vaccinations available and then determine if the benefits of inoculation outweigh the risks. Routine vaccines for dogs include: Rabies, Distemper combo (distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, hepatitis, and parainfluenza), Leptospirosis, Lyme, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough vaccine). Routine vaccines for cats include Rabies, Distemper combo (Panleukopenia, Calici, and Rhinotracheitis), and Leukemia.
Deworming and Fecal Checks
Parasitic zoonoses are diseases caused by parasites. While we normally associate parasites, such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms with cats and dogs, people can accidentally be infected with the same parasites. Regular deworming is the best way to prevent parasitic disease and the transmission of intestinal parasites from pets to people. It also prevents the shedding of parasite eggs, which contaminate yards or any place a pet defecates.
We recommend that every pet receive two rounds of broad spectrum deworming at least once annually. The two rounds are set three weeks apart. Puppies, kittens, and pets that test positive for internal parasites may require several rounds of deworming.
Routine Bloodwork
All kittens should be tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodefiency Virus (FIV). This test should be repeated annually for all cats that have previously tested positive, go outdoors, or have symptoms.
Lyme and other tick borne diseases are prevalent in Charles County. We also see a number of heartworm positive dogs. For this reason, all dogs should be tested annually with the Heartworm 3DX Combo test, which tests for the presence of Heartworm, Lyme, and Erhlichia infections.
We also recommend comprehensive bloodwork annually for all pets over the age of seven.
Preventative Medications
We recommend that all dogs be on yearly prevention for heartworm, fleas, and ticks. We also recommend flea and tick prevention for cats. We sell a variety of preventatives and would be happy to help you determine which is best for your companion.
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