We recommend annual wellness exams for healthy adult pets from 1-6 years of age. This visit will include a comprehensive physical examination, routine parasite screening from both fecal and blood samples, and discussion/administration of vaccines based on your pet’s lifestyle. We will also discuss topics such as oral health, nutrition, behavior, and parasite prevention.
As your pet becomes a senior (7+ years), we recommend bi-annual wellness checks to catch any disease progression early and aid in faster treatment and recovery. Aging pets have different needs and more frequent exams allow us to address age-related issues early. We recommend annual blood screening to detect organ function or metabolic changes that may require treatment. At these visits, we will also perform routine parasite screens, vaccinations and discuss oral health, nutrition and parasite preventatives.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an important part of your pet’s health. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to disease because their immune system is not fully developed. Our core vaccines include Distemper (DHPP), Bordetella and Rabies. Based on your pet’s lifestyle, additional vaccines may be needed including Leptospirosis and Lyme. For cats, the core vaccines are Distemper (PLRC) and Rabies with Feline Leukemia vaccinations available if lifestyle warrants. Click here to view our vaccination protocol for puppies and kittens.
Dietary Counseling
We will provide guidance regarding your pet’s nutritional needs for each life stage, including dietary requirements for healthy growth, weight maintenance and performance. If a specialized diet becomes necessary such as reduced calorie, dental health, and specific organ care, SLVC will have an option available.
Behavioral Counseling
We can provide advice regarding the correction of problems such as excessive barking, chewing, spraying, scratching, separation anxiety and aggression. These appointments can take longer than our regular exams as the veterinarian will want to spend time with you and your pet to best assess the situation and make recommendations that will best address the concerns of your pet.