Wellness and Protection

Even if your pet stays indoors or has limited access to other animals, many illnesses and conditions can develop that have nothing to do with the outside world. Also, your pet’s vaccines are not “one and done” – they need to be boostered every few years in order to best protect your pet from preventable diseases. Most importantly, routine visits can help catch developing issues such as heart disease, dental disease, and weight changes before they become more advanced. Prevention costs less than treating a more severe disease.

We stand by vaccines recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs regardless of their lifestyle, unless there is a specific medical reason not to vaccinate. Core vaccines include:

Noncore vaccines are recommended for some dogs based on lifestyle, location, and risk of exposure. Nonecore vaccines include:

  • Bordetella – Recommended for dogs that go to grooming, boarding, puppy playdates, etc.
  • Lyme – Recommended for dogs that spend time in heavily wooded areas

We stand by vaccines recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
  • Rabies – Required by law
  • Feline Leukemia (FeLV) – Recommended for adult cats that board or go outside
  • Herpesvirus/Calicivirus/Panleukopenia (FVRCP) – Recommended for all cats
    See the link for Feline Diseases and Symptoms

Your pet may experience mild lethargy, decreased appetite and activity, soreness, and/or sneezing (if nasal vaccine given) for 24 hours. While true vaccine reactions are rare, please monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, hives, or swelling, especially around the face or vaccine injection site. If you notice these signs, please let us know right away as treatment may be warranted.

Always let us know if your pet has had any prior reactions to any vaccine or medication. We can premedicate your pet prior to administering any vaccinations – our top priority is keeping them safe.

Due to veterinary licensing restrictions, by law, we cannot fill prescriptions without first performing an examination in order to determine that the prescription is still the correct treatment and dosage for your pet.

Puppy & Kitten Care

When your puppy or kitten was born and for the few weeks following, it nurses from the mother and receives some of her immunity. As this starts to wear off, babies must be able to have antibodies against the diseases of the outside world. In order to guarantee they receive plenty of antibodies to fight off these diseases, repeated vaccination is needed until they reach a few months of age. Your puppy or kitten is not fully protected unless all recommended boosters are administered.

Dermatology & Diseases of the Ear

Oftentimes, the first sign of an ear infection is excessive shaking, rubbing, odor, or scratching at the ears. It is advantageous to treat early on, so if you notice these symptoms, give our office a call to schedule an appointment. Ear infections are uncomfortable, painful, and can lead to scarring in the canal, nerve damage, or other long term problems if the infection persists.

See more information on ear infections at our MAH blog post here

Diagnostics

In many cases, our in-house laboratory can offer great insight to help your pet’s vet confirm a diagnosis. However, there are times where an external laboratory can provide more comprehensive testing. In these cases, it’s worth the wait!