Cat and Dog Wellness Programs:

An important step you can take to promote continuing health for your pet is to schedule annual wellness examinations. One of our veterinarians will perform a comprehensive physical that includes an examination of your pet's teeth, eyes, ears, skin, heart and lungs, etc., providing you with a complete examination checklist for your pet. Additionally, vaccinations are updated and screening is done for heartworms and internal parasites. Vaccines should begin at 6 weeks of age and continue at 4 week intervals until your pet is older than 4 months.

Dogs should have the following vaccines:

• Distemper (DHPP): Includes Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (Annually, or as recommended by your veterinarian based upon your pet's lifestyle)
• Rabies (C-RV): Repeated every three years after the first year. (Michigan law requires a current Rabies vacine for canines)
• Bordetella (VB): Kennel Cough (The Kennel Cough vaccine is required every 6 months for dogs being boarded, groomed, or bathed at our facility)

Cats should have the following vaccines:

• Feline Distemper (FVRCP): Includes Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia
• Rabies (F-RV): repeated every three years after the first year
• Feline Leukemia (FeLV): Your cat should be tested for feline leukemia prior to its first FeLV vaccination.

Special Consideration for Older Pets

Older pets need special attention to detect and manage the conditions developing with age. The definition of an "older pet" varies with species and breed. We recommend annual blood testing after age six, for most pets, to provide early diagnosis of diseases of the kidneys, heart and liver as well as diabetes. Nutritional needs change as pets age and providing the correct diet can help to prevent or modify some aging conditions. New treatments are now available for arthritis and cognitive dysfunction/senility which are most effective when started before the conditions are fully advanced. Rimadyl^®, for arthritis, and Anipryl^®, for cognitive dysfunction, can keep your pet active and alert much longer than was previously possible. In general, early detection will extend your pet's life. Proper treatment and diet will improve your pet's quality of life.