Many people think of a veterinary clinic as a place to take their pets when they are sick, but the majority of a pet's visits to the veterinarian are wellness visits for vaccines and checkups. Pets need to come in at least once a year for a routine well-visit. There are several things that are typically involved in annual well-visits for cats and dogs to ensure that they are well protected from illness and parasites. Below is a list of recommendations for typical annual well-visits and reasons why these things are important for your pet each year.

Dogs

• Physical Examination - The physical exam is a very important part of a wellness visit which is usually performed in two parts. First, the technician will take the pet into the exam room and check the basic vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. The technician will also ask questions about the pet's history and discuss vaccines and wellness testing the pet may need. Second, the doctor will examine the pet more in depth and discuss any problems or concerns. The exam gives the doctor a chance to find any subtle signs of illness that the owner may not be aware of. The doctor will give the vaccines the pet needs and further discuss any wellness testing results and treatments as needed.

• Vaccines

1. Rabies - This vaccine is mandatory for all pets to receive every year. Rabies is a viral disease that is zoonotic, or transmittable from animals to people. Annual Rabies vaccines are required by law and pet owners will be issued tickets by Animal Control if their pet has not had this vaccine.

2. DHPP+L (Distemper-Hepatitis-Parvo-Parainfluenza + Leptospirosis) - This vaccine, also called the Distemper-Parvo combination vaccine, is one single vaccine packed with protection against all five of the diseases listed above. Some of these diseases are caused by bacteria and some by viruses, but all cause serious illness in dogs and are considered dangerous enough that vaccination is needed. This vaccine is given as a series to puppies (small puppies receive a vaccine with Corona virus protection instead of Leptospirosis), then once a year for adult dogs to maintain good immunity.

3. Bordetella - The Bordetella vaccine provides immunity against the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is a common cause of upper respiratory infections. These infections are highly contagious and can be spread in any environment, including across a fence at home, through toys or contact at a dog park, or even contact in a veterinary clinic. This vaccine can be given as an injection or as a nasal spray. For some pets who are considered to be at high risk, it is recommended to give every 6 months, but most dogs are given the vaccine once a year.

4. Lyme - Lyme vaccine is available for dogs who are at high risk to contract Lyme disease, which is spread by ticks. Hunting dogs or dogs who live near lakes or in woods are considered to be higher risk. The veterinarian can help decide if this vaccine is needed, but it is not generally included in our yearly recommended vaccines.

• Wellness testing

1. Fecal testing - A fecal sample is tested at each annual well-visit to check for intestinal parasites and bacterial infections. Intestinal parasites are very common in dogs, and bacterial infections can accompany these parasites. Common parasites include (but are not limited to) - roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Giardia, and Coccidia. Some intestinal parasites can be passed from dogs to people, especially children, so it is important to diagnose and treat them appropriately. It is easiest if a fresh sample is brought in with the pet to the visit, but a sample can usually be collected in the clinic if needed.
2. Heartworm testing - Heartworms are parasites which are transmitted by mosquitoes that live in the heart and bloodstream of dogs. This parasite is very common in our area and causes severe damage to the heart and lungs which results in death of the dog if left untreated. The infection, called heartworm disease, is treatable but treatment itself is dangerous to the dog and is also very expensive. This parasite is fortunately very easy to prevent with an affordable monthly tablet or topical medication. All dogs should be on a heartworm preventative year round to protect them from this deadly disease. We do require testing for heartworms before starting on a preventative to make sure the dog does not already have heartworm disease, as the medication can cause a severe reaction in some dogs who already have the infection. We also recommend testing for heartworms once a year even for dogs who are on heartworm preventative just to make sure the medication is doing it's job, and to make sure the dog didn't become infected if the owner accidentally missed a few doses of preventative. The test is simple and takes a drop of blood and about 10 minutes to run.

Cats

• Physical examination - The physical exam process is the same for a cat as for a dog, and is also performed in two parts. The wellness testing and vaccinations are different for cats, and will be discussed during the visit to determine what is appropriate for the particular patient based on history and lifestyle.

• Vaccines

1. Rabies - The Rabies vaccine is legally required for cats to have every year. Cats who live strictly indoors are at a much less risk for becoming infected with the virus but it is mandatory for all cats to be given this vaccine regardless of lifestyle.
2. PRCC+FL (Panleukopenia-Rhinotracheitis-Calicivirus-Chlamydia + Feline Leukemia) - This vaccine, also called the Feline Leukemia combination vaccine, is one single vaccine that provides immunity for all the diseases listed above. Some of these are caused by bacteria and some by a virus, but all cause serious illness to cats and are dangerous enough that all cats should be vaccinated. This vaccine is given as a series to kittens and then once a year to adult cats.

• Wellness testing

1. Feline Leukemia and FIV testing - These are both viral diseases that cats can become infected with and both are very contagious to other cats. Both diseases attack the immune system of a cat which causes the cat's body to become unable to fight off even simple infections. Cats with either of these diseases could become sick with a simple upper respiratory infection, but with no immune system the infection could develop into pneumonia and even lead to death. All cats should be tested for these diseases, especially if they are outside at all or their mother goes outside at all, as Feline Leukemia can be passed from mother to kittens. Typically vaccination provides good protection against Feline Leukemia. A vaccine for FIV is available but not typically recommended with yearly vaccines.

2. Fecal testing - Fecal testing is sometimes recommended for cats to check for intestinal parasites or bacterial infections. Cats who live strictly indoors only are usually not exposed to many intestinal parasites, so they do not need testing very often unless problems arise. Cats who go outdoors frequently are often exposed to many parasites, as cats commonly catch mice or squirrels or other small wild animals that can carry parasites. Often these outdoor cats will need to be dewormed every year at their well-visit to keep them clear of parasites. The doctor will discuss if the cat needs a fecal test or not at each visit.

   Following these recommendations each year will help ensure that every pet is in good health and stays protected from harmful illnesses and parasites. Purchasing flea and tick preventatives at the well-visit is a good way to keep on top of these parasites as well, since fleas can be a problem for any pet that is not protected. Additional information on products available as well as pricing for all these services is available at our office. Feel free to call or stop by for more information on how to help your pet have a long and healthy life!