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Wellness Exams & Vaccinations

A wellness exam is a medical examination of generally healthy animal. This visit is often referred to as a check-up. The goal of a wellness exam is to maintain consistent, optimal health. For young puppies and kittens, wellness exams are recommended on a monthly basis along with vaccinations. For the average adult dog or cat, however, wellness examinations are scheduled yearly. Certain senior and geriatric pets, who require specific medical needs, are recommended to have semi-annual check-ups.

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Annual wellness exams are fundamental in maintaining long-term health for your companions. Routine vaccinations, maintenance lab work, parasite prevention, nutrition plans are just some of the key topics discusses in yearly checkups.

What to expect:


When you and your pet come for their annual exam, you can expect a well-rounded, thorough assessment of their general health. Your vet will provide a "nose-to-tail" exam in which all of your questions or concerns will be addressed. Our staff is trained to use techniques involving low stress and positive reward in order for you and your pet to have the most positive experience possible. Does your pet experience stress or anxiety at the vet? Call us before your appointment and we can offer our help!

General Condition

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Your vet will begin by assessing your pet's general condition -- from body weight, to coat and skin health, to any obvious lmps or other abnormalities. They will then discuss these findings with you and go over any specific concerns you might have.​

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Nose-to-tail Exam

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Your doctor will then go ahead with what we call, a "nose-to-tail" exam. This includes a thorough, hands-on exam of your dog or cat. They will begin by looking at their eyes, ears, mouth, and nose for any discharge, growths, signs of disease, excessive plaque, and/or any other abnormalities.

 

Next, they will move on to internal health. Lymph nodes will be examined for any signs of swelling or pain. Their abdomen will be assessed as well to check for any abnormalities in the internal structures. The vet will also determine if there are any issues regarding your animal heart or lungs by listening to them in a resting position.  

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Vaccinations and Testing

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Once the vet has ensured your pet is healthy enough to handle annual vaccinations, those will be administered gently and efficiently. We also will test your pet for heartworms and intestinal parasites each year. So don't forget to bring a fecal sample when you come for your appointment! 

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In addition, regular blood testing is always recommended during annual visits, especially in our senior patients. This allows us to stay ahead of any possible diseases or abnormalities and provide treatment before it becomes a problem.

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Wellness Plans

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Before your visit is over, your vet will go over any necessary wellness plans based on your pets's assessment. This may include dietary instructions, regular medications and/or therapies, any necessary recheck appointments or referrals for further treatment, and any other general advice they might have. 

Vaccinations

Regular vaccinations can help prevent your pet from getting many harmful diseases. During your annual exam, these will always be recommended.

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6-8 weeks

  • 1st Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia 

  • Fecal test for intestinal parasites

10-12 weeks

  • 2nd Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia 

  • 1st Feline Leukemia

  • Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Testing

  • Rabies at 12 weeks

14-16 weeks

  • 3rd Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia

  • 2nd Feline Leukemia

6 months

to 1 year

The following are not vaccinations, but these procedures can help your cat stay healthy and protected.

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  • Spay (females)

  • Neuter (males)

  • Microchipping (optional)

Vaccination and Screening Schedule for Kittens
In their first year, kittens need multiple vaccinations and other procedures to protect against serious diseases.

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Vaccination and Screening Schedule for Puppies
In their first year, puppies need multiple vaccinations and other procedures to protect against serious diseases.

6-8 weeks

  • 1st DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) 

  • Bordetella 

  • Fecal test for intestinal parasites

10-12 weeks

  • 2nd DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) 

  • 1st Leptospirosis

  • Rabies at 12 weeks

14-16 weeks

  • 3rd DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)

  • 2nd Leptospirosis

6 months

to 1 year

The following are not vaccinations, but these procedures can help your dog stay healthy and protected.

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  • Heartworm test at 6 months

  • Spay (females)

  • Neuter (males)

  • Microchipping (optional)

Vaccinations for Adult Cats

After your cat finishes their kitten vaccines, they will need to have boosters done every year in order to maintain their protection against harmful diseases. 

Vaccinations for Adult Dogs

 Depending on your dog's lifestyle and needs, we will develop a yearly plan to continue your dog's core vaccines for continued protection.

**If you are a new client, please be sure to have your pet's medical records sent over at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. This allows us to provide you with a smooth and efficient first experience.
 

Preventatives:

 Parasites can be life-threatening for your pet. We will always recommend regular testing and preventatives. We will discuss heart worm testing, prevention, and treatment with you at your yearly appointment. We also request that you bring a stool sample to your yearly check-up so that we can test for intestinal parasites. Some possible parasites we will screen for and protect against include...

Tapeworms

Hookworms

Whipworms

Roundworms

Mites

Ticks

Fleas

Heartworms

At your appointment we will go over all of your options for preventative care.
Together, we can create an individualized plan that works best for you and your pet.

New Patients Welcome

Looking for a vet in Nothwest Florida? We're always happy to welcome new patients!

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