General Health Care

 

We believe pets are much beloved family members and as such should be treated gently and compassionately by their caretakers. We are here to make you and your pet feel good about coming to the vet.

 

                                                    Routine Check-Ups

 

Regular wellness exams are one of the most important things you can do to keep your pet healthy. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends annual wellness exams at a minimum and as your pet ages, they suggest an increase in frequency of visits. At Countryside Pet Clinic we recommend senior pets (age 7+) should be seen twice a year. We believe strongly in preventive care.

 

One of the most important reasons to bring your pet in on a regular basis is to monitor and treat conditions before they become untreatable. Since pets can't vocalize how they are feeling, illness or disease may be present before you are aware of symptoms. The benefit of early detection allows time for steps to be taken to manage or correct a problem before irreversible damage occurs. Because our pets age so much faster than we do, regular wellness exams are one of the best ways that you can help your pet live a long, healthy life.

 

During a wellness exam, our veterinary team will start out by taking your pet's vital signs including temperature, pulse and body weight. Typically, your veterinarian will ask for a complete history of your pet's health including eating habits, exercise, unusual behavior, etc. and do a comprehensive examination of your pet from head to toe. He or she may also perform diagnostic tests such as blood work, urinalysis or intestinal parasite tests and vaccines may be administered (depending on your pet's life stage). Additionally, disease screenings (heartworm, kidney, liver, blood disorders, etc.) may be recommended, depending on the state of your pet's health.


Wellness exams are a simple and effective way of monitoring your pet's health. Early detection and correction of medical problems will help to ensure that your pet will love a long, healthy and active life.

 

                                                   Vaccine Protocols

Vaccinations are vital to the health and protection of your pet, and serve as a preventive measure to combating viral diseases

like Parvovirus, Parainfluenza virus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia Virus and Rabies. Vaccinations are accompanied by a veterinarian consultation and examination to make certain that your pet's condition is stable enough to receive them.

 

Vaccinations help to combat diseases by exposing the pet's immune system to inactive or small amount of a particular form of bacteria or virus. Our doctors will help you decide which vaccines are appropriate for your pet's risk factors. Proper and timely administration is paramount to ensure for optimal protection. Vaccinations are particularly important to young animals that have immature immune systems. Vaccinations generally begin at 8 weeks of age and are given every three to four weeks until the series is completed