Preventative care is one of the most important aspects of looking after your pet. As a responsible and caring owner, you will be dedicated to making sure that your pet lives a long, healthy and happy life with you and, if appropriate, your family. Preventative care is the best way of meeting that goal.
There are many different health problems that our pets can develop. There are equally as many infectious diseases. We work with owners to take positive steps to identify what can be done to offer your pet the greatest protection. There is no ‘one size fits all approach’. Instead, this is done on a completely individual basis as our preventative care programs are designed specifically with your animal in mind.
Preventative care appointments are carried out here at our veterinary hospital in Ashburn, VA. In the meantime, here is what you need to know about our comprehensive, preventative care services.
Regular wellness checks
These appointments, usually scheduled annually unless we identify that your pet would benefit from being seen more regularly, are much like general health checks with your own doctor. We will assess various aspects of your pet’s health and wellbeing in order to determine if there are any underlying or developing health problems that need to be addressed. These include:
A physical examination
Basic observations such as weight, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, etc
Blood testing
Urinalysis
Fecal testing
In addition to this, we will have a consultation where we can discuss your pet’s lifestyle and make any recommendations that we think will help support his health and wellbeing.
Nutrition advice
Nutrition plays a massive role in keeping your pet as healthy as possible. However, there is no one diet that is suitable for all pets and there are so many varieties of pet food available, deciding which is right for your animal can be overwhelming. We can help you to choose the best diet for your pet based on his individual requirements, including his age, size, and lifestyle. We can also take into account any health problems that he may have, as certain diets and supplements can be beneficial in their management.
Vaccinations and preventative products
Vaccinations are an integral part of any preventative care plan and have saved the lives of countless animals. As such, your pet will be recommended to have a set of core vaccinations that will protect him from some of the most serious and deadly diseases. These must be given on a strict schedule to ensure the greatest protection. In addition to this, there are also other, non-core vaccinations which are given on an individual basis depending on the needs of your pet. Our experienced team will be able to identify and administer the vaccines that your pet needs to keep him safe.
In addition to vaccinations, your pet should also go on a parasite prevention program. This is designed to keep him safe from the many different parasites that can affect him, including fleas, ticks and worms. This is especially important for dogs who are at risk of heartworm – a serious and often deadly disease. We will make recommendations as to which preventatives your pet should be given and when they need to be administered.
If you have any questions about our preventative care services, or if you would like to schedule an appointment for your pet to visit our offices, please don’t hesitate to contact our Ashburn veterinary hospital today.
