Puppy/Kitten Wellness:  During the first visits it is important to not only evaluate a pet for current problems, but to also develop a preventative healthcare plan.  Vaccination protocols, nutrition programs, supplements, parasite control, training, dental care, and breed related disease risk factors are discussed.  We recommend that all kittens be tested for feline leukemia (FELV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).  Remember to bring a stool sample to each of your puppy/kitten visits.

Wellness Exams:  It is important for your pet to have a  thorough physical examination on a regular basis.   We recommend twice yearly examinations to help prevent unnoticed problems from going untreated and getting worse.  Remember that it is important for your pet to have an examination, even if he/she is not due for any vaccinations.

Senior Pet Care:  We recommend beginning a senior wellness program at age 7.   For seniors we strongly recommend twice yearly examinations and senior labwork at least yearly.   Nutritional recommendations often change as pets age and certain disease start to become more prevalent.  We recommend screening older cats for high blood pressure and evaluating all pets for arthritis pain management needs.

Vaccinations:  Just as the lifestyles of our pets vary, so do their risk factors and vaccination requirements.  We believe that a vaccination protocol should be taylored to a pets' individual needs.  Our doctor will work with you to figure out what risk factors affect your pet and to decide what vaccines he/she will need.    We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have about a particular vaccination.  Some vaccines are now given at extended intervals, while some are yearly.  We are also happy to perform vaccination titers at your request.  Please note that all pets are required by state law to be current for rabies vaccination.

Exotic Care:  We provide medical care and surgery for ferrets, rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and other rodents.  We do not see birds or reptiles but would be happy to provide you with a reference.

Parasite prevention:  It is very important to control parasites for your pet.  Not only can your pet become sick from certain parasites, but some parasites such as roundworms and ticks can cause illness in people as well.  (see links page for zoonotic disease information).  We strongly recommend thorough flea and tick control for all dogs and outdoor cats, heartworm preventative for dogs and cats, and a comprehensive internal parasite control program based on your pets's individual risk factors.

Nutrition Counseling:  We believe strongly in the importance of nutrition for your pet.  No one food is right for all pets so it is important to assess each pets' individual needs which may vary with life stage or disease.  We can prescribe a large variety of prescription diets from Purina, Royal Canin, IVD, and Hill's.  Regardless of which diet is chosen, please be sure to select a high quality diet from a reputable company.  Not all pet foods are created equal.  Please ask our doctor or nurses if you have any questions about which food is right for your pet.

Behavior Counseling:  We can provide basic educational information and assistance about behavioral issues and training.  For more involved concerns, we recommend contacting a reputable behaviorist or trainer.