Pet Wellness & Hospitalization
At All Creatures Pet Hospital, our veterinarian understands that all pets in his care have their own unique needs and conditions that will ultimately change as they age. Whether you have a brand new puppy or kitten, or a senior companion animal, we create a wellness program tailored to the individual requirements of your pet.
Puppies And Kittens
Very young animals have many of the same health concerns, most of which can be met as soon as they are old enough to be vaccinated. Vaccinations not only protect your pet from many common diseases but certain inoculations such as rabies are required by law. Sterilization is another need for all puppies and kittens not used for breeding purposes. Spaying or neutering your pet will not only prevent unwanted litters but can also prevent certain disease states later in their lives. Microchipping is another part of the wellness program at All Creatures Pet Hospital. Microchips are a permanent form of identification that significantly increases the likelihood of having your pets returned in the event they become separated from you.
Heartworm prevention in both puppies and kittens is crucial for their long-term health. In addition to heartworms, intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks can all be prevented using products available at our hospital. Other considerations for young pets include getting your pet off on the right foot with nutritional and dental counseling. Finally, blood work can also be measured in puppies and kittens, which provides a baseline of your pet’s health that can be compared to blood tests when your pet is older.
Adult Pets
As pets mature, many of their health needs begin to change. Keeping your pets up to date on vaccinations, heartworm prevention, intestinal parasite prevention, and flea and tick products continues to be an important part of the wellness protocol at All Creatures Pet Hospital. Other health matters, such as yearly dental cleanings, become more important for adult dogs and cats. Studies indicate that pets as young as one year can begin to experience periodontal issues, and approximately 80% of pets over three have some form of periodontal disease.
Dental examinations and cleanings, as well as brushing and proper diet at home, are extremely important for adult pets. Maintaining a good weight through a healthy and balanced diet will postpone and possibly prevent issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and joint problems as they age. Blood work continues to be an essential part of the health of adult animals, as these values can help our veterinarians discover possible issues before the onset of disease.
Senior Pets
As your furry family member begins to age, Dr. Hankes will continue to care for their individual needs. Large-breed dogs may be considered “senior” by age five, while average and smaller breeds are considered “senior” by age seven. It is important to bring an older animal to All Creatures Pet Hospital more frequently, just as older humans see their doctor more often. Blood work becomes the cornerstone of disease diagnosis and prevention, as the tests can discover and track the early onset of issues facing older pets. As with people, age-related considerations for pets include osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart conditions, and certain types of cancer.
Contact the caring veterinary staff at All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule a wellness visit for your pet. Regardless of your pet’s life stage, our experienced veterinarians and employees are ready to care for your pets just as they care for their own!