Wellness & Vaccinations
Maintaining your pet's ongoing health involves much more than simply booking a vet appointment when they are unwell or injured. In fact, it requires a commitment to consistent care throughout their lives. Being proactive and taking the necessary steps to prevent and identify diseases at their earliest stages is essential. By investing in the wellness of our animal companions, we can enjoy many joyful and healthy years together.
At Boulevard Veterinary Care, our wellness services are tailored to keep your furry friend content and thriving, year after year. From annual check-ups and personalized vaccinations to routine health screenings and continual health maintenance, we are dedicated to supporting your pet from their early days to their senior years, celebrating every moment and milestone along the journey.
Why is wellness care so important?
Regular wellness examinations enable us to assess your pet's overall health consistently. By identifying what is considered "normal" for your pet, we can more effectively track any changes that may arise over time. Furthermore, these exams allow us to implement preventative measures to protect your furry friend from various risks throughout their life.
During the examination, we will develop a comprehensive preventative care plan tailored to your pet's needs, which includes personalized vaccinations and a strategy for parasite prevention and control. Routine preventative care visits also help us identify numerous health concerns early, allowing us to tackle them before they escalate into more severe and costly issues for both you and your pet. By preventing and detecting diseases early, we can extend your beloved companion's life and significantly enhance their quality of those years.
How often does my pet need a preventative care exam?
The age of your pet is crucial in determining the most suitable wellness plan. We also consider factors such as your pet’s size, breed, behavior, and lifestyle when making recommendations for the most thorough wellness and preventative care available. Our aim is to collaborate with you to ensure a long, healthy life for your dog or cat, which involves creating a personalized wellness care plan tailored specifically to your pet's needs.
Each year for a dog or cat is roughly equivalent to five to seven human years, making it essential for your pet to have a preventative care exam at least once a year (more frequently for puppies, kittens, or senior pets). Since your pet's health can change significantly in a short period, it is vital that they do not miss any exams!
What does a wellness exam involve?
Before the veterinarian conducts a wellness check on your pet, you'll be asked about any health issues or concerns you may have. Preventative care exams and discussions will be customized according to your dog or cat's life stage and lifestyle, so it's crucial for us to understand your pet's home environment.
At the start of each wellness exam, one of our skilled veterinary technicians or assistants will measure your pet’s vital signs, much like during a physical exam for humans. This includes assessing your pet’s temperature, pulse or heart rate, respiration (breathing) rate, and body weight.
Monitoring weight is essential for your pet’s health, as fluctuations may signal potential health issues. Weight gain can be particularly concerning, as it not only adds stress to the joints but also raises the risk of various serious medical conditions. If needed, we will collaborate with you to create a diet and exercise plan that helps your pet reach and maintain a healthier weight.
After we have recorded your pet’s vital signs, we will conduct a comprehensive physical examination to assess your pet’s health from nose to tail. The veterinarian will examine your companion’s ears, eyes, mouth, and skin, along with the heart, lungs, and reproductive organs, to ensure everything is functioning properly and that no abnormalities are detected. If necessary, we may suggest additional routine diagnostic testing to gain further insight into your pet’s overall health.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations play a crucial role in ensuring our animal companions remain happy and healthy. After performing a comprehensive physical examination, we will create a tailored vaccination plan that caters to your pet's specific needs and risk factors. For our canine patients, core vaccinations typically include immunizations against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (collectively known as DHPP vaccinations), Rabies, and Bordetella. We will also discuss additional vaccinations, such as those for Leptospirosis and Lyme Disease, based on your dog's lifestyle and risk factors.
For felines, core vaccinations encompass Feline Panleukopenia (distemper), Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus (FVRCP), and Rabies. We will also evaluate lifestyle and risk factors to determine if vaccinations against the potentially life-threatening Feline Leukemia are necessary.
The frequency of vaccinations for your pet depends on various factors, including age and lifestyle. Our primary goal is to keep your beloved pet safe and healthy without unnecessary medication. This is why a customized approach is vital. We are here to discuss what is best for your cat or dog and collaborate with you to develop a plan that everyone feels comfortable with.
Puppy and Kitten Wellness Exams
It is crucial for your new puppy or kitten to undergo a comprehensive wellness exam shortly after entering your home. This examination is vital to ensure that your new family member is healthy and to safeguard the well-being of any existing pets in your household. Our veterinarians will perform an in-depth examination, checking for potential health issues such as heart murmurs, eye problems, and dental alignment, which could impact your young pet’s overall health and longevity.
To foster a strong immune system from the start, we recommend scheduling your puppy or kitten's first wellness exam by the time they reach 8 weeks of age. During this appointment, we will discuss your pet's lifestyle and the activities you plan to share, allowing us to create a personalized vaccination and parasite prevention program tailored to their specific needs. We will also cover important topics such as house training, feeding schedules, behavioral training, spaying/neutering, dental care, and any other aspects crucial for keeping your new furry companion happy and healthy.
Adult Preventative Care Exams (1 to 7 years of age)
Ensure your adult pet enjoys a healthy life by committing to annual preventative care exams and keeping their vaccinations up to date with regular visits. This approach is the most effective way to support a robust immune system that will protect them throughout adulthood.
Routine wellness testing, including parasite screenings, is essential so that any issues can be promptly addressed. Annual blood wellness testing is crucial as it allows us to establish your pet's normal values, enabling us to detect and tackle potential health issues early on. The blood tests we perform are customized according to your pet’s age, breed, and overall health. Additionally, incorporating annual dental exams and care into your pet's wellness routine is vital for their health.
Senior and Geriatric Wellness Exams (8 years and older)
We categorize dogs and cats aged 8 years and older as needing special wellness care. Based on your pet's health status and individual needs, we will arrange wellness examinations once or twice a year for our senior companions. Regular senior lab work and diagnostic testing help us maintain a comprehensive record of your aging pet’s internal health. These assessments may include blood tests, urinalysis, x-rays, and blood pressure checks.. By proactively monitoring your senior pet’s overall well-being, we can enhance the chances of many more joyful and healthy years together.
Dental care is vital at every stage of life, but it is especially emphasized for our senior pets due to their higher risk of dental diseases, such as infections and loose teeth in older dogs and cats.
