Wellness Care at Summit Animal Hospital
At Summit Animal Hospital, our passion for pets drives everything we do. Our dedicated team provides a range of services tailored to meet the specific needs of your animals, focusing on their health and happiness. Our wellness and preventative care services are designed to keep your pets healthy throughout their lives.
Annual Wellness Visits
Regular vet visits are crucial for maintaining your pet’s health. We recommend annual wellness exams for all pets to ensure they are in optimal health. During these visits, our veterinarians will:
- Perform a thorough physical examination
- Check vital signs and weight
- Assess dental health
- Discuss diet and nutrition
- Update vaccinations
- Screen for parasites
For senior pets, we recommend bi-yearly visits to monitor their health more closely and address age-related issues promptly.
Vaccinations
For Dogs
We follow the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommendations for vaccinating dogs. Core vaccines, which are universally recommended for all dogs, include Rabies, Distemper, Adenovirus, and Parvovirus. The core vaccines are actually only comprised of two vaccinations – Rabies and a combination vaccine that includes Distemper, Adenovirus, and Parvovirus.
- Rabies
Given to all puppies at or after 16 weeks of age and again 1 year later. If the vaccination is performed prior to the expiration date, it will have a 3-year duration. However, even if it is 1 day overdue, it will be a 1-year vaccination. - Distemper-Parvo-Adenovirus (DHPP)
Administered starting at 6-8 weeks of age, with vaccinations every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is 4 months old. Most puppies will get 3 rounds of this vaccine. - Leptospirosis
Though not always considered a core vaccine, we recommend it for all dogs due to the high risk of exposure. This vaccine is incorporated into the combination vaccine. - Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Recommended annually for dogs that visit areas with a high volume of other dogs, such as groomers, kennels, or dog parks. - Lyme Disease
Recommended annually for dogs in areas with a large tick population, such as wooded areas, hunting dogs, and farm dogs.
For Cats
We follow the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) guidelines on cat vaccinations. The suggested core vaccines for cats are Rabies, feline Panleukopenia (Distemper), feline viral Rhinotracheitis, and feline Calicivirus. The core vaccines for cats are actually only comprised of two vaccinations – Rabies and a combination vaccine that includes Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus.
- Rabies
Given to all kittens at or after 16 weeks of age and again 1 year later. If the vaccination is performed prior to the expiration date, it will have a 3-year duration. However, even if it is 1 day overdue, it will be a 1-year vaccination. - Rhinotracheitis-Calicivirus-Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
Administered starting at 6-8 weeks of age, with vaccinations every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 4 months old. Most kittens will get 3 rounds of this vaccine. - Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
The decision to vaccinate your cat with FeLV must be made on an individual basis. If your cat has any contact with other cats, we recommend vaccinating for FeLV. This vaccine can be incorporated into the FVRCP vaccine or given separately. FeLV is an annual vaccine. It is given to all kittens during their initial vaccine series and then is tailored to an individual basis whether they go outside or are in contact with cats that go outside.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects dogs and cats. Preventing heartworm is far easier and less expensive than treating an infected pet. Our heartworm prevention services include:
- Annual heartworm testing
- Monthly oral preventatives
- Yearly heartworm preventative injection
Regular heartworm preventative helps keep your pet comfortable and healthy year-round. For your convenience, we also offer these items in our online store.
Contact Us
To ensure your pet’s health and well-being, schedule an appointment with us today. Our team is committed to providing the highest level of care for your beloved pets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wellness Care
To help you better understand the importance of wellness care for your pets, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions.
What is included in an annual wellness visit?
An annual wellness visit includes a physical examination, vital signs check, dental assessment, vaccination updates, parasite screening, and discussions on diet and nutrition.
How often should senior pets visit the vet?
Senior pets should have bi-yearly vet visits to monitor their health more closely and address any age-related issues promptly.
Why are vaccinations important for my pet?
Vaccinations protect your pet from various diseases, some of which can be fatal. They are essential for maintaining your pet’s overall health.
What are the options for flea and tick prevention?
We offer topical treatments, oral medications, collars, and environmental control advice to prevent fleas and ticks.
How can I prevent heartworm in my pet?
Annual heartworm testing and monthly preventative medications are the best ways to prevent heartworm in your pet.