Preventive Care for Dogs
Commit to a lifetime of health.
Keep your Dog Healthy with Regular Visits!
Animal Hospital at the Crossing’s philosophy is that wellness care is the key to keeping your dog healthy. We recommend an annual, or bi-annual wellness exam, depending on your dog’s physical health, age and medical needs. Based on factors that include your dog’s breed, physical condition, lifestyle, and previous immunization history, we form a treatment plan that caters to your dog’s individual needs.
Preventative Care for your Dog:
For all adult dogs on an annual basis we recommend:
- A Complete Physical Examination
- Weight Assessment
- Dental Evaluation
- Blood test to detect Heartworm Disease
- Fecal Analysis/Internal Parasite Test
- Deworming as needed
- Vaccinations as needed
Comprehensive Physical Exam
During your pet's wellness exam, we will give your pet a full physical examination. We examine his or her vision, hearing, heart and lung functions, test the joints and muscles, palpate the abdomen and perform whatever tests are needed. The information we collect during an exam helps us establish a baseline level of your pet's health.
Dental Evaluation
Our annual exam also includes a dental evaluation. Dental care is very important, especially to our older animals. We examine your pet’s teeth and gums for plaque and tartar, tooth weakness and decay. This screening often prevents mouth pain and infections that can affect your dog’s overall health. Click here to read more about the dental care offered at Animal Hospital at the Crossing.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations play a key role in your pet’s overall wellness health care plan. Since there are numerous contagious diseases that are easily spread among our pets, vaccinations help tremendously with prevention. When our veterinarians discuss your pet’s vaccination protocol with you, they will attempt to gain an understanding of your pet’s lifestyle. For instance, does your dog live exclusively indoors, or does he/she spend time outdoors as well? Do you take your dog to dog parks, a groomer, or to a boarding facility? The answers to these types of questions will help determine your pet’s best vaccination plan to prevent diseases.
Parasite Prevention and Control
Dogs are susceptible to a number of internal and external parasitic infections. Parasite prevention is not only important for the health of your pet, but also for the health of your family. Routine yearly fecal exams are encouraged, and monthly preventatives (such as Heartgard & Frontline) are highly recommended for the best control.
Nutrition and Diet
We monitor your animal's weight so we can recommend modifications in diet or exercise if needed. During the annual wellness exam, we may discuss your pet's nutritional needs and weight management guidelines with you. A healthy body weight is important for your dog to have a long and healthy life.
New Patients
If your dog is new to Animal Hospital at the Crossing, we ask that you bring a copy of your dog’s previous records to your first appointment. We ask that all dog owners bring a stool sample (ideally less than twelve hours old), and your dog on a leash or in a carrier.
These appointments are an excellent time for you to address questions about your dog’s health with our veterinarians.
To schedule your dog’s annual exam, call us at (217) 356-6387 or request an dog exam appointment online.
