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How often should your pet visit the vet? The scenario is very similar to people, but because our pets age at a more rapid rate than we do, it's compressed. And for your pet, the vet is like a physician, dentist, and eye doctor all in one.
Puppies and kittens, will initially visit the vet every couple of weeks for varying sets of vaccinations, then return for a six month checkup and boosters. From 1-7 years of age, we recommend that your pets return annually for vaccinations, exams, and bloodwork, and senior pets (7+ years) every six months. Since pets don't always show signs of complications and can't necessarily alert you to ailments, each checkup is an opportunity for your vet to diagnose and treat any underlying problems.
Ultimately these routine visits will keep your pet's health in check and improve their chances of a long, quality life.
Health Maintenance Schedule for Dogs
| Vaccine/Procedure |
0-6 mos
|
1-7 years
|
7+ yrs
|
| Wellness Exam |
6, 9, 12, 15 weeks |
Annually |
Semi-Annually |
DHPP, DHPP/L
|
6, 9, 12, 15 weeks |
Annually |
Annually |
| Bordetella |
9, 12 weeks |
Annually
or Semi-Annually for High Risk*
|
Annually
or Semi-Annually for High Risk*
|
| Rabies |
12-15 weeks
|
Annually
or Every Three Years**
|
Annually
or Every Three Years**
|
| Heartworm Test |
4-6 months
(if unprotected)
|
Annually |
Annually |
Intestinal Parasite Screening
|
Twice
|
Annually |
Annually |
|
Wellness Bloodwork
(tests Liver/Kidney Values & Diabetes)
|
6 months |
Annually |
Annually |
Dental Exam/Cleaning
|
6 months |
Annual Exam and/or Cleaning |
Annual Exam and/or Cleaning |
| Spay or Neuter |
6 months
Bloodwork Recommended |
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*High Risk: Dogs that board or are groomed regularly, and those routinely exposed to other dogs with unknown vaccination histories (i.e. at the dog park, dog care).
**Rabies: One year vaccination given to puppies and for their first annual visit, and three year vaccine given thereafter. Annual registration is still required with the three year vaccine.
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Health Maintenance Schedule for Cats
|
0-6 mos
|
1-7 yrs
|
7+ yrs
|
| Wellness Exam |
6-8, 10-12, 14-16 weeks |
Annually |
Semi-Annually |
FVRCP
|
6-8, 10-12, 14-16 weeks |
Annually |
Annually |
Feline Leukemia
|
6-8, 10-12 weeks |
Annually |
Annually |
Rabies
|
14-16 weeks
|
Annually |
Annually |
Leukemia / FIV Testing
|
Before 1st Vaccinations
|
If Sick or High Risk*
|
If Sick or High Risk* |
| Intestinal Parasite Screening |
6-8, 10-12 weeks |
Annually for Outdoor Cats |
As Needed |
| Bloodwork |
Recommended at Spay/Neuter
|
Per Vet's Recommendation
|
Annually |
Dental Exam/Cleaning
|
Exam
|
Per Vet's Recommendation |
Per Vet's Recommendation |
| Spay or Neuter |
6 months |
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| *Leukemia / FIV Test: If demonstrating symptoms in spite of vaccination, if vaccination history is unknown, or if exposed to other potentially infected cats. |
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