When should I have my puppy checked by a Veterinarian?

Wellness exams, vaccinations, and parasite control should start when your puppy is between 4-6 weeks old. Preventive health care, early in a pet’s life, is critical to their health and lifelong well being. If your puppy ever exhibits signs of illness such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia or lameness then you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

When should I have my kitten checked by a Veterinarian?

Wellness exams, vaccinations, and parasite control should start when your kitten is between 4-6 weeks old. Preventive health care, early in a pet’s life, is critical to their health and lifelong well being. If your kitten ever exhibits signs of illness such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia or sneezing then you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

What is a Wellness Exam?

Wellness exams are the cornerstone of your pet’s health care program. We agree with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) that twice a year Wellness Exams are critical to your pet’s health and well being. Pets age much faster than people, therefore, medical problems can develop much quicker. It is proven that the sooner a problem is identified and subsequently addressed, the better the prognosis will be.

How should I care for my dogs/cats teeth?

Dental care should start early in life with an oral examination to detect any problems with the gums, teeth, soft palate, hard palate or tongue. Daily brushing should also start early in life. There are flavored toothpastes that many dogs and some cats like. Feeding a high quality, hard or kibbled pet food will also help keep the teeth clean and healthy. Giving treats that are made for dental health can also help. Bones should be avoided as they can fracture teeth and damage gums. Finally, dental scaling and polishing are needed for most pets during their life. The exact timing of dental scaling and polishing should be determined during your Wellness Exams.

Should my dog be on heartworm prevention?

Absolutely. We recommend year-round heartworm prevention. We live in an endemic heartworm area. The current heartworm preventions are very effective, although they are not 100%. For this reason, we recommend yearly heartworm testing.

When should I call Piper Heritage Veterinary Clinic?

We encourage our clients to call with any questions or concerns they may have with their pet. We enjoy every opportunity to discuss your pet’s health care, ensuring that your pet lives a healthy and happy life! It is our goal to provide the best possible care for your pets as we understand how important their health is to you and your family.