What is Wellness?
Similar to a human physical, your dog needs a bi-annual check up as well! At Veterinary Care Center of Richmond, we believe preventative medicine is the best medicine.
We recommend annual screening for heartworm disease and for several tick-borne illnesses, as well as annual stool tests to screen for intestinal parasites. We also recommend regular wellness bloodwork and urinalysis to help our team monitor the health of your dog.
Your dog ages about 7 human years in 1 actual year, so a bi-annual exam would be like getting a physical every 3 and ½ years. Our team is passionate about canine health. We look forward to helping your dog stay happy and healthy.
Does my dog need vaccines, or any preventatives?
Yes! A rabies vaccine is required by law. Our practice core vaccines are:
- Rabies
- DAP(Canine Distemper/Adeno/Parvo)
- Lepto
- Bordetella
- Lyme
- NEW !! Due to the recent outbreak in our area, we are now making Canine Influenza vaccine practice recommended.
Most vaccines are boostered as a series for puppies and then switch to an annual or 3 year schedule thereafter.
Titers later in a dog’s life can be a great way to tell if your dog is protected and whether he/she needs a rebooster or not. Titers are also recommended for some dogs when vaccination is contraindicated for your pet’s health condition or age.
For preventatives we strongly recommend year round flea and tick as well as heartworm. We have multiple great options and you can discuss with your vet what will work best for your pup!
When talking about prevention do not forget probiotic, omega-3, and nutritional support ! These important preventatives can prevent allergies and unnecessary inflammation later in life !!!!
My dog doesn’t go outside, does it need preventatives?
For preventatives we strongly recommend year round flea, tick and heartworm protection. Our team hand picks the preventatives we recommend and they will help you determine which one is best suited for your canine companion.
Just because your dog may be an inside dog, does not mean fleas, ticks, and mosquitos are outdoor insects! So even for those howling homebodies we recommend year round flea and tick and heartworm prevention.
And dogs are not alone ! Did you know that more inside cats are positive for feline heartworm than outside cats ?
Does your dog go outside to potty? Then your dog goes outside! So yes!
Help! I’m not sure what resources are true and what is fake news! Who/what sites should I trust for information?
Under our resources section you can find veterinary approved blogs, videos, and articles.
You will also find updates and current trends on our social media pages including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
I still have questions what should I do?
Give us a call at (586) 727-5445 and a client ambassador or veterinary team member will be able to answer any questions you may have!
