Puppy Health
We would love to care for your new puppy throughout his or her lifetime.We enjoy sharing the close bond you feel for your dog and want to make your dog’s life as happy and healthy as possible.
When you acquire a new puppy, it is of utmost importance to bring him or her in to receive a comprehensive physical exam, so that you can be sure you have a healthy dog. We will give you advice on proper nutrition, housetraining, a vaccine schedule to protect against potentially devastating diseases, as well as starting your puppy on parasite treatment and heartworm prevention. Puppies will need to be seen every 3-4 weeks for the first several months of their life in order to properly protect them against disease. Starting out with wellness information and good advice on training is critical to ensure that you have a long, happy life together.
It is always important that we make sure that your dog is on heartworm prevention. It is a widespread disease, carried by mosquitoes and spread by getting just one bite. We will check for this disease every year in order to be sure that your dog has not been infected. We will also check for intestinal parasites as well, to be sure that your dog has not picked up any parasites that could potentially cause disease or spread to someone in the household.
Kitten Health
Cats are wonderful companions, especially for someone who is gone for many hours each day or who wants a pet that is lower maintenance and less demanding than a dog. However, cats are still a huge responsibility. The single most important thing you can do for your cat is keep him indoors. This will lessen his risk of catching an infectious disease, getting hit by a car, or becoming a victim of poisoning or abuse. It will also prevent him from fighting with other animals.
Whether indoors, or allowed outdoors, kittens need a series of immunizations starting at approximately 6-8 weeks of age. We will also do a physical exam the first time we see your kitten, where a number of items such as; feeding, litter box training and maintenance, exercise, calorie and water intake, socializing and much more will be discussed. You will also want to keep your cat on monthly flea and parasite prevention. Yes, even indoor cats are susceptible to these problems.
Cats are wonderful animals that can bring much happiness into your life. Give yours a healthy start to a long and happy lifetime of care and love.
Vaccines
Vaccinations help keep your animals healthy and happy. Because we at FVC are geared to care for your individual pet, we administer vaccines based completely on the needs of your pet in relationship to their environment. At the first visit our doctors will give your pet a physical exam and will determine which vaccines your pet needs and will set up a vaccine schedule at that time.
Wellness Exams
We recommend an annual wellness exam for your pet. Dogs and cats have shorter life spans than we do. This means that they age more quickly. It is essential to pick up even on small changes before they become a crisis for your pet. If we can detect and treat disease early, it will give your pet the best quality of life for as long as possible.
Our wellness programs are designed specifically for your pet and may include a physical exam, internal parasite testing, heartworm and flea control, vaccines, weight management, dental exam and specialized blood tests for all life stages.
Senior Animal Care
Animals are relatively similar to humans in that, as they age, they need more and different types of care. At FVC, we understand that animals age at a much faster and more dramatic rate than humans because their projected life span is quite a bit shorter. This means that we have to detect diseases or other issues as soon as possible.
When detected early, problems can be treated before they cause too much pain and discomfort. Our clinic is set up to help us find and treat these issues.
Our staff looks forward to working with you to ensure that your pet has a long and happy life.
Spaying/Neutering
Congratulations on making the right decision to spay/neuter your pet.
Spaying or neutering is one of the most important preventative health measures you can provide for your pet.
For females, the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer and of mammary tumors is significantly reduced. Spaying also eliminates heat cycles and their associated problems.
Neutered males tend to be less aggressive and the likelihood of testicular and prostate cancer decreases. It may also eliminate the urge to “mark” their territory and a neutered male is less likely to want to roam in search of potential mates.
We recommend spaying and neutering between 4-6 months of age.
You are doing the right thing to help eliminate dog and cat overpopulation.
Dental And Oral Health
One of the most common pet health problems begins with oral health. It is very difficult to keep your pet’s teeth clean. Unless your pet’s teeth are brushed daily, plaque will build up at the gum line. Eventually calculus will form further irritating the gums, and the infection progresses to loosen and destroy the attachment of the tooth. In addition to loose teeth, infection under the gum line can spread anywhere in the body. Especially at risk for infection are the kidneys and heart. We are able to perform a complete dental cleaning for your cat or dog. Ultrasonic scaling, polishing, and flouride treatment, done under anesthesia, will aid in the prevention of serious health problems.
Miscellaneous
Diagnostic services — our clinic is equipped to provide diagnostic services to care for your pet.
Anesthesia — we utilize the safest anesthetics to provide an extra margin of safety, especially for our older or high risk patients. Patient vital signs are monitored during all procedures.
Radiology — we provide digital radiography to aid in the quick diagnosis of many disorders.
Pharmacy — we maintain an extensive inventory of pharmaceuticals, vitamins, shampoos, flea and tick control products and heartworm preventatives to meet the needs of your pet. We also carry a full line of prescription diets.
Microchip identification — we offer HomeAgain microchips for permanent identification of your pets.
Pain management — pain management is extremely important. We practice aggressive pain management because we want your pet to be as comfortable as possible and because studies show that appropriate pain management is crucial for reduced stress and a speedy recovery. After a surgery or in any situation that your pet seems uncomfortable, our team will take every step to ensure their comfort.
Dietary counseling — guidance regarding your pet’s nutritional needs is given for each life stage, including dietary requirements for growth, weight management and performance.