Wellness Care for Your PetIf you're a puppy, or an older pet, taking care of your wellness is vital throughout the lifespan of your pet. Kittens and puppies require regular checks to monitor the growth of their pet and to build immunity to common illnesses.Pet insurance plans provide wellness coverage as an added benefit. However, how to take care of pets for pet wellness is quite different from pet insurance in many ways.VaccinationsVaccines have been recognized as saving more lives than any other medical treatment. They protect against diseases that could be fatal or cause severe and prolonged suffering, pain, or death. In most cases, prevention is far more effective and cost-effective than treatment.Immunizations can be a vital element of pet care and can prevent serious illnesses in cats and dogs as well as humans. Vaccines contain microorganisms which have been altered or killed and are administered to the body in order to increase the immune response. Vaccines are a way to make the immune system detect and fight pathogens that cause disease without suffering the more serious consequences associated with infection or illness.Puppy and kittens must receive a full set of vaccinations at the beginning stages of development in order to build a strong immune system against infectious diseases. Our veterinarian will recommend the appropriate vaccinations for your pets depending on their age and lifestyle.The primary vaccines are rabies distemper, and parvovirus. These are essential for all dogs and cats, as they protect against deadly infections that can be easily transmitted to humans. The core vaccines are administered in two doses at the time of kittenhood or pup, and then boosted every year.Non-core vaccinations are recommended according to the risk factors and lifestyle. Dogs who frequent boarding and grooming kennels, dog parks, and training classes, for example, may require vaccination.The hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C vaccines are also typically recommended for all pets. They help stop a variety of deadly diseases that could be passed on from animals to people and vice from one to the other. A combination vaccine, referred to as a A2PP or FVRCP for dogs and cats respectively, protects against most common infectious diseases that can be passed between the two species. The lyme vaccination, recommended for dogs who travel in areas where there are numerous deer, shields them from bites from the deer tick, also known as the illegitimately called deer tick, that can cause a severe bacteria-related infection.Fecal ExamA fecal examination is also referred to as a fecal flotation, is a microscopic examination of your pet's stool. This allows your vet to find intestinal parasites such as whipworms, roundworms and giardia, which are difficult to identify and can compromise the health of your pet. They can be transmitted to your family members as well as other pets.A fecal sample can be collected in a variety of ways. Your vet could use a specialized fecal sample loop that is placed in the rectum, and then pulled back to obtain a sample. pet care specialist is particularly helpful in identifying worms and cysts. Your doctor can conduct an immediate test by spreading the small amount of feces onto a microscope glass. This test comes with the disadvantage that it will only be accurate when there is no fat or cellular matter in the sample.Another method is centrifugal float tests. The feces are mixed with a special solution to check for eggs that are parasite-infested. This causes the eggs to flounder and can be observed under microscope. This method is more sensitive than direct smears however, the results depend on the details of the procedure and the specifics of the specimen.Annual fecal examinations are the best way to be sure that your pet doesn't have an intestinal parasite infestation that can affect their health and may be passed on to other pets or family members. These infections can cause discomfort for your pet and could lead to more serious conditions that require treatment. Some intestinal parasites, like hookworms and roundworms are transferred to humans. This poses a serious health risk.Fecal testing is an essential and easy part of your pet's wellness care routine. Every pet should undergo fecal testing at least once a year. This is especially important for animals that are puppies or living in an environment which is conducive to parasites. Intestinal parasites can be a major cause of illness for pets, causing diarrhea and weight loss, as well as vomiting. In addition to detecting parasites, the fecal test can identify blood or other abnormalities which could be a sign of a disease or ongoing infection.Dental ExamPet dental health is a crucial aspect of health care. If you don't take care of your oral health, pet teeth can be infected and cause other health problems like bad breath, tooth decay, and even gum disease. These conditions begin when tartar accumulates on the teeth, and affects the surrounding tissues. The buildup can also move through the bloodstream to organs like kidneys, the heart and liver. This can cause inflammation and increase the risk of developing serious diseases. Regular brushing at home and dental cleanings can help keep your pet's teeth healthy.During a dental examination our veterinarian will look over your pet's teeth to look for indications of plaque and tartar. He or she will use a scaler to remove the tartar that has accumulated and an instrument for checking the gums for pockets. line where periodontal disease starts. To assess the roots and bones of the teeth the X-rays are taken from the entire mouth.Dental exams should be scheduled at least every year, however more frequent examinations are recommended for those with a higher risk for dental disease or who are in their old age. In addition to a comprehensive physical evaluation, the vet will discuss your pet's diet, weight, and behavior with you. If you notice any changes in your pet, the vet will provide useful information regarding the cause and recommend additional tests or treatments if needed.Wellness plans are a great option to save money and cover preventive treatments like dental cleanings and heartworm tests. best pet care are similar in nature to traditional pet insurance plans, but reimburse pre-determined medical costs rather than paying for the entire visit. Our veterinarians are more than willing to discuss the various plans and options with you.To make an appointment for your pet, contact our Spring Hill vets today! We will conduct an exam for health, recommend vaccinations, and other preventive measures for your pet. We are looking forward to seeing you soon!Parasite ControlNo matter if they are of the internal or external kind, parasites are a variety of organisms that feed off your pet, robbing her of vital nutrients. They can also harm her major organs and body systems, leading to a wide range of unpleasant symptoms. In extreme instances, some parasites (such as heartworms) could even cause death. Many people believe that parasites are an aspect of owning a pet. But, this is not true. Our vet team is familiar with the kinds of parasites to watch for in your local area and can help you know how these bugs affect your pet and what can be done to prevent them from happening.A well-managed pet parasite control program can reduce the risk of spreading disease to humans and pets in the house. This means that you regularly administer preventative treatments for ticks and fleas year-round, using a tick collar as often as you can and grooming your pet often, particularly after she has been out. Examining for signs of parasites like chewing, scratching or licking will help ensure that your pet is not afflicted with these parasites.Internal parasites, such whipworms and roundworms as well as tapeworms, are usually acquired through the accidental ingestion of micro-sized parasite eggs from areas that have been contaminated by the faeces of affected animals. These parasites can also be Zoonotic, meaning that they can be passed from pets to humans (and vice versa).Ectoparasites, such as fleas and ticks are more likely to occur in urban areas with large pet populations, but they can infest homes in all areas. Fleas are known to cause severe allergic reactions and transmit vector-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Ticks can also be a significant problem, both in terms of causing painful, itchy and allergic reactions in pets as well as potentially transmitting vector-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and ehrlichia to humans.At minimum all pets in shelters should receive a basic internal as well as external parasite control regimen at time of intake. This should include a prophylactic treatment with the minimum of an oral dewormer that works against hookworms and roundworms and a flea and tick preventative (Nemex and Strongid are the most frequently used products).