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Veterinary Wellness Care and Vaccinations in Scottsdale, AZ

At Rio Verde Animal Hospital, we are proponents of prevention to maintain long, healthy, and vibrant lives. We are pleased to offer comprehensive veterinary wellness care, including regular checkups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. Our goal is to detect and address potential health concerns early on to help your furry companion thrive.

How Often Should Your Pet See the Vet?

The frequency of vet visits will depend on your furry friend's age, lifestyle, and overall health. Adult pets in good health usually need to see the vet once a year for their wellness exams. Senior pets or those with chronic health concerns may require vet visits every 3-6 months or even more to monitor their health. 

Puppies and kittens need to see the vet more frequently for vaccinations and necessary preventive care. We also monitor their growth and development to ensure everything is on track. Your little newcomer will typically need vet visits every 3-4 weeks until about 4-6 months of age.

If you notice any changes in how your furry companion acts, eats, or feels in between regular vet visits, make sure to schedule an appointment. Treating problems as they develop will help keep your pet’s health in tip-top shape.

Routine Screenings - An Overview

During a routine wellness visit, our veterinarians will conduct various screenings to assess your pet's overall health and detect any underlying conditions. These typically include the following:

Once we have assessed the health of your beloved pet, we will discuss our findings and provide any necessary recommendations to enhance their well-being. That may include dental care to maintain oral health, nutritional adjustments to support their specific needs, or pain management strategies if required. Our ultimate objective is to prevent disease and enhance your furry companion’s quality of life.

Physical Examination

We will perform a comprehensive physical examination, evaluating your pet's body condition, weight, eyes, ears, teeth, coat, and overall appearance. We will also listen to the heart and lungs, palpate the abdomen, and assess mobility.

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on your pet's age and health status, we may recommend diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, urinalysis, and fecal examination. These tests help evaluate organ function, detect infections, and identify underlying health issues.

Dental Evaluation

Dental health is crucial for a cat or dog’s overall well-being. We will examine your pet's teeth and gums for signs of dental disease, tartar buildup, or oral abnormalities. We may recommend professional dental cleaning or provide guidance on at-home dental care.

Once we have assessed the health of your beloved pet, we will discuss our findings and provide any necessary recommendations to enhance their well-being. That may include dental care to maintain oral health, nutritional adjustments to support their specific needs, or pain management strategies if required. Our ultimate objective is to prevent disease and enhance your furry companion’s quality of life.

Vaccinations - An Overview

Vaccinations safeguard your pet’s health by preventing serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. They are divided into two categories: Core and Non-Core. Core vaccines protect your furry family member against serious infectious diseases. They are required for all household pets. Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, are recommended based on your furry friend’s risk factors and lifestyle.

Dog Vaccinations

Core vaccines include protection against rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. Non-core vaccinations include Bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, or canine influenza vaccines.

Cat Vaccinations

Core vaccines include protection against rabies, feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (FVRCP). We may recommend non-core vaccines, like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) vaccines, for outdoor cats or those in multiple cat households.

Parasite Prevention - An Overview

Parasite prevention is essential for your pet's health and well-being. Measures may include the following: 

Flea and Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks can make your pet uncomfortable, spread disease, and infest your home. We are happy to recommend the best options to keep fleas and ticks away.

Heartworm Prevention

Mosquito bites can transmit a serious and potentially life-threatening disease called heartworm. We recommend heartworm preventive medications to keep your pet protected from this devastating condition.

Intestinal Parasite Control

Regular deworming helps rid your pet of common intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. We may recommend stool analysis and deworming medications, if needed, based on your pet's lifestyle and risk factors. 

Veterinary Wellness Care and Vaccinations Near Me in Scottsdale, AZ

Our team at Rio Verde Animal Hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive veterinary care so your pet can enjoy a healthy, active life for years to come. You can count on our team for the highest level of care and service. We look forward to welcoming you and your fur-ever companion into our family. 

We invite you to contact Rio Verde Animal Hospital at 480-674-8866 to schedule an appointment or request one online today.

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