Dog & Cat info

Healthy Life Cycle from Young to Old

Stage 1: Puppy and Kitten (6-16 weeks of age)

Recommendations

  • Annual Physical Exam
  • Initial vaccination series
  • Check for intestinal parasites
  • Preventative deworming
  • Heartworm and flea prevention for all patients.
  • High-quality growth diet for proper development
  • Positive contact with other people and pets (critical for proper socialization)
  • Introduce home dental care
  • Beginning grooming for your pet to reduce anxiety later

Stage 2: Young Adult (6-12 months for cats and small-breed dogs) (12-18 months for large-breed dogs)

Recommendations

  • Annual Physical Exam
  • Regular exercise to promote good body conditioning
  • Heartworm & tick-disease prevention and routine check-ups
  • Obedience training classes to help reinforce desirable behavior habits
  • Elective reproductive surgeries (spay or neuter) for pets not intended as breeding stock or show animals
  • Regular home dental care
  • Regular grooming to maintain your pet’s coat Stage

Stage 3: Mature Adult (2-8 years for cats and small-breed dogs) (2-7 years for large-breed dogs)

Recommendations

  • Bi-annual physical exam
  • Regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat
  • Regular exercise to promote good body conditioning
  • Heartworm prevention, routine check-ups and booster vaccinations
  • Screening for common conditions in aging pets
  • Good quality maintenance diet to help avoid health risks
  • Regular home dental care
  • Professional dental care as needed

Stage 4: Senior Adult (over 6-8 years for dogs, depending on the breed) (over 8-9 years for cats)

Recommendations

  • Bi-annual physical exam
  • Vaccinations up-to-date
  • Heartworm & tick-disease prevention and routine check-ups
  • Screening for common conditions in the older pet
  • Gradual adjustment to diet appropriate for senior animals