Pet Wellness Care

WELLNESS VISITS:
The first few months with your puppy set the stage for a lifetime of joy and friendship. Puppy wellness visits aren’t just for vaccines: they are an important opportunity to ask questions of the doctors and staff about any health, training, or behavioral concerns you have about your new family member.

VACCINES:

• Distemper/Parvo: We recommend vaccinating against canine distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and adenovirus at 8, 12, and 16 weeks.
• Rabies: We give your puppy’s first rabies shot at the 16-week puppy visit.
• Bordatella: We recommend the bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine for puppies who are boarded, go to the groomer, or spend a lot of time around other dogs. We administer an intranasal vaccine on your 12-week puppy visit.

PARASITE PREVENTION

• Intestinal Parasites: because of the zoonotic (can be spread to humans, especially small children) potential of common intestinal parasites, we recommend that all puppies have their stool examined. Fecal examination entails giardia elisa testing, and microscopic examination of a direct and flotation preparation of feces to check for worm ovum and coccidia.
• Heartworm: we recommend starting your puppy on heartworm prevention at 12 weeks and keeping them on it year-round. Puppies under 6 months of age do not need to be tested prior to starting heartworm prevention. We use Heartgard Plus which also protects against round and hookworm infections.
• Fleas/Ticks: the incidence of these parasites varies according to season in Eastern Idaho. Our main problem times are Spring and Summer. During our high-risk times, or if you are traveling to an area with a greater incidence of fleas and ticks, we recommend Frontline Plus for prevention in puppies over 8 weeks.

MICROCHIPPING:
We strongly recommend microchipping your new family member. Pets who are microchipped are much more likely to be returned to their family than pets who aren’t chipped. We use the AKC microchip and lifetime registration with AKC’s CAR (Companion Animal Recovery) service is included in the implantation fee. These microchips are ISO compatible and can be used for international travel. Microchipping can be performed at any of your puppy’s wellness visits, or you can have it done at the time of spaying/neutering.

SPAYING/NEUTERING:
Spaying and neutering decreases or eliminates the risk of developing certain life-threatening or costly diseases in our beloved pets. For this reason, we recommend spaying or neutering your dog at some point in her/his life. For small to medium-sized dogs this will be around 4-6 months of age. For large or giant breed dogs we recommend having this procedure performed at 9-12 months. If you have questions or concerns about this procedure or are thinking about breeding your puppy, please talk to the doctors at one of your puppy’s wellness visits to determine what is right for your individual dog and household.

PUPPY PROGRAM:
Our puppy programs include wellness visits, your puppy’s distemper/parvo, bordetella and rabies vaccinations, toenail trims, fecal examination, 2 doses of pyrantel de-wormer, toothbrush, puppy food, the first dose of Heartgard, coupons for Frontline, and training handouts. Programs are available for pups who are 6-8 weeks and over 12 weeks. When you purchase one of the puppy programs you receive a 25% discount on these important wellness procedures.

WELLNESS EXAMS:
Yearly wellness exams are important for your adult dog, even if they appear generally healthy. Having your dog examined at least once a year, it allows the veterinary health care team to make note of insidious problems like obesity, arthritis, and dental disease, and formulate an action plan for your individual dog before conditions become severe. If our veterinary care team finds your dog has a chronic issue, we might recommend wellness visits every 6 months to ensure any problems are found in a timely manner. Remember dog’s age much faster than we do, so yearly visits are equivalent to us going to the doctor every 7 years!

VACCINES:

• Distemper/Parvo: we recommend vaccinating against canine distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. At your dog’s one-year visit we administer a 1-year distemper/parvo vaccination. On subsequent visits, we strongly recommend switching your dog to a 3-year distemper/parvo vaccination interval. Our 3-year distemper/parvo vaccine has been proven safe and effective for the prevention of both of these deadly diseases. If you have any questions about what is right for your dog, do not hesitate to ask our doctors.
• Rabies: The first rabies vaccine given to your dog is good for 1 year. Subsequent rabies vaccines are good for 3 years. It is a legal requirement to keep your dog current on rabies.
• Bordetella: We recommend the bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine for dogs who are boarded, go to the groomer or spend a lot of time around other dogs.
• Leptospirosis: there are 6 different types, or serovars, that infect dogs. Clinical signs range from bloody urine, gastrointestinal signs, or neurologic signs. This disease is spread primarily in animal urine, so dogs that are around farm animals or wildlife are at increased risk of contracting the disease. Leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans. Historically this vaccine has had a higher incidence of a vaccine reaction. If you think your dog is at risk for contracting this disease, please feel free to discuss whether vaccinating your pet is appropriate at your dog’s visit.
• Other Vaccines: if your dog would benefit from some of the other vaccinations available, either because of travel history or specific health needs, we will discuss this with you at your dog’s wellness visit.

PARASITE PREVENTION

• Intestinal Parasites: because of the zoonotic (can be spread to humans, especially small children) potential of common intestinal parasites, we recommend that all dogs have their stool examined on an annual basis. Fecal examination entails giardia elisa testing, and microscopic examination of a direct and flotation preparation of feces to check for worm ovum and coccidia.
• Heartworm Testing: we recommend testing for heartworm on an annual basis. The heartworm test is a fast simple blood test that detects the presence of heartworm disease, a potentially fatal mosquito-borne illness, and 3 potentially fatal tick-borne diseases. If you keep your dog on year-round prevention and do not travel to high heartworm endemic areas, your dog can be tested every other year. As the incidence of heartworm disease in Idaho is increasing, if you elect not to have your dog on prevention, we still strongly recommend yearly testing for this potentially deadly disease so treatment can be instituted in a timely fashion.
• Heartworm Prevention: highly recommended for all dogs. Also treats for roundworms and hookworms, two common and potentially zoonotic (can transfer to humans) diseases.
• Fleas/ticks: the incidence of these parasites varies according to season in Eastern Idaho. Our main problem times are Spring and Summer. During our high-risk times, or if you are traveling to an area with a greater incidence of fleas and ticks, we recommend Frontline Plus for prevention.

DENTAL CARE:
We recommend good oral hygiene for your dog and offer a complete line of at-home dental care products ranging from toothbrushes and paste to rinses and chews. Your dog’s teeth and gums will be evaluated at their annual wellness visit. If they are showing signs of periodontal disease, we strongly recommend having their teeth professionally cleaned before severe disease necessitates tooth extraction.

WELLNESS EXAMS
Regular wellness exams are important for your senior dog, even if they appear generally healthy. By having your dog examined at least once a year, it allows the veterinary health care team to make note of insidious problems like obesity, arthritis, and dental disease, and formulate an action plan for your individual dog before problems become severe. If your dog has health concerns such as heart, liver, or kidney disease, we recommend an exam at least every 6 months to evaluate the efficacy of your dog’s individual treatment plan. Some patients might require laboratory testing to monitor organ function or drug levels at more frequent intervals.

VACCINES:

• Distemper/Parvo: we recommend vaccinating against canine distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. Because it is still important to keep senior dogs protected against these deadly diseases, we will work with you and your individual senior dog to determine the best vaccination protocol for your family member. If you have any questions about what is right for your dog, do not hesitate to ask our doctors.
• Rabies: rabies vaccines are good for 3 years. It is a legal requirement to keep your dog current on rabies.
• Bordetella: We recommend the bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine for dogs who are boarded, go to the groomer or spend a lot of time around other dogs.
• Other Vaccines: if your dog would benefit from some of the other vaccinations available, either because of travel history or specific health needs, we will discuss this with you at your dog’s wellness visit.

PARASITE PREVENTION:

• Intestinal Parasites: because of the zoonotic (can be spread to humans) potential of common intestinal parasites, we recommend that all dogs have their stool examined on an annual basis. This can become especially important in older dogs as their immune function can decline to make them more susceptible to parasites. Fecal examination entails giardia elisa testing, and microscopic examination of a direct and flotation preparation of feces to check for worm ovum and coccidia.
• Heartworm Testing: we recommend testing for heartworm on an annual basis. The heartworm test is a fast simple blood test that detects the presence of heartworm disease, a potentially fatal mosquito-borne illness, and 3 potentially fatal tick-borne diseases. If you keep your dog on year-round prevention and do not travel to high heartworm endemic areas, your dog can be tested every other year. As the incidence of heartworm disease in Idaho is increasing, if you elect not to have your dog on prevention, we still strongly recommend yearly testing for this potentially deadly disease so treatment can be instituted in a timely fashion.
• Heartworm prevention: Highly recommended for all dogs. Also treats for roundworms and hookworms, two common and potentially zoonotic (can transfer to humans) diseases.
• Fleas/ticks: depending on the season, we recommend Frontline Plus for flea and tick prevention.

DENTAL CARE:
We recommend good oral hygiene for your dog and offer a complete line of at-home dental care products ranging from toothbrushes and paste to rinses and chews.

Your dog’s teeth and gums will be evaluated at their annual wellness visit. It is very common for senior dogs to show signs of moderate to severe periodontal disease. Newer anesthetic protocols have made dental procedures much safer, and your dog will be on IV fluids in addition to being monitored very closely while under anesthesia. It is very important to address periodontal disease, as it can lead to pain, poor appetite, weight loss, kidney issues, and heart disease. If your senior dog has periodontal disease, we strongly recommend having it treated in order to prevent more serious health problems down the road. Keeping your senior dog’s teeth healthy has a profound impact on their overall well-being and quality of life.

SENIOR HEALTH SCREENING:

• Laboratory Testing: we recommend at least yearly blood testing for senior pets. Basic screening for senior dogs includes a complete blood cell count (red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin), general chemistry panel (BUN, creatinine, Alk Phos, Glucose, ALT, total protein, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, amylase, total bilirubin, and cholesterol), thyroid and a complete urinalysis. Regular laboratory screening allows us to diagnose diseases in your dog much earlier, which enables us to treat any underlying conditions much more successfully than waiting until your senior dog is seriously ill.
• Tonometry: glaucoma is a very common eye disease that can lead to pain and blindness if not diagnosed early. As part of a comprehensive senior wellness program, we recommend regular measuring of your dog’s intraocular pressure. This provides us with baseline information, and if your dog’s pressure rises, it enables us to begin treating for glaucoma much earlier—before your pet is in pain or loses vision.
• Blood Pressure: Hypertension is a common and vastly underdiagnosed problem in our older dogs. Regular screenings can help determine if your canine companion needs to be on blood pressure medication to help prolong their life.
• ECG: Some dogs develop cardiac arrhythmias and other heart problems with age. An electrocardiogram can be a good early screening tool to ensure your dog’s heart is healthy.
• Radiographs: Our older canine companions are more prone to arthritis, cardiac disease, pulmonary issues, and cancers. Sometimes routine radiographs can help rule out these serious conditions or help our doctors assess the severity of your dog’s problems so appropriate treatment plans can be made.

SENIOR WELLNESS PACKAGES
We currently offer 3 Senior Wellness Packages to help provide your aging canine companion the best possible care into their golden years. Please feel free to discuss which package will fit your pet’s individual needs with our veterinary health care team.

• Senior Package A: Includes complete laboratory screening (CBC, blood chemistries, electrolytes, urinalysis, and thyroid (T4)), tonometry, blood pressure measurement, ECG, and 4 radiographic views.
• Senior Package B: Includes complete laboratory screening (CBC, blood chemistries, electrolytes, urinalysis, and thyroid (T4)), tonometry, blood pressure measurement, and 2 radiographic views.
• Senior Package C: Includes complete laboratory screening (CBC, blood chemistries, electrolytes, urinalysis, and thyroid (T4)), tonometry, and blood pressure measurement.

WELLNESS VISITS:
The first few months with your kitten set the stage for a lifetime of joy and friendship. Kitten wellness visits aren’t just for vaccines: they are an important opportunity to ask questions of the doctors and staff about any health, training, or behavioral concerns you have about your new family member.

VACCINES:

• Feline Distemper (FVRCP): we recommend vaccinating against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis (herpes), and calicivirus at 8, 12, and 16 weeks.
• Rabies: we give your kitten’s first rabies shot at their 16-week kitten visit.
• Feline Leukemia: we recommend vaccinating all kittens against feline leukemia, a deadly retroviral disease. A negative feline leukemia test is required. The feline leukemia vaccines are given at your kitten’s 12 and 16-week visits.

PARASITE PREVENTION:

• Intestinal Parasites: because of the zoonotic (can be spread to humans, especially small children) potential of common intestinal parasites, we recommend that all kittens have their stool examined. Fecal examination entails giardia elisa testing, and microscopic examination of a direct and flotation preparation of feces to check for worm ovum and coccidia.
• Fleas/ticks
• Ear Mites: we recommend Revolution if your kitten has ear mites.

FELINE RETROVIRAL TESTING:
Feline leukemia (FELV) and feline AIDS (FIV) are 2 very serious diseases that afflict our feline companions. They are spread through contact with an infected cat’s blood, saliva, or bodily fluid or directly from mother to kitten. Because these diseases are contagious and potentially fatal, we strongly recommend testing your new kitten before introducing him/her into your family. Testing requires a small blood sample and is performed at the clinic in approximately 10 minutes.

MICROCHIPPING:
We strongly recommend microchipping your new family member. Pets who are microchipped are much more likely to be returned to their family than pets who aren’t chipped. We use the AKC microchip and lifetime registration with AKC’s CAR (Companion Animal Recovery) service is included in the implantation fee. These microchips are ISO compatible which means they are good for international travel. Microchipping can be performed at any of your kitten’s wellness visits, or you can have it done at the time of spaying/neutering.

For health reasons we recommend spaying or neutering your cat. For the majority of kittens, this will be around 4-6 months of age. If you have questions or concerns about this procedure please talk to the doctors at one of your kitten’s wellness visits to determine what is right for your individual kitten and household.

KITTEN PROGRAMS:
Our kitten programs include wellness visits, your kitten’s feline distemper, feline leukemia, and rabies vaccinations, feline leukemia/AIDS testing, toenail trims, fecal examination, 2 doses of pyrantel de-wormer, 1st dose of Revolution, a bag of kitten food, coupons for flea/tick prevention and care handouts. Our programs are designed for kittens who are 6-8 weeks or 12 weeks and older. When you purchase one of the kitten programs you receive a 25% discount on these important wellness procedures.

WELLNESS EXAMS:
Yearly wellness exams are important for your adult cat, even if they appear generally healthy. By having your cat examined at least once a year, it allows the veterinary health care team to make note of insidious problems like obesity, arthritis, and dental disease, and formulate an action plan for your individual cat before problems become severe. Remember, cats age more rapidly than you or I, so getting yearly exams is like us going to the doctor every 7 years. If the veterinary team determines your cat has chronic issues, we may recommend for you to have your cat seen every 6 months to allow us to stay on top of potential problems.

VACCINES:

• Feline Distemper (FVRCP): we recommend vaccinating against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis (herpes), and calicivirus. For most adult cats we prefer the 3-year feline distemper vaccine, this vaccine provides the same protection while allowing us to administer fewer vaccines to your cat over the course of his/her life.
• Rabies: cats are more commonly exposed to this deadly disease than dogs because of their tendency to play with bats. We require that your cat be current on this vaccine before any elective procedures, and strongly recommend for legal reasons that you keep your cat up to date on this vaccine.
• Feline Leukemia: we recommend vaccinating all cats who have contact with the outside or cats that go outside against feline leukemia, a deadly retroviral disease. A negative feline leukemia test is required. If your cat is strictly indoor only and does not have access to the outside or cats who go outside, we often discontinue this vaccine. Please speak with one of our doctors if you have any questions, and we will be happy to formulate a vaccine protocol tailored to your individual cat’s needs.

PARASITE PREVENTION

• Intestinal Parasites: because of the zoonotic (can be spread to humans, especially small children) potential of common intestinal parasites, we recommend that all cats have their stool examined on an annual basis. Fecal examination entails giardia elisa testing, and microscopic examination of a direct and flotation preparation of feces to check for worm ovum and coccidia.
• Fleas/ticks: The incidence of these parasites varies according to season in Eastern Idaho. Our main problem times are Spring and Summer. During our high-risk times, or if you are traveling to an area with a greater incidence of fleas and ticks, we recommend Frontline Plus for prevention.
• Ear Mites: We use Revolution for treating ear mite infestations.

FELINE RETROVIRAL TESTING:
Feline leukemia (FELV) and feline AIDS (FIV) are 2 very serious diseases that afflict our feline companions. They are spread through contact with an infected cat’s blood, saliva, or bodily fluid or directly from mother to kitten. Because these diseases are contagious and potentially fatal, we strongly recommend testing your if he/she has a history of fighting, contact with strange cats, or is sick. New adult cats should be tested prior to introducing them to the rest of your family. As there is no safe, effective vaccine against FIV, cats with an at-risk lifestyle (outdoor, engage in risky behavior) should be tested annually. Testing requires a small blood sample and is performed at the clinic in approximately 10 minutes.

DENTAL CARE:
We recommend good oral hygiene for your cat and offer a complete line of at-home dental care products ranging from toothbrushes and paste to rinses and treats. Your cat’s teeth and gums will be evaluated at their annual wellness visit. If they are showing signs of periodontal disease, we strongly recommend having their teeth professionally cleaned before severe disease necessitates tooth extraction.

WELLNESS EXAMS:
Regular wellness exams are important for your senior cat, even if they appear generally healthy. By having your cat examined at least once a year, it allows the veterinary health care team to make note of insidious problems like obesity, arthritis, and dental disease, and formulate an action plan for your individual cat before problems become severe. If your cat has health concerns such as thyroid, liver, or kidney disease, we recommend an exam at least every 6 months to evaluate the efficacy of your cat’s individual treatment plan. Some patients might require laboratory testing to monitor organ function or drug levels at more frequent intervals.

VACCINES:

• Feline Distemper (FVRCP): we recommend vaccinating against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis (herpes), and calicivirus. Because it is still important to keep senior cats protected against these deadly diseases, we will work with you and your individual senior cat to determine the best vaccination protocol for your family member. If you have any questions about what is right for your cat, do not hesitate to ask our doctors.
• Rabies: cats are more commonly exposed to this deadly disease than dogs because of their tendency to play with bats. We require that your cat be current on this vaccine before any elective procedures, and strongly recommend for legal reasons that you keep your cat up to date on this vaccine.
• Feline Leukemia: we recommend vaccinating all cats who have contact with the outside or cats that go outside against feline leukemia, a deadly retroviral disease. A negative feline leukemia test is required. If your cat is strictly indoor only and does not have access to the outside or cats who go outside, we often discontinue this vaccine. Please speak with one of our doctors if you have any questions, and we will be happy to formulate a vaccine protocol tailored to your individual cat’s needs.

PARASITE PREVENTION:

• Intestinal Parasites: because of the zoonotic (can be spread to humans) potential of common intestinal parasites, we recommend that all cats have their stool examined on an annual basis. This can become especially important in older cats as their immune function can decline to make them more susceptible to parasites. Fecal examination entails giardia elisa testing, and microscopic examination of a direct and flotation preparation of feces to check for worm ovum and coccidia.
• Fleas/ticks: depending on the season, we recommend Frontline Plus for flea and tick prevention.

DENTAL CARE:
We recommend good oral hygiene for your cat and offer a complete line of at-home dental care products ranging from toothbrushes and paste to rinses and chews.

Your cat’s teeth and gums will be evaluated at their annual wellness visit. It is very common for senior cats to show signs of moderate to severe periodontal disease. Newer anesthetic protocols have made dental procedures much safer, and your cat will be on IV fluids in addition to being monitored very closely while under anesthesia. It is very important to address periodontal disease, as it can lead to severe pain, poor appetite, weight loss, and kidney disease. If your senior cat has periodontal disease, we strongly recommend having it treated in order to prevent more serious health problems down the road. Keeping your senior cat’s teeth healthy has a profound impact on their overall well-being and quality of life.

SENIOR HEALTH SCREENING:

• Laboratory Testing: we recommend at least yearly blood testing for senior pets. Basic screening for senior cats includes a complete blood cell count (red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin), general chemistry panel (BUN, creatinine, Alk Phos, Glucose, ALT, total protein, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, amylase, total bilirubin, and cholesterol), thyroid and a complete urinalysis. Regular laboratory screening allows us to diagnose diseases in your cat much earlier, which enables us to treat any underlying conditions much more successfully than waiting until your senior cat is seriously ill.
• Tonometry: glaucoma is a very common eye disease that can lead to pain and blindness if not diagnosed early. As part of a comprehensive senior wellness program, we recommend regular measuring of your cat’s intraocular pressure. This provides us with baseline information, and if your cat’s pressure rises, it enables us to begin treating for glaucoma much earlier—before your pet is in pain or loses vision.
• Blood Pressure: Hypertension is a common and vastly underdiagnosed problem in our older cats. Regular screenings can help determine if your feline companion needs to be on blood pressure medication to help prolong their life.
• ECG: Some cats develop cardiac arrhythmias and other heart problems with age. An electrocardiogram can be a good early screening tool to ensure your cat’s heart is healthy.
• Radiographs: Our older feline companions are more prone to arthritis, pulmonary issues, and cancers. Sometimes routine radiographs can help rule out these serious conditions or help our doctors assess the severity of your cat’s problems so appropriate treatment plans can be made.

SENIOR WELLNESS PACKAGES
We currently offer 3 Senior Wellness Packages to help provide your aging feline companion the best possible care into their golden years. Please feel free to discuss which package will fit your pet’s individual needs with our veterinary health care team.

• Senior Package A: Includes complete laboratory screening (CBC, blood chemistries, electrolytes, urinalysis, and thyroid (T4)), tonometry, blood pressure measurement, ECG, and 4 radiographic views.
• Senior Package B: Includes complete laboratory screening (CBC, blood chemistries, electrolytes, urinalysis, and thyroid (T4)), tonometry, blood pressure measurement, and 2 radiographic views.
• Senior Package C: Includes complete laboratory screening (CBC, blood chemistries, electrolytes, urinalysis, and thyroid (T4)), tonometry, and blood pressure measurement.