Preventive Care for Dogs
Commit to a lifetime of health.
The Importance of Preventive Care for Your Dog
Preventive care plays a vital role in ensuring your dog’s long-term health and well-being. Regular veterinary visits provide peace of mind and increase the likelihood of detecting underlying health issues before they become serious and costly to treat.
How Often Should My Dog See a Veterinarian?
At Lake Alfred Animal Hospital, we base our preventive care recommendations on the guidelines set by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Our veterinarians further tailor these recommendations based on your dog’s age, breed, lifestyle, and medical history.
In general, we recommend scheduling at least one annual wellness exam. During this visit, our veterinarians will review your dog’s medical history, assess their behavior, make dietary recommendations, and monitor any existing health conditions.
What to Expect During a Preventive Care Exam
A preventive care exam is similar to an annual physical for humans. During the appointment, our team will:
- Check your dog’s temperature
- Examine their eyes, ears, teeth, and skin
- Listen to their heart and lungs
- Assess joint health and mobility
Additional Preventive Care Recommendations
Your veterinarian may also recommend:
- Vaccinations based on your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors. Core vaccines include rabies, distemper, and Leptospirosis, while additional vaccines such as canine influenza, Bordetella, and Lyme may be suggested.
- Parasite prevention to protect against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites.
- Diagnostic testing to detect underlying health conditions not visible during a physical exam and to confirm your dog is free from internal parasites.
During your dog’s annual exam, we will also discuss other beneficial services such as spaying or neutering, microchipping, and dental care. If you have any questions about your pet’s health, our team is here to help ensure they receive the best possible care.
To schedule your dog’s annual exam, call us at (863) 956-5700 or request an dog exam appointment online.
