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VCS Pets First Guide to Your Canine Companions Health

Puppy Wellness
Your First Veterinary Visit

Appointment:

1. A technician will meet you & your puppy. Your kitten will be weighed, have his temp, pulse and respirations taken for the Dr.

2. A doctor will perform a thorough physical exam & ask you a series of questions to gather info about the newest member of your family.

3. You & the doctor will craft a healthcare program. If your puppy is healthy, this is what we feel your puppy needs.

Health Care Program:

First Visit - 6-8 Weeks:

  • DAPPC (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Coronavirus)
  • Fecal Testing & Deworming (if needed)
  • Heartgard based on weight (Heartworm Preventative)

10-12 Week Visit:

  • DAPPC
  • 2nd Deworming (if needed)
  • Heartgard

14-16 Week Visit:

  • DAPPC
  • Leptosporosis vaccine (if you have a pet at risk)
  • Rabies vaccine (License your pet with Oakland Co.)
  • Bordetella vaccine
  • Fecal Exam (if necessary)
  • Heartgard

6-Month Visit:

  • Spay or Neuter
  • Pre-op Bloodwork
  • IV Catheter
  • Anesthesia Monitoring
  • Pain Management

First Year of Life:

  • Heartgard – Year Round Heartworm prevention

Adult Canine Wellness
From 1-5 years of Age

Our Recommendations for your Canine Companion:

1. Annual Examination

2. Annual Bloodwork – Full Chemistry/CBC/Parasite Testing
  • This will allow us to assess the function of the kidney’s and the liver, as well as, red and white blood cell counts.
  • Fecal testing should be done twice yearly.
    *Roundworms are a zoonotic parasite, which means you can be affected by them.

3. Flea Protection and 12 Months of Heartgard
  • We recommend annual Heartgard with every other year heartworm testing.
  • If you choose seasonal heartworm protection, your pet must have annual heartworm testing.
  • We recommend Frontline for seasonal flea and tick prevention.
4. Vaccine Protocol
  • DAPPC at 1yr of age, then once every 3 years
  • Leptosporosis annually
  • Bordetella annually
  • Rabies at 1yr of age, then once every 3 years

What if my dog has a...

Heart murmur: We recommend chest x-rays to assess the heart. This is best followed by an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to assess heart valve function. Also, blood pressure monitoring to make sure hypertension is not a problem.

Ear Infection: We would obtain a swab from each ear to determine the nature of the infection, clean the ears and start appropriate medications.

Urinary Tract Infection: We will collect a sterile urine sample so that a urinalysis and possible culture and sensitivity can be performed. Appropriate antibiotics will be started.

Senior Canine Wellness
Greater than 6 years of Age

Our Recommendations for your Older Canine Companion:
* Depending on your pet’s health and the results of their annual exam, your doctor may recommend biannual (twice yearly) examinations or testing.

1. Annual Examination

2. Annual Bloodwork – Full Chemistry/CBC/Parasite Testing

3. Screening Chest and Abdominal Radiographs

  • Chest x-rays: Older pets may have disease in their chest we cannot detect on physical examination. It can brew until it reaches a critical point at which time your pet becomes ill. We would like to detect serious disease early.
  • Abdominal x-rays: Our older pets can acquire masses in their abdomen without clinical signs. We utilize x-ray for early detection, which can allow for early intervention.

4. Flea Protection and 12 Months of Heartgard

  • We recommend annual Heartgard with every other year heartworm testing.
  • If you choose seasonal heartworm protection, your pet must have annual heartworm testing.
  • We recommend Frontline for seasonal flea and tick prevention.

5. Vaccine Protocol

  • Rabies – Every 3 years to comply with State Law, unless there are valid health reasons to stop.

What if we find abnormalities in...

Blood work:
Your doctor will make recommendations about further work-up and treatment.

Radiographs: The next step is ultrasound to better understand the abnormalities. Once we have a clear understanding we can make appropriate recommendations.


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205 Rowe Rd  Milford, MI  48380
Phone: 248.684.0468    Fax: 248.684.8122
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