Senior Canine Health Recommendations

Bi-Annual Examinations- As senior pets age faster then younger pets, we recommend beginning examinations every 6 months beginning at 7 years of age.  During examination, we will check your senior dog from nose to tail.  This includes eyes, ears, nose, mouth (including a dental examination), skin, coat, legs/feet, and internal organs.  We will listen to the heart to be sure there are no changes or irregularities present.  We will also perform an abdominal palpation to examine abdominal health of the gastro-intestinal tract and internal organs.

Rabies Vaccine- Rabies vaccination is required by law and highly important as there is no cure for Rabies infection.  As a senior dog, your dog's Rabies vaccine will need to be administered once every 3 year vaccine.  We will provide you with new Rabies tags and certification at the time of administration.

Distemper/Parvovirus Vaccine- (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)  As a senior dog, your dog's annual Distemper/Parvovirus vaccine will also be due once every 3 year vaccine.  This illnesses that this vaccine protects against are very serious and can be fatal.

Distemper/Parvovirus Titer- We also offer Distemper/Parvovirus Titer testing.  This is a test we can perform in lieu of vaccinating for these diseases. Studies show that many of our companion animals retain protection from their vaccines for years beyond the recommended 3 year booster. In an effort to limit the number of vaccines we administer over the lifetime of your pet, we can obtain a blood sample to send to the laboratory to ensure your pet has adequate protective immunity. In the event your pet's titer is low and not considered protective, we will have your pet return for a Nurse visit and booster the Distemper/Parvovirus vaccine. 

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccine- Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccine protects against common bacterial respiratory infection.  This infection is highly contagious and easily transferable.  Therefore, we highly recommend it for all dogs who will spend time around canine companions.  Although this vaccination will not completely prevent this infection, it will greatly reduce the likelihood of your pet contracting it and help accelerate the healing process if they do contract it.  We use an oral Bordetella vaccine that is effective for 1 year after administration.

Internal Parasite Screening- We recommend screening every 6 months to be sure that your dog is free of internal parasites, as suggested by the Companion Animal Parasite Council, to look for parasites that could be transmitted to humans.  This involves taking a sample of fecal matter and sending it to the laboratory for comprehensive testing.  With routine screening, we can be sure that we are detecting infection early and treating when appropriate.