Taking your pet to the vet every year for vaccinations and a check-up can easily get lost in the hectic schedule of everyday life. However, any pet wellness regime should always include vaccines as well as an annual exam by a veterinarian to maintain the optimal health of your pet. 

Why You Should Stay Current with Your Pet's Vaccinations

All 50 U.S. states require that healthy dogs over the age of three or four months be vaccinated for rabies. Many states have similar regulations for cats and other domestic animals. In addition to keeping in line with the law, vaccines are important in preventing common pet diseases. Even if your pet stays inside the majority of the time, he or she should be vaccinated. Dogs go outside and even cats can "escape' every now and again.

Most veterinary hospitals, including ours, will be happy to discuss the vaccines they recommend based on your pet's age, habits and general health. For cats, the core vaccines include rabies, FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici, & Panleukopenia) and FeLV (Feline Leukemia). For dogs, the core vaccines include rabies, DAP (Distemper, Adenovirus, & Parainfluenza), Leptospirosis, Intranasal Parainfluenza/Bordetella and K9 Influenza vaccine. Dogs and cats can begin their vaccines as early as three to four months of age. 

Vaccinating Your Pet at North Suffolk Animal Clinic

Our Suffolk area animal clinic welcomes pets and their owners from all over the Tidewater region, including residents of Hampton, Smithfield and Newport News. We offer a kitten and puppy wellness package that is somewhat unique among veterinary hospitals. These packages include vaccines as well as a comprehensive exam by our veterinarian, a spay or neuter procedure and microchipping at a fraction of what it would cost if you purchased each service separately. We make it affordable for you to start your pet early on a healthy life.

Have you recently had your cat or dog vaccinated for rabies and other common pet diseases? Was the experience a pleasant one? Share your story with our readers by leaving a comment below.

It is estimated that nearly 75 percent of all pets do not receive adequate dental care, and that they will have some form of dental disease by the time they are three years of age. This is a shocking statistic, especially considering that pet dental care is a part of their wellness care, and that dental issues are so easily avoided with proper care from veterinary hospitals. One of the most common dental diseases is periodontal disease.

Veterinary Hospitals Can Prevent Periodontal Disease

Everybody has heard of dog breath, but overly aromatic breath can be an indication of a more serious problem; periodontal disease. Periodontal disease occurs when the pet’s gums become infected. It begins as plaque which can build up on the teeth. This plaque becomes calcified and forms tartar. More plaque is attracted to the build-up of tartar, and the problem keeps mounting until the gums become infected with gingivitis. Gingivitis causes the gums to become red and swollen, and they bleed easily.

If left untreated, the plaque and tartar can build up under the gum line, and infection can invade the root of the tooth. This infection can destroy the tissue around the root of the tooth, and the tooth becomes loose and may fall out. This is very painful for any pet.

Oral examinations and dental cleanings are the proactive steps you can take to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. The oral exam can identify potential problems with the teeth, and it can identify any tartar. Our veterinarian in Suffolk will need to administer a short-lived anesthetic in order to give your pet a dental cleaning. This will remove any tartar build up and allow a closer examination of the pet’s teeth.

Our North Suffolk Animal Hospital is convenient to Smithfield, Hampton, and Newport News. Call today; a veterinarian would be happy to give your pet an oral exam and get you started on a pet dental wellness program. Get rid of that doggy breath today!

Brushing your pet's teeth between visits is a great way to keep up their good dental health. Do you have any amusing pet teeth brushing stories you would like to share?