Guarding Their Health, One Checkup at a Time
Preventative care is an important way to ensure that your pet is healthy and free from illnesses. From routine exams and vaccinations to parasite prevention and dental care, these proactive steps help catch problems early and keep your pet feeling their best. At Short Pump Animal Hospital, our preventive care services are designed to support a long, happy, and healthy life for your pet.
Examinations
Yearly examinations help us verify the health of your pet and can allow us to catch any illnesses and injuries early on.These exams are also an excellent opportunity for you to voice any concerns you may have regarding your pet. Informing your veterinarian about any worries you have is a good way to ease your stress and help your pet if there are any problems. Pets should be examined at least once a year to make sure that they receive the best care and to prevent any serious illnesses or injuries.
During the exam, your vet will pay attention to the following areas to see if there is any cause for concern:
- Lymph nodes
- Teeth
- Weight
- Eyes
- Heart
- Lungs
- Ears
These are just some of the things your veterinarian will focus on. The vet will also look for any suspicious or abnormal bumps or lumps and check if the animal’s joints are healthy.
After the examination, your doctor will prescribe your pet any necessary medication and assign a treatment plan if necessary.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an important part of preventative care in animals. We will provide your animal with vaccinations starting at just a few weeks old to give them time to build up their immune systems and create antibodies to potentially fatal diseases.
The sex, age, and exposure risk are all considered before administering any vaccines to your pet.
Parasite Control
Parasite control is a good way to help prevent your pet from contracting diseases. Parasites include heartworms, fleas, and ticks, which can be harmful to your pet’s health and wellness. Preventing these parasites will protect your pet from serious diseases.
The veterinarians at Short Pump Animal Hospital will check for any parasites during yearly examinations, but it is important that you also check your pet regularly for these insects.
Microchipping
If your pet gets lost or stolen, a microchip is a permanent form of identification which gives them the best chance of coming home. Short Pump Animal Hospital recommends microchipping your pet as soon as you can. Microchipping is invaluable if your pet loses their collar with any identification on it.
Nutrition & Weight Management
Having a healthy weight and proper nutrition is a great way to keep your pet healthy. A good way to help your pet maintain an appropriate weight is through regular exercise and having a healthy diet. It is tempting to give your pet treats all the time, but it will help them more in the long run if they have a balanced diet. Consult with your veterinarian about any weight or nutrition concerns and for recommendations for food and exercise routines. Our veterinarians will advise you on the best diet for your pet based on their size, breed, and current weight.
