At what stage of life does your pet require routine veterinary care? The following guideline will help determine when to plan a visit.
Canine
6-8 weeks of age
- Physical Examination
- A physical examination appointment consists of; recording the current weight of your pet and the assessment of body condition, skin and hair coat, abdomen, ears, eyes, urinary system, rectum, nose and throat, lymph nodes, mouth, teeth and gums, legs, paws and spine, heart and lungs as well as the nervous system. A discussion of your pet’s recent physical, behavioural and nutritional history reveals further insight. Evaluations and recommendations are provided in written form for your personal records.
- Initial DA2PP Vaccination
- A modified live virus vaccine for the vaccination of healthy dogs, 6 weeks of age and older, as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by canine distemper virus, adenovirus type 1 (hepatitis) and adenovirus type 2 (respiratory disease), canine parainfluenza virus, and canine parvovirus.
- Deworming Hookworm, roundworms and whipworm.
- Heartworm Prevention
12 weeks of age
- Physical Examination
- Second DA2PP Vaccination
- Deworming (if required)
- Heartworm Prevention
- *Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccination if at risk
- *Lyme Vaccination if at risk
16 weeks of age
- Physical Examination
- Heartworm Prevention
- Rabies Vaccination
- This incurable viral disease affects the central nervous system of almost all mammals, including humans. It is spread through contact with the saliva of infected animals (which can include skunks, foxes, raccoons and bats) through bites or any break in the skin. Vaccination will provide your pet with much greater resistance to rabies if he is exposed to the disease, but you must be aware that there is no cure once it occurs. For this reason, many municipalities absolutely require that all dogs receive rabies vaccinations on a regular basis. Plus, you will definitely have to prove that your dog is vaccinated if you travel with him – whether across the province, to the United States or around the world.
6 months of age
Spay/Neuter
Why? Health benefits include eliminating or reducing the risk of mammary cancer, prostate disease, certain skin conditions and more.
It is safer than ever with modern anesthetics and pain control, spaying and neutering is a simple and effective procedure.
It is effective in preventing undesirable genetic traits (any breeding dog should be thoroughly examined and screened for eye and joint disease), and avoids producing unhealthy puppies. It is difficult both emotionally and financially when puppies are born with serious health problems.
It reduces the population of unwanted dogs.
Male dogs:
- Avoid hormone related behaviours.
- Urine marking in the house.
- Aggression towards other dogs and territorial aggression.
- Escape-oriented behaviour and subsequent roaming.
Female dogs:
- Avoid hormone related behaviours.
- Aggression, moodiness and unpredictability related to heat cycle and pregnancy.
- Their scent attracts male dogs from the neighbourhood.
- Unpleasant discharge when in heat.
City Dog License – Animal Services Agency
1 year of age
(~1 year after initial rabies vaccination)
Annual physical examinations are recommended as changes to your pet’s health can occur rapidly. Since the aging process in pets occurs at an increased pace compared to humans, these annual visits are important for disease prevention and early detection.
Pets having been assessed and determined to be in good health may receive vaccination for potential contagious disease. The vaccine required may vary depending upon your pet’s history, age and exposure.
- Physical Examination
- DA2PP & Rabies Vaccination
- Bordetella and/or Lyme vaccination if at risk.
- Heartworm Prevention +/- Heartworm/Lyme Disease Test
2-9 years of age
- Physical Examination
- Vaccination requirements vary per year. At this point Distemper/Adenovirus/Parainfluenza/Parvovirus (Da2PP)) and Rabies vaccine will begin a 3 year rotation, Bordetella and/or Lyme vaccination if requested or necessary.
- Heartworm Prevention +/- Heartworm/Lyme DiseaseTest
9 + years of age (Seniors)
- Physical Examination
- Vaccination requirements vary per year. Any adjustment to our vaccination protocol is determined by age, history and exposure.
- Heartworm Prevention +/- Heartworm/Lyme Disease Test.
- Wellness Profile (Includes red and white cell counts, platelet numbers, kidney function, liver function, blood sugar and protein levels) & Urine Analysis.
Feline
6-8 weeks of age
- Physical Examination
- A physical examination appointment consists of; recording the current weight of your pet and the assessment of body condition, skin and hair coat, abdomen, ears, eyes, urinary system, rectum, nose and throat, lymph nodes, mouth, teeth and gums, legs, paws and spine, heart and lungs as well as the nervous system. A discussion of your pet’s recent physical, behavioural and nutritional history reveals further insight. Evaluations and recommendations are provided in written form for your personal records.
- Initial FVRCP Vaccination
- For the vaccination of healthy cats against feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus.
- Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccination (“outdoor” cats or multicat homes)
- Feline Leukemia Virus / Feline Infectious Peritonitis discussion
- Deworming Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms.
12 weeks of age
- Physical Examination
- Second FVRCP Vaccination
- Second Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccination (“outdoor” cats or multicat homes)
- Deworming (if required).
16 weeks of age
- Physical Examination
- Rabies Vaccination (if at risk).
- This incurable viral disease affects the central nervous system of almost all mammals, including humans. It is spread through contact with the saliva of infected animals (which can include skunks, foxes, raccoons and bats) through bites or any break in the skin. Vaccination will provide your cat with much greater resistance to rabies if he is exposed to the disease, but you must be aware that there is no cure once it occurs. For this reason, many municipalities absolutely require that all cats receive rabies vaccinations on a regular basis. Plus, you will definitely have to prove that your cat is vaccinated if you ever have to travel with him – whether across the province or around the world.
6 months of age
- Spay/Neuter Prevents unpleasant heat cycles, reproductive diseases, unwanted pregnancies and reduces strong, offensive urine odour.
1 year of age
(~1 year after kitten second FVRCP or Rabies Vaccination)
Annual physical examinations are recommended as changes to your pet’s health can occur rapidly. Since the aging process in pets occurs at an increased pace compared to humans, these annual visits are important for disease prevention and early detection.
Pets having been assessed and determined to be in good health may receive vaccination for potential contagious disease. The vaccine required may vary depending upon your pet’s history, age and exposure.
- Physical Examination
- FVRCP Vaccination
- Felv Vaccination (if at risk, “outdoor” cats or multicat homes)
- Rabies Vaccination (if at risk, “outdoor” cats or multicat homes)
- Deworming (if requested or necessary).
2-9 years of age
- Physical Examination
- Vaccination requirements vary per year. FVRCP vaccine will begin a 3 year rotation. Feline Leukemia Virus vaccine continues annually and Rabies will begin a 3 year rotation if the cat is at risk.
- Deworming (if requested or necessary)
9 + years of age (Seniors)
- Physical Examination
- Vaccination requirements vary per year. Any adjustment to our vaccination protocol is determined by age, history and exposure.
- Wellness Profile (Includes red and white cell counts, platelet numbers, kidney function, liver function, blood sugar and protein levels) & Thyroid Function. Collection & Submission of Samples for Analysis