Preventative Health Care at Ames Pet Hospital
Check Ups and Shots Maintain Your Pet's Good Health
At Ames Pet Hospital, our veterinarian's recommendations for preventative medicine for your pet are based on their age, vaccination history, breed, any pre-existing conditions, and/or long term medications.
Young animals are more susceptible to infections and diseases. As the natural immunity from their mother's milk wears off, vaccines become essential for young pets. The series of vaccinations are usually scheduled 3-4 weeks apart to narrow the gaps between protections and help ensure your pet's health. Once an adult, most vaccines are usually given annually.
Although most pets respond well to vaccines, there are some risks of adverse reactions. The most common reactions, if any, are short-term mild fever, sluggishness, reduced appetite and slight swelling at the vaccination site. Our Ames Pet Hospital veterinarian should be consulted immediately if your pet experiences more serious reactions such as repeated vomiting, itching, swelling of the face and legs, diarrhea and difficulty breathing. You should remember that while pet vaccines are not without risk, typically the risk is greater when your pet is not vaccinated against deadly diseases.
Pet Vaccinations Help Protect Pets from Disease
Vaccines for pets are separated into categories of "core" vaccines and "non-core" vaccines. The core vaccines are recommended for most pets that live in a particular geographic area. Core vaccines are commonly administered at our veterinary hospital. Non-core vaccines are used for animals with life styles that warrant their use. Our Ames Pet Hospital veterinarian will recommend a vaccination schedule that she feels will suite your pet's general health needs.
In our veterinary hospital we also provide booster vaccinations for your adult pets. Our staff at Ames Pet Hospital will make sure you are aware of when your pet is due for their booster vaccine by post card or email so that you can make sure that they are protected at all times.
Wellness Examinations
Wellness examinations are given to each pet at the time of their immunizations. During these visits our veterinarians will discuss proper nutrition, parasite control, dental care, common medical issues associated with certain species and breeds, behavioral and training issues, any laboratory testing recommendations, as well as many more important topics necessary for pet owners. As our pets age, annual blood work becomes especially important. As very rough guidelines, large breed dogs over 4 or 5 years, small dogs over 7-8 years, and cats over 7-8 years should begin annual screening blood work. Many diseases are easier to treat before they show symptoms (which usually means also less costly), and makes it less detrimental to your pet's long-term health. We will provide all the information needed in order to help your dog or cat have a healthy and happy life.
Call us today at 515-292-8885 to book an appointment!
