Canine Health Plan

To make this transition smoother and keep your pet health we have the following suggestions. Please feel free to call if you have any questions.
 

Vaccinations:
We recommend the following vaccinations:

*DHPP-C: Canine distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo, and corona virus vaccine- Begin 8-9 wks, booster every 3-4 wks until your pet reaches 4 months of age and then annually. Additionally we recommend that all dogs receive a parvo booster at 20-22 weeks of age. Some high risk breed such as rottweilers should receive monthly parvo boosters until they are 6-8 months old.
*Rabies: (Click Here) Rabies vaccine- Begin at 12 wks, boostered 1 year later and then once every 3 years.
*Kennel Cough: Bordatella vaccine- Dogs who are kenneled should receive an intranasal vaccine to prevent kennel cough within 2-12 wks of when boarding is anticipated.
*Worming: (Click here) Since most puppies are born with worms or are infected shortly after birth, they as well as any new adult dogs should be checked internal parasites (worms), by running a complete analysis on a small sample of feces. The appropriate medication can then be given to rid the dog of worms. Tapeworm segments may be seen grossly either on the feces or under the dogs tail. If you see any of these small white rice like segments, please let us know so that we can treat your pet. If in doubt please bring in a sample.
*Spay and Neutering: (Click Here) We recommend spaying and neutering all dogs between 4-6 months of age. These young patients recover rapidly and stay healthier because they fight and roam less. Many pets are lost or injured when they stray from their homes during breeding periods. Spaying and neutering not only prevents unwanted pregnancies, and pet over population, but also decreases the incidence of cancer in our beloved family members later in life.
*Pet Identification: All dogs should have a collar and a leash. In addition to their rabies tag and pet license we suggest that each pet have an I.D. tag with the owners name, address and phone number on it. Metal tags are best because they are durable and don't break. Alternatively microchip identification which can not be tampered with or lost. Animal control officers of King County and Renton routinely check for the presence of microchips to identify lost pets. Microchips are available here at the Animal Hospital of Renton.

Click here to find out the difference between AHCC & the Low Cost Vet

-What you should know about your pet 's surgery .   

At Animal HealthCare Center (AHCC) we realize you have many choices in pet care. We know your pet is very important to you and we are happy to provide you with this information to assist you in finding a veterinarian who can best serve the surgical needs of your pet. Many people shop around for the lowest price for elective surgeries without knowing why the price varies among hospitals. Here are some questions to keep in mind when getting price quotes for surgery over the telephone so you can find the best fit while meeting and exceeding your expectations for your pet's care and safety:

-Will my pet receive a complete physical examination before surgery?

At AHCC a thorough pre-anesthetic exam is performed on the day of surgery to assure your pet is stable and able to be safely anesthetized. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is advised for a more complete profile of your pet's health.

-What safety precautions will be taken with my pet during surgery?

While most surgeries are uneventful, emergencies sometimes occur. There are many safety precautions to minimize risks associated with anesthesia. Animal HealthCare Center includes the following:

• Gas anesthetic - the safest form of anesthesia available.
• IV catheter and fluids - to maintain blood pressure, support circulation & act as a direct line in case of emergencies.
• Breathing tubes keep the airway open and allow for supplemental oxygen or gas anesthesia as needed.
• Constant technician monitoring of anesthesia and oxygen levels.
• EKG - to detect heart rhythm abnormalities.
• Constant monitoring of respirations with an apnea monitor.
• Pulse oximeter - monitors heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
• Heat support with a recirculation warm water heating pad - maintains constant body temperature preventing hypothermia and shock. It also speeds recovery.
• Anesthetic protocols individually tailored to each pet - takes into consideration age, underlying disease conditions, length of procedure, etc.

-What safety precautions will be taken with my pet after surgery?

At AHCC:

• Constant technician monitoring until breathing tube is removed.
• Vitals monitored and temperature taken every hour to ensure respiration and circulation are normal and that recovery is smooth and uneventful.

-How will pain be controlled for my pet?

At AHCC:

• Pre-anesthetic injections prior to anesthesia include a long-acting pain reliever.
• For longer procedures, pain patches are applied for constant sustained pain relief.
• Post-operative pain control medication should be offered to speed recovery and hasten the healing process.

-Will I receive written post-surgical instructions for my pet?

At AHCC:

• Post-surgical instructions are always be provided including home monitoring and care post-op as well as instructions for the recovery and healing period.