Preventive Care for Dogs
Commit to a lifetime of health.
Preventive care is an essential part of keeping your dog happy and healthy. It will give you peace of mind and increase the odds of detecting underlying health conditions before they become advanced and expensive.
How often should my dog see a veterinarian?
Every dog is different, so we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to veterinary care.
At Trusty Vet, our recommendations are guided by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and then personalized for your dog based on their age, breed, lifestyle, medical history, and individual risk factors.
For most adult dogs, we recommend at least one comprehensive wellness exam each year. Once your dog reaches 7 years of age, we recommend exams twice a year. As dogs get older, health changes can happen more quickly, and more frequent visits give us a better chance to identify concerns before they become more advanced.
What should I expect from a preventive dog care exam?
Think of your dog’s wellness exam as their yearly physical, an opportunity for us to get to know them a little better. During the visit, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, including checking your dog’s:
? Eyes, ears, teeth, and gums
? Skin and coat
? Heart and lungs
? Temperature
? Joints and mobility
? Overall body condition and health
We’ll also talk with you about your dog’s behavior, nutrition, lifestyle, and any changes you've noticed at home. Your observations are an important part of your dog’s healthcare.
Based on your dog’s individual needs, our veterinarians may recommend:
- Vaccines based on your dog’s lifestyle or breed
- Vaccines help protect your dog from serious and potentially preventable diseases. Core vaccines may include rabies, distemper, bordetella, and leptospirosis. Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, breed, and exposure risks, we may also discuss vaccines such as canine influenza and Lyme disease.
- Parasite prevention products to keep your dog safe from fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworms
- Routine diagnostic testing can help us identify health problems before you notice changes at home. Depending on your dog’s age and individual needs, testing may help detect conditions involving the heart, thyroid, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, blood count, blood sugar, and other systems. Finding a problem early lets us treat it sooner, hopefully slow its progression, and help your dog maintain a comfortable, active quality of life.
At your dog’s annual exam, your veterinarian will answer any questions you may have and discuss other services that could improve their overall health, such as spay or neutering, microchipping, and dental care.
We’re Here for Every Stage of Your Dog’s Life
Your dog’s needs change as they grow, and we’re here to help you navigate each stage—from puppyhood through their senior years
You know your dog best. We’re here to help keep them healthy for years to come.
To schedule your dog’s annual exam, call us at (256) 489-8387 or request a dog exam appointment online.
