Dogs and cats need to see their vet for annual checkups, just like people need to see their doctor regularly. It’s especially important since pets can’t speak to us or tell us if they’re feeling unwell, and most dogs and cats hide their discomfort instinctively. To keep them well ahead of any health problems, Blue Mountain Animal Clinic recommends annual pet wellness exams for dogs and cats under 7 years old, and biannual exams for pets 7 years old and up. These exams give us a chance to screen your pet for infections, parasites, and other problems, and administer preventive care in the form of vaccinations and parasite control to keep them in great health.
To make sure your dog or cat is staying healthy, call us at (360) 457-3842 or click below to schedule their next wellness appointment!
What To Expect from a Pet Wellness Exam
A typical pet wellness exam at Blue Mountain Animal Clinic covers all the fundamental services, including:
- A thorough physical examination where we check your pet from nose to tail
- A weight, body temperature, and heart rate check
- Blood work and a fecal exam to screen for parasites and other issues
- Vaccinations, if needed, to maintain your pet’s protection from harmful viruses
- Deworming (recommended for puppies and kittens)
- Dispensing of flea, tick, and heartworm prevention if your pet needs a refill
Why Dogs and Cats Need Year-Round Parasite Protection
Heartworm disease, spread by mosquitoes, and Lyme disease, which is spread by ticks, are both emerging health risks for our dogs and cats. It’s critical to remember that while these pests may be small, they can have a major effect on your pet’s health. If your pet needs parasite prevention, be sure to ask our team. We offer a variety of prevention products that are safe and effective, along with 3-in-1 options that protect simultaneously against fleas, ticks, and heartworms.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes carrying heartworm larvae. The larvae enter the bloodstream after the mosquito takes a bite, and take up residence in the arteries around the heart and lungs. As the heartworms grow and propagate, they block the arteries and force the heart and lungs to work much harder. Without treatment, heartworm disease can lead to heart failure and potentially death.
Symptoms of heartworm disease in pets include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath, heavy panting
- Frequent fatigue
- Resting more often, reluctant to get active
- Weakness
Lyme Disease
Because we are seeing more ticks in our area, that means Lyme disease is becoming more prevalent, as well. Lyme disease is primarily spread by the black-legged deer tick, and symptoms of the disease include lameness, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and swelling of the joints/limbs.
Treatment is possible, so be sure to contact our clinic at (360) 457-3842 if you notice any of the aforementioned signs in your pet!