Wellness: Preventive Care, Vaccinations & Nutrition

Preventive care is a pet’s first line of defense. Wellness exams help by detecting, diagnosing, and treating disease in its early stages, often before any noticeable symptoms begin. The earlier preventive care starts, the more effective it is, keeping your pet from unnecessary pain and suffering as well as helping to ensure they live a long, healthy life.

In the course of your pet’s wellness exam, our veterinarian will gather a thorough history and discuss your pet’s diet, behavior, and activity levels. Then, the doctor will complete a full physical examination to evaluate aspects like body weight, oral health, and skin condition. The doctor will listen to your pet’s heart and lungs, and perform a hands-on assessment of the abdomen to detect any abnormalities. Joints are also evaluated for signs of swelling and arthritis.

Depending on the doctor’s findings, we might recommend diagnostic testing. For instance, if your cat has lost weight, we may advise blood work and urine testing to evaluate the function of the kidneys, thyroid gland and other organs. Or, we may detect a heart murmur with your dog and suggest a consultation with a cardiologist.

We will also go over the nutritional needs of your pet and help with a weight loss program if necessary. In addition, we recommend annual screening for internal parasites, like giardia, hookworm, whipworm and roundworm, and we’ll discuss the potential need for heartworm, flea and tick control. The goal of a wellness exam is to help your pet maintain good health.

Preventive care is a pet’s first line of defense. Wellness exams help by detecting, diagnosing, and treating disease in its early stages, often before any noticeable symptoms begin. The earlier preventive care starts, the more effective it is, keeping your pet from unnecessary pain and suffering as well as helping to ensure they live a long, healthy life.

In the course of your pet’s wellness exam, our veterinarian will gather a thorough history and discuss your pet’s diet, behavior, and activity levels. Then, the doctor will complete a full physical examination to evaluate aspects like body weight, oral health, and skin condition. The doctor will listen to your pet’s heart and lungs, and perform a hands-on assessment of the abdomen to detect any abnormalities. Joints are also evaluated for signs of swelling and arthritis.

Depending on the doctor’s findings, we might recommend diagnostic testing. For instance, if your cat has lost weight, we may advise blood work and urine testing to evaluate the function of the kidneys, thyroid gland and other organs. Or, we may detect a heart murmur with your dog and suggest a consultation with a cardiologist.

We will also go over the nutritional needs of your pet and help with a weight loss program if necessary. In addition, we recommend annual screening for internal parasites, like giardia, hookworm, whipworm and roundworm, and we’ll discuss the potential need for heartworm, flea and tick control. The goal of a wellness exam is to help your pet maintain good health.

Lynnwood Animal Hospital offers vaccinations for cats and dogs to ensure they live a long, healthy life.

Vaccinating Your Pet

Vaccinations play a critical role in preventing the transmission of diseases in dogs and cats. It’s crucial to provide vaccinations to younger pets since they are prone to many infectious diseases, even when kept indoors. Certain viruses can be airborne or may be inadvertently carried inside on clothing or footwear.

Lynnwood Animal Hospital offers vaccinations for cats and dogs to ensure they live a long, healthy life.

Vaccinating Your Pet

Vaccinations play a critical role in preventing the transmission of diseases in dogs and cats. It’s crucial to provide vaccinations to younger pets since they are prone to many infectious diseases, even when kept indoors. Certain viruses can be airborne or may be inadvertently carried inside on clothing or footwear.

Based on your pet’s age, lifestyle and exposure risks, we will help you determine the most appropriate vaccination protocol. (*It is important to note that the Rabies vaccine is required by law in Washington state every three years.)
A snapshot of core vaccines follow:

Canine Vaccines

  • Parvovirus – A life-threatening illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and white blood cell destruction.
  • Distemper – A life-threatening illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, and seizures.
  • Adenovirus – A life-threatening illness that causes hepatitis.
  • Leptospirosis – Causes kidney and liver failure and can be life-threatening.
  • Parainfluenza and Bordetella – Cause kennel cough and are highly contagious, with generally non-life-threatening symptoms that include coughing and runny nose.
  • Rabies* – A fatal central nervous system disease that can spread to owners. There is no cure for rabies and pets diagnosed with it are euthanized.
Vaccinations for dogs help prevent many life-treatening diseases like parvo, kennel cough, and more.

*It is important to note that Washington State rule WAC 246-100-197 mandates all dogs, cats, and ferrets in Washington must have up-to-date rabies vaccines. Learn more.

Canine Vaccines

  • Parvovirus – A life-threatening illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and white blood cell destruction.
  • Distemper – A life-threatening illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, and seizures.
  • Adenovirus – A life-threatening illness that causes hepatitis.
  • Leptospirosis – Causes kidney and liver failure and can be life-threatening.
  • Parainfluenza and Bordetella – Cause kennel cough and are highly contagious, with generally non-life-threatening symptoms that include coughing and runny nose.
  • Rabies* – A fatal central nervous system disease that can spread to owners. There is no cure for rabies and pets diagnosed with it are euthanized.

*It is important to note that Washington State rule WAC 246-100-197 mandates all dogs, cats, and ferrets in Washington must have up-to-date rabies vaccines. Learn more.

Cat vaccinations protect your kitty against feline leukemia, feline distemper, and more

*It is important to note that Washington State rule WAC 246-100-197 mandates all dogs, cats, and ferrets in Washington must have up-to-date rabies vaccines. Learn more.

Feline Vaccines

  • Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper) β€” Is life threatening and causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and low white blood cell count.
  • Feline Leukemia Virus β€” Causes chronic immune suppression that can lead to cancer.
  • Herpesvirus and Calicivirus β€” Both are highly contagious, but rarely life threatening; cause runny eyes, runny nose, fever and a malaise.
  • Rabies* β€” A fatal central nervous system disease that can spread to owners. There is no cure for rabies and pets diagnosed with it are euthanized.

Additional “non-core vaccines” may be appropriate based on your pet’s particular needs. Those may include Leptospira and Lyme Disease. Be sure to ask your veterinarian which vaccines are right for you and your pet.

Feline Vaccines

  • Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper) β€” Is life threatening and causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and low white blood cell count.
  • Feline Leukemia Virus β€” Causes chronic immune suppression that can lead to cancer.
  • Herpesvirus and Calicivirus β€” Both are highly contagious, but rarely life threatening; cause runny eyes, runny nose, fever and a malaise.
  • Rabies* β€” A fatal central nervous system disease that can spread to owners. There is no cure for rabies and pets diagnosed with it are euthanized.

Additional “non-core vaccines” may be appropriate based on your pet’s particular needs. Those may include Leptospira and Lyme Disease. Be sure to ask your veterinarian which vaccines are right for you and your pet.

*It is important to note that Washington State rule WAC 246-100-197 mandates all dogs, cats, and ferrets in Washington must have up-to-date rabies vaccines. Learn more.

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworms can wreak havoc on your pet’s health. Once infected, they can be difficult and costly to treat. The best way to help your pet fight against heartworm is to initiate heartworm prevention. Doing so can help them avoid becoming infected at all, saving their lives and providing them with the best protection available.

Dogs are most susceptible to heartworms, which are preventable with proper protection.
Dogs are most susceptible to heartworms, which are preventable with proper protection.

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworms can wreak havoc on your pet’s health. Once infected, they can be difficult and costly to treat. The best way to help your pet fight against heartworm is to initiate heartworm prevention. Doing so can help them avoid becoming infected at all, saving their lives and providing them with the best protection available.

Dogs are most susceptible to heartworms, which are preventable with proper protection.

What Are Heartworms?

Heartworms are a type of parasite that can infect dogs, cats, and ferrets. However, dogs are most susceptible to heartworm since they are the perfect host for this dangerous parasite. Heartworms begin by infecting the heart, but then lead to such issues as:

  • Kidney failure
  • Liver failure
  • Persistent cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in appetite
  • Death

Heartworms are spread only by the bite of a mosquito. If your dog spends a lot of time outside or you live in an area prone to mosquitos, this makes it even more important to initiate heartworm prevention.

Simple, yet effective Heartworm prevention can help protect your dog against heartworms and comes in the form of:

  • Chewable medication
  • Injections every 6 to 12 months
  • Spot medications
  • Pet exam to determine if your pet is infected by heartworms

What Are Heartworms?

Heartworms are a type of parasite that can infect dogs, cats, and ferrets. However, dogs are most susceptible to heartworm since they are the perfect host for this dangerous parasite. Heartworms begin by infecting the heart, but then lead to such issues as:

  • Kidney failure
  • Liver failure
  • Persistent cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in appetite
  • Death

Heartworms are spread only by the bite of a mosquito. If your dog spends a lot of time outside or you live in an area prone to mosquitos, this makes it even more important to initiate heartworm prevention.

Simple, yet effective Heartworm prevention can help protect your dog against heartworms and comes in the form of:

  • Chewable medication
  • Injections every 6 to 12 months
  • Spot medications
  • Pet exam to determine if your pet is infected by heartworms

Flea and Tick Prevention

Having pets comes with the risk of them being bitten by certain parasites. Some of these parasites, including fleas and ticks, can transmit a host of diseases. Many of these diseases can cause injuries or even the death of your pet. That’s why it is so important for your pets to have thorough exams as well as be on flea and tick prevention treatments.

Flea bites hurt and make your dog itch.
Flea bites hurt and make your dog itch.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Having pets comes with the risk of them being bitten by certain parasites. Some of these parasites, including fleas and ticks, can transmit a host of diseases. Many of these diseases can cause injuries or even the death of your pet. That’s why it is so important for your pets to have thorough exams as well as be on flea and tick prevention treatments.

Ticks can be deadly to dogs and cats. Keep your pet safe with tick prevention.

Ticks

When a tick attaches itself to your pet, it stays attached with an open bite that they can keep drinking from. This makes your pet susceptible to bacterial infections from the tick into the bloodstream of your pet. These diseases can include ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, bartonellosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and more.

Some of the diseases can greatly affect your pet’s health and may even prove fatal. In addition, tick bites can be highly irritating to pets, and the bites can get infected. Flea and tick prevention is needed it to protect your pet from these serious diseases.

Ticks

When a tick attaches itself to your pet, it stays attached with an open bite that they can keep drinking from. This makes your pet susceptible to bacterial infections from the tick into the bloodstream of your pet. These diseases can include ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, bartonellosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and more.

Some of the diseases can greatly affect your pet’s health and may even prove fatal. In addition, tick bites can be highly irritating to pets, and the bites can get infected. Flea and tick prevention is needed it to protect your pet from these serious diseases.

Fleas

Like ticks, fleas can spread just as many diseases and conditions. When fleas bite, it is common for the pet to be allergic to its saliva. This causes flea allergy dermatitis that can be highly itchy and irritating. Pets often bite at these flea bites and make them worse. In addition, your pet might swallow one of the fleas and get tapeworms from it. Flea bites also can transmit bacteria to pets as well as cause anemia due to blood loss.

Fleas are fast multipliers. Getting a flea can soon lead to having dozens, or even hundreds, of fleas hiding in the fur and biting your pet. Flea and tick prevention is important to protect your pet, and the medication is easy β€” many companies make flavored chews or small pills that provide the needed protection.

Keep your cat comfortable and itch-free with flea prevention.

Fleas

Like ticks, fleas can spread just as many diseases and conditions. When fleas bite, it is common for the pet to be allergic to its saliva. This causes flea allergy dermatitis that can be highly itchy and irritating. Pets often bite at these flea bites and make them worse. In addition, your pet might swallow one of the fleas and get tapeworms from it. Flea bites also can transmit bacteria to pets as well as cause anemia due to blood loss.

Fleas are fast multipliers. Getting a flea can soon lead to having dozens, or even hundreds, of fleas hiding in the fur and biting your pet. Flea and tick prevention is important to protect your pet, and the medication is easy β€” many companies make flavored chews or small pills that provide the needed protection.

Proper nutrition for your pets help avoid obesity and other health problems.

Nutrition

When it comes to feeding your healthy adult dog or cat, you probably choose a pet food that’s based on if your pet will eat it or not. Another important factor might be cost. Regardless, it’s crucial to understand that not all pet foods have the same nutritional value. Furthermore, determining the right amount of food isn’t as straightforward as following the instructions on the packaging β€” those merely serve as a recommendation.

Proper nutrition for your pets help avoid obesity and other health problems.

Nutrition

When it comes to feeding your healthy adult dog or cat, you probably choose a pet food that’s based on if your pet will eat it or not. Another important factor might be cost. Regardless, it’s crucial to understand that not all pet foods have the same nutritional value. Furthermore, determining the right amount of food isn’t as straightforward as following the instructions on the packaging β€” those merely serve as a recommendation.

Selecting the right nutrition plan for your pet can establish a lifelong foundation of healthy eating and can help fend off numerous issues, such as allergies, nutritional deficiencies, skin and coat disorders, and obesity.

Nutritional requirements for cats and dogs vary based on many different factors, including age, breed, and health. For example, senior pets have significantly different requirements than kittens or puppies; and animals with kidney disease, diabetes, and other health conditions can benefit from special diets.

Our veterinarians can help you make informed decisions about your pet’s diet. We can counsel you on food recommendations that are based on your pet’s needs and your financial considerations, how much to feed, and even how to interpret pet food labels. We can create a nutrition plan specifically for your pet. And if your pet is overweight, we can create a plan to get your pet down to a healthy weight.

Selecting the right nutrition plan for your pet can establish a lifelong foundation of healthy eating and can help fend off numerous issues, such as allergies, nutritional deficiencies, skin and coat disorders, and obesity.

Nutritional requirements for cats and dogs vary based on many different factors, including age, breed, and health. For example, senior pets have significantly different requirements than kittens or puppies; and animals with kidney disease, diabetes, and other health conditions can benefit from special diets.

Our veterinarians can help you make informed decisions about your pet’s diet. We can counsel you on food recommendations that are based on your pet’s needs and your financial considerations, how much to feed, and even how to interpret pet food labels. We can create a nutrition plan specifically for your pet. And if your pet is overweight, we can create a plan to get your pet down to a healthy weight.

If you have any questions or would like to set up your pet’s wellness exam, please call (425) 771-6300, email info@lynnwoodanimalhospital.com, or schedule online.