What is Preventative Healthcare?

As part of the pet care services we offer at our clinic, every pet gets the a Preventative Healthcare Wellness Examination. This is a highly effective examination and follow-up process, tailored to the changing needs of a pet at the different stages in their life, and ensures every pet receives the highest standard of health care.

A Preventative Healthcare Wellness examination is a highly co-ordinated and effective examination approach. It has been developed to ensure that your pet receives the highest standard of health care.

Each Wellness examination is carefully tailored to the life stage your pet has reached, and focuses specifically on the health issues your pet currently faces. With Preventative Healthcare , you can be sure we’re doing everything to help your pet enjoy a long, happy and healthy life.

The crucial key to effective animal care is early detection. Annual checkups, as the animal grows, are vital to ensure the appropriate treatment can be given early, and avoid more serious problems later. We believe this is critical to the overall health care for your pet. So, if you have any concerns call us (see the details on the right) or book an appointment by email.

Cats

Cats age at the rate of seven cat years to one human year. As with humans, the cat’s health needs alter as they age.

The stages of a cat’s life are:

Kitten 6-12 weeks
Teen Cat 3-12 months
Adult Cat 1-7 years
Senior Cat 7+ years

At each visit, we will check your pet’s:

• weight and condition
• nose, eyes and ears
• heart and lungs
• bowels and bladder
• coat and skin
• behavioural problems
• vaccination status

In addition, specific checks are done at each stage. For example, kittens are checked to ensure that they are developing normally. This first examination is crucial for your kitten's future development. We will also advise you on behaviour, diet, vaccination, and parasite control.

Teen cats have their reproductive status checked. Adult cats have their teeth and gums checked, along with their chest, abdomen and internal organs.

Senior cats, like senior humans, can experience age-related problems. Therefore, once the animal reached seven years and older, we also check their vital signs, tail and rear, and behaviour/toileting. Often from this age lab tests needed to detect subtle internal changes, these can often be performed while you wait.

Dogs

Like cats, dogs age at the rate of seven dog years to one human year. Their first year is the most important, as this is when the most growth and development occurs. Their development in the first 12 months will have a profound influence on the rest of their lives.

The stages of a dog’s life are:

Puppy 6-12 weeks
Teen Dog 3-12 months
Adult Dog 1-7 years
Senior Dog 7+ years

At each visit, we will check your dog’s:

• weight and condition
• nose, eyes and ears
• heart and lungs
• bowels and bladder
• coat and skin
• behavioural problems
• vaccination status
• flea and worm control

In addition to the above, puppies’ growth, weight and social development are checked, Teen dogs will have their reproductive status checked.

Adult dogs will also have examinations done on their teeth, gums and mouth. Their senses, head and internal organs will also be checked.

Like humans, dogs also experience age-related problems. And just like with people, early detection and treatment can add significantly to your dog’s quality of life. Therefore, once a dog reaches seven years of age, care is taken to check their teeth and gums, tail and rear, and internal organs. Their behaviour and toileting is discussed with you. Often it is conisdered appropriate to perform lab tests to pick up subltle organ changes that may otherwise be undetected.