Orange vet, veterinarian in Orange, TX

Routine Preventative Care

Examinations

Younger pets should have a full physical exam annually. Older pets should come for an exam once every six months and sooner if a problem arises.

Vaccinations

Routine vaccines for dogs include: Rabies, Distemper combo (distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, hepatitis, and parainfluenza), Leptospirosis, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough vaccine). Routine vaccines for cats include Rabies, Distemper combo (Panleukopenia, Calici, and Rhinotracheitis), and Leukemia.

Deworming and Fecal Checks

Parasitic zoonoses are diseases caused by parasites. While we normally associate parasites, such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms with cats and dogs, people can accidentally be infected with the same parasites. Regular deworming is the best way to prevent parasitic disease and the transmission of intestinal parasites from pets to people. It also prevents the shedding of parasite eggs, which contaminate yards or any place a pet defecates. All puppies and kittens should have a fecal check to determine specifically which worms if any are present and which medications to dispense.

Routine Bloodwork

All kittens should be tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodefiency Virus (FIV). This test should be repeated annually for all cats that have previously tested positive, go outdoors, or have symptoms.

Heartworms are transmitted from mosquitos and therefore we also see a number of heartworm positive dogs. For this reason, all dogs should be tested every other year for heartworm.

We also recommend comprehensive bloodwork annually for all pets over the age of seven.