LIFETIME WELLNESS CARE

Puppy and Kitten Wellness (The First Year of Life)

Initial Care
When welcoming a new furry member to your family, it’s a very exciting time filled with happiness (and the occasional frustration). Like any baby, the first few months that your new puppy or kitten is in your home is a time where your pet will need extra guidance and protection. It’s important to schedule a wellness exam as soon as possible to ensure that your new friend is starting your lives together as happy and healthy as possible. When visiting for the first time, you’ll want to bring any prior veterinary records and pet health information to the appointment, as well as a stool sample. We advise that you come prepared to ask questions. During this first exam, we will check your puppy or kitten’s eyes, ears, hair, skin and teeth, as well as listen to his or her heart or lungs to guarantee that everything is in working order. Because most puppies and kittens are born with intestinal parasites, we also recommend that you start your new pet on a comprehensive de-worming program. This consists of an easy to administer liquid that you give to your new pet at home over the first several weeks.

Ensuring Long-term Health
Each breed has their own specific health concerns of which owners should be aware. Our veterinarians will provide breed-specific counseling about any potential health risks and preventative care that will help keep your puppy or kitten healthy. Additionally, we will guide you to achieve the perfect nutrition regimen, as each pet has his or her own needs based on breed, size and activity level. As mentioned above, regular vaccinations are strongly recommended to protect your new pet and promote the healthiest lifestyle possible. Saugus Animal Hospital doctors will tailor our vaccination protocols to the specific needs of our new patients, as well as advise you on the best ways to prevent heartworms, fleas, ticks and other pesky parasites as your puppy or kitten matures.

Spay and Neuter
We recommend that most pets be spayed or neutered between six-eight months of age. When you bring your pet to our hospital for the procedure, you can be sure that he or she will receive the best possible veterinary care. For every procedure, highly trained staff monitors and ensures your pet’s health, safety and comfort.

Adult Pet Care

We recommend that you bring your adult pet in for a complete physical screening once a year. Though mature pets are not changing as rapidly as puppies or kittens, it is still important to check in on all of your pet’s physical systems to ensure that no health issues have arisen. Your veterinarian will also speak with you about any changes in your dog or cat’s appetite, drinking habits or behavior. Depending on your pet’s breed, age and lifestyle factors, it’s possible that we may recommend additional lab tests are performed to screen for any potential conditions or diseases, as well as establish baseline measurements. We may also discuss with you pet vaccinations, dental care, parasite screening and nutrition counseling.

Senior Wellness (greater than 7 years of age)

Like humans, pets face additional health concerns as they age. Some common health challenges include weight gain, decreased mobility, increased risk for chronic conditions like diabetes and decreased vision and hearing. We recommend that you bring your senior pet (eight years or older) in twice a year to receive a wellness exam and annual wellness blood testing, to screen for potential conditions and diseases. By detecting health problems early on, we gain the ability to extend your pet’s life and maximize the time you spend together.