Preventive Care for Dogs

Commit to a lifetime of health.

Preventive care is an essential part of keeping your dog happy and healthy. It will give you peace of mind and increase the odds of detecting underlying health conditions before they become advanced and expensive.

How often should my dog see a veterinarian?

At Ellwood Animal Hospital, we make preventive care recommendations using the guidelines established by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). From there, our veterinarians further customize their suggestions based on hereditary factors including your dog’s age, lifestyle, and medical history.

Typically, we suggest scheduling at least one annual exam during which one of our veterinarians will review your dog’s medical history, assess their behavior, make dietary recommendations, and evaluate any known health conditions they may have. 

What should I expect from a preventive dog care exam?

The traditional thoughts on wellness care include vaccines, deworming, and the use of flea and tick preventives. In our practice, we provide those services AND go beyond. Our Doctors know that the cornerstones of creating and maintaining wellness must include:

• Customized vaccine programs with the use of titer testing.
• Nutritional testing and counseling
• Diet review and guidance
• Home dental care and dental prophylaxis, including dental x-rays
• Multiple choices for spay, neuter, including vasectomy and ovary-sparing options
• Reliable and vetted supplements and foods offered in the clinic
• Heartworm Disease, Lyme Disease, and Bartonella Screening

At your dog’s annual exam, your veterinarian will answer any questions you may have and discuss other services that could improve their overall health such as spay or neutering, microchipping, and dental care.

To schedule your dog’s annual exam, call us at (724) 758-8882 or request a dog exam appointment online.