The following is what we recommend for your adult dog. Ask us about our combined diagnostic panels!

• Adult Awareness Laboratory (Blood) Panel
• Heartworm Testing
• Accuplex testing – Heartworm, Lyme, Erlichia & Anaplasmosis
• Urinalysis
• Fecal Examination(Bring a poop sample with you!)
• Heartworm / Intestinal Parasite Prevention
• Flea and Tick Control Products
• Microchip – Home Again

Vaccinations for (all * vaccines are based on your dog’s lifestyle):

• Rabies (1yr or 3 yr)
• DHPP (Distemper/Hepatitis/Parvovirus/Parainfluenza) (1yr or 3 yr)
• Leptospirosis*
• Lyme Disease*
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough)*
• Canine Influenza Vaccines*

The following is what we recommend for your adult cat. Ask us about our combined diagnostic panels!

• Adult Awareness Laboratory (Blood) Panel
• Urinalysis
• Fecal Examination(Bring a poop sample with you!)
• Flea and Tick Control Products
• Microchip – Home Again

Vaccinations for (vaccinations with * are based on lifestyle):

• Rabies (1yr or 3 yr)
• FVRCP (Rhinotracheitis/Calicivius/Panleukopenia) (1yr or 3 yr)
• Feline Leukemia*

The following is what we recommend for all senior dogs. Ask about our combined diagnostic panels!

• Senior Wellness Examination
• Blood Pressure testing
• Intraocular Pressure Testing – Check for Glaucoma
• Senior Screening Laboratory (Blood)Panel including Thyroid evaluation
• Heartworm Testing
• Accuplex testing – Heartworm, Lyme, Erlichia & Anaplasmosis
• Urinalysis
• Fecal Examination(Bring a poop sample with you!)
• Heartworm / Intestinal Parasite Prevention
• Flea and Tick Control Products
• Microchip – Home Again

Vaccinations for (all * vaccines are based on the lifestyle of your dog):

• Rabies (1yr or 3 yr)
• DHPP (Distemper/Hepatitis/Parvovirus/Parainfluenza) (1yr or 3 yr)
• Leptospirosis*
• Lyme Disease*
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough)*
• Canine Influenza Vaccines*

The following is what we recommend for your senior cat. Ask us about our combined diagnostic panels!

• Senior Wellness Examination
• Blood Pressure testingIntraocular Pressure Testing – Check for Glaucoma
• Senior Screening Laboratory (Blood) Panel including Thyroid evaluation
• Urinalysis
• Fecal Examination(Bring a poop sample with you!)
• Heartworm Prevention
• Flea and Tick Control Products
• Microchip – Home Again

Vaccinations for (vaccines with * are based on your cat’s lifestyle):

• Rabies (1yr or 3 yr)
• FVRCP (Rhinotracheitis/Calicivius/Panleukopenia) (1yr or 3 yr)
• Feline Leukemia*

As your pet grows older, he or she may develop a range of diseases and conditions associated with aging, such as obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and kidney disease. Despite the health problems often associated with aging, your pet can enjoy an entire life if you’re familiar with the signs and symptoms of common health problems. By partnering with Cedar Way Veterinary Clinic, you’ll learn to identify potential signs of trouble. Please take a look at these six questions you’ll want to ask us the next time you visit.

Is My Pet Too Thin or Too Heavy?
It’s normal for pets to become less active as they grow older. Unfortunately, a decline in activity can lead to weight gain and increase your pet’s risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and other conditions. If your pet is obese or overweight, we may recommend more exercise, a reduction in portion sizes, a change in diet, or other modifications.

Some pets become thinner as they get older. In some cases, they might appear slimmer due to decreased muscle mass but may be perfectly healthy. In others, weight loss may be a symptom of an underlying illness, such as diabetes. If we are concerned that an illness may be responsible for the weight loss, we will recommend blood or other tests (including radiographs).

Does My Pet Need Dental Work?
Tooth decay and gum disease can cause pain, difficulty chewing, bad breath, and red, inflamed gums. If dental problems aren’t treated promptly, your pet may lose teeth or develop a bacterial infection. Dental infections are dangerous because they can travel to other areas of your pet’s body. We may recommend dental work if needed and thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.

How Can I Tell If My Pet Has Arthritis?
It’s hard to be your usual playful self when your joints ache with every step you take. Luckily, arthritis, a common joint condition in older pets can often be managed with anti-inflammatory and pain medications. We can share with you the common signs of arthritis, such as difficulty walking or jumping and stiffness, and may also suggest a few things you can do to make your pet more comfortable at home. Installing a ramp to your bed if your pet sleeps with you, buying a litter box with low sides, helping your cat with grooming, or giving your pet massages can make living with arthritis easier for pets. There are many holistic and natural products available for your pet, but we will inform you about effective, bioavailable, and safe products. (Basically, products that work!)

What Are the Signs of Potential Health Problems?
It would certainly be much easier if pets could tell us when a leg hurts or they don’t feel well, but since they can’t talk, it’s essential to pay attention to possible signs of health problems, such as:

• Changes in elimination habits (accidents, frequent urination, constipation, reduced urination, etc.)

• Vomiting and diarrhea

• Lethargy or lack of interest in usual activities

• Difficulty breathing

• Irritability or other behavioral changes

• Stiffness, lameness, or difficulty walking

• Seizures

• Abdominal swelling

• Lumps or sores

• Coat or skin changes

• Sudden weight loss or gain

• Loss of appetite

• Discharge or bleeding from nose, eyes, or other parts of the body

• Redness or swelling of the gums

My Pet Seems Confused at Times. Is This Normal?
Dementia is another condition that pets share with people. The condition may cause behavioral changes in older pets. You may notice that your cat meows continually or that your dog barks randomly. Pets with dementia may lose interest in regular activities, stop interacting with you and other pets, pace back and forth, become lost and disoriented in your home, spend long periods staring or have housetraining accidents.

Should My Pet Have a Blood Test?
Blood tests often detect common diseases before your pet shows any symptoms. An annual or semi-annual blood test can determine if your pet has diabetes, or liver, thyroid, or kidney disease. Early identification of these diseases can help prevent complications. If your pet is diagnosed with an illness, laboratory monitoring is essential to ensure your pet stays as healthy as it can be. Although older pets require more attention and care, they can continue to live happy lives with your assistance.

If it’s time for your furry friend’s next visit call us!

Sources:

• VetStreet: 7 Questions Owners Ask About Older Pets
• AVMA: Senior Pet Care
  PetEducation.com: Normal Aging and Expected Changes in Older (Senior, Geriatric Dogs)
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: The Special Needs of the Senior Cat
• AVMA: Arthritis in Pets

It is well known that pets age faster than humans, but it is not the same across the board. A dog’s size can have a significant impact on the rate at which they age. We have created a guide to help determine your dog’s age so you can quickly figure out how old your pet is. Click here to view the guide.

The term zoonosis applies to diseases including bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can be passed from pets to people. Good hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of illness between your pets & your family. Thorough handwashing with soap & water after handling your pet, or cleaning pet habitats, is essential.

Understanding Zoonosis: This term applies to all diseases that can be passed from pets to humans.

• All pets have the potential of spreading zoonotic diseases.

• Illness can be spread by bacteria, fungus, viruses, or parasites entering the mouth, through the air, or by a break on the skin.

• Some zoonotic bacteria, viruses, and parasites can be normal inhabitants of your pet’s digestive or respiratory systems.

• Some bacteria, viruses, and zoonotic parasites do not cause disease in pets but can affect humans, so veterinary examinations and fecal testing are recommended to evaluate your pet’s health.

• Fleas, ticks, mites, and lice may also be transferred from your pet to family members.

Who’s at Risk?: Infants, young children, pregnant women, and the infirm or elderly are at greater risk of infection and should use extra caution when in contact with pets or pet habitats.

• Young children have a higher risk of developing zoonotic diseases because their immune systems are still developing, and they’re more likely to put their fingers or other items in their mouths.

Preventing Zoonosis: If a bite occurs, hold the wound under running water for 5 min. and disinfect with iodine or triple antibiotic ointment. Contact a physician after the initial cleaning. If a severe bite occurs, call emergency assistance.

• Always wash hands thoroughly after handling any pet, habitat, or items within a habitat.

• An anti-bacterial hand sanitizer should be used if soap and water are unavailable.

• Pets should not be housed in kitchens, allowed on food preparation areas, or bathed in the kitchen sink.

• Avoid contact with pet habitats if you have cuts or open sores on your hands.

Safety Recommendations

Pets and Children
• Many pets are not suitable for children under five years of age.

• Children should always be supervised around pets.

• Children should be supervised as they wash their hands after interacting with your pet or the habitat.

• Children should not be the primary caregivers for pets and should not be solely responsible for cleaning habitats or picking up after pets.

• Do not allow children to kiss pets or put pets into their mouths.

• Children should avoid contact with pet habitats if they have cuts or open sores on their hands.

Cedar Way Veterinary Clinic is your partner in helping your pet.

Vaccines & Preventative Health Care
• We recommend vaccines for your pet to help decrease the risk of your pet developing a zoonotic disease.

• We also recommend fecal testing or other measures to monitor pets for zoonotic disease.

• Ask us if you have questions about zoonosis and prevention.

Deworming and Preventing Parasites In Your Pets
• It is not uncommon for pets to have parasites, especially young puppies and kittens.

• Following our advice about testing and deworming your pets will help keep your pet free of intestinal parasites.

• Many monthly heartworm preventatives also control many of the intestinal parasites that your pet can get. Make sure you keep your dog on a heartworm preventative ALL YEAR LONG!

• Internal and external parasites may or may not cause noticeable signs of illness in your pet. If you notice diarrhea, decreased appetite or straining to pass stools, take your pet to us for an exam.

Flea/Tick Control
• Consult us on the best option for your pet. Many over-the-counter flea products are ineffective and, in some cases, may harm your pets (especially cats).

• Applying year-round flea/tick topical treatments to your dogs and cats can significantly reduce flea and tick populations, which decreases the likelihood of infestations or illness.

• If your pet has fleas, you will need to treat your pet, the interior of your home, and your yard. Call us for more information.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council’s General Guidelines offer an expert, short reference for individual parasites of clinical importance to dogs, cats, and humans.

Intestinal parasites (worms) are a common problem for pets and can be harmful to humans. They are identified by microscopic examination of your pet’s stool. Canine Heartworm Disease, very prevalent in our area, is spread by mosquitoes. Monthly, easy to administer preventive medications will control these parasites and should be given by you year around. We can control external parasites such as fleas and ticks by using the most effective, safe, and affordable products available.

Click here to view the CAPC page and learn more information about parasites.