Regular preventive healthcare visits with your veterinarian help to maintain your pet’s optimal health and happiness – whether you have a dog, cat, or small mammal. At PawSteps Veterinary Center, we recommend yearly preventive healthcare examinations for cats and dogs under 6 years of age and twice a year for pets over the age of 7. It is recommended that small mammals be seen annually or bi-annually for preventive healthcare visits. Regular visits help our team to detect early signs of disease allowing for early treatment.
During yearly visits, our veterinarians will ensure your pet has the vaccinations necessary to protect him or her. Certain “core” vaccines are recommended for all cats and dogs, including the rabies vaccine, while other “non-core” vaccines are recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle. Just like dogs and cats, ferrets also require certain vaccines. Under Massachusetts law, ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies.
Testing for internal parasites, heartworm, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne illnesses is part of regular preventive healthcare visits for our canine patients. With Lyme disease on the rise in Worcester County, this is a vital component of preventive healthcare to keep your dog healthy. Treatment will be provided based on the organism(s) present as each condition responds to specific deworming medication or antibiotics.
Internal parasite testing is recommended on a yearly basis for our feline patients. Viral testing for all new pet cats and kittens is important because feline leukemia virus (FELV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) impact your cat’s health and ability to fight infections. Knowing if your cat is infected allows us to make recommendations regarding your cat’s healthcare and lifestyle.
Our veterinarians recommend yearly preventive healthcare exams for all small mammals. Testing for internal parasites is recommended and your pet will also be checked for external parasites (fleas, mites, and ticks) during the physical exam.
As part of our Preventive Healthcare Program, our team at PawSteps Veterinary Center will develop an individualized flea, tick, heartworm, and internal parasite preventive program based on the type of pet you have and his or life lifestyle.