Complete Wellness Care for Lifelong Pet Health
Here at 5280 Veterinary Care, we believe prevention is the best medicine. Our goal is to establish a baseline of optimum health for your pet and maintain it throughout each stage of their life. This is why we recommend routine wellness examinations for pets, either annually or semi-annually. Senior pets may need more frequent visits because of the special considerations of their lifecycle phase (just like any human child or senior!).
Examinations
It is important to remember that visiting the clinic is important for even healthy pets, because it allows veterinary professionals to check for underlying issues that can be treated before they begin to affect the health and happiness of the animal, and act while the illness is in its most treatable phase.
During the wellness examination, our staff will undergo a variety of techniques to check that your pet is feeling their best. Here are some examples of what an owner can expect from our veterinary team:
- looking into the eyes, ears, and mouth
- checking the teeth and gums
- listening to the heart and lungs
- palpating the abdomen, joints, and muscles
- feeling for abnormal growths
- checking the skin
In addition to these routine procedures, no wellness examination is complete without bloodwork and a fecal sample. Physical examinations may greatly inform our veterinarians, but there is only so much the eyes can see. We must check what is going on both inside and outsid of your pet to ensure that all is well.
Because wellness examinations are key to your pet’s health, we aim to make them as less stressful as possible. Having a positive relationship between veterinarian and patient is one of the best ways to avoid anxiety for both pets and owners. That’s why at 5280 Veterinary Care, we use positive reinforcement whenever possible to make wellness visits enjoyable for pets and owners alike. Giving our furry clients treats and affection to build a trusting relationship makes bringing your pet in easier for you.
If you do not already have one on the books, we encourage you to schedule your pet’s wellness exam today!
Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations are one of the first lines of defense for preventing diseases in your pet. In essence, vaccines are a modern marvel! They have saved millions of human and animal lives and revolutionized medicine since their invention. Some potentially fatal diseases that used to be common have now become rare thanks to vaccines, but it is still important for every able pet to receive the core recommended injections to protect them. The doctors at 5280 Veterinary Care consider them an essential part of veterinary care.
Core Vaccinations
- Dogs: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus), Leptospirosis and Rabies
- Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia) and Rabies
Typically, periodic non-core vaccines are recommended during wellness visits based on age, lifestyle, current health status, and risk of exposure.
Non-core Vaccinations
- Dogs: Bordetella and Canine Influenza.
- Cats: Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.
Vaccines are effective because they expose your pet’s immune system to antigens which resemble the disease-causing organism, without actually making them sick. Once your pet’s immune system has “met” an antigen like the disease, they will be better prepared to fight against it. A quick prick now can prevent your pet from contracting a potentially serious, or even fatal, disease down the line.
If you are wondering about what vaccinations your pet may or may not need, or if you have any questions about the vaccination process in general, be encouraged to check with one of our veterinary professionals!
Parasite Control
Parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms are almost as pervasive as they are despised. They exist within almost every environment, including our ecosystem right here in Denver. Taking action to prevent these creepy crawlies from taking up residence on or in your pet is a necessity. We employ annual testing through fecal exams and year-round preventive medicine in our proactive approach to parasite control.
Our veterinary team will work with you to select the best strategy for preventing parasites based on the lifestyle and risk of exposure for your individual pet. Methods of prevention may include pills or chewable treats, in addition to topical treatments.
More details regarding particular parasites can be found below:
- Fleas: These pesky critters are present year round, but tend to be most pervasive in the summer and fall. They can cause allergies, Bartonella, tapeworms, skin irritations, and more. In severe cases, fleas can cause anemia or even death. Controlling infestations as fast as possible is critical because a female flea can lay up to 50 eggs in a single day.
- Ticks: Ticks are found in their highest concentrations in grassy or wooded areas. One method of prevention for ticks is making sure to carefully check your pet after spending time outside. Some of the dangerous diseases which ticks can transmit include Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, tick paralysis, Bartonella, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. This is one hitchhiker you do not want to take home with you.
- Heartworms: Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. They can be easily prevented, but once contracted they are extremely dangerous to your pet. Dogs are their natural hosts, but cats may also be susceptible to these brutal parasites. Although symptoms in the beginning stages may go without detection, once the worms get to a certain point they can cause irreversible organ damage and even prove fatal. Watch out for symptoms such as coughing, labored breathing, fatigue, and weight loss, and make sure that your pet regularly takes preventatives.
- Intestinal Parasites: Some common intestinal parasites are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Although it is possible to contract these parasites at any lifecycle phase, puppies and kittens are often the most susceptible because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Even humans can contract intestinal parasites! If your pet tests positive for intestinal parasites, deworming medication will be provided.
Microchipping
No matter how careful you may be, even the best pet parents can attest that accidents happen. And when an emergency arises, having the most foolproof method of identification for your pet can prevent additional distress.
A microchip carrying your contact information can help your dog or cat to be found again if they are ever lost. The chip is embedded under the skin and between the shoulder blades because they are a secure and sturdy area of the body. The implantation of the microchip is pain-free and fast. After the procedure, your pet will bounce back instantly, as there is no recovery involved because it involves no penetration deeper than the epidermis, or skin.
Animal shelters and veterinary practices have special scanners which can read the information from the microchip if the need ever arises. Once they realize your pet has a loving owner looking for him or her, you can expect a call!
Any time your family’s contact information changes (like during a move) it is important to remember to update your pet’s registered microchip information. This way your pet will continue to be protected.
Unlike collars or ID tags, the microchip will stay with your pet always and forever. But, for the most complete security, we recommend that all methods of identification possible (both microchip and ID) are used. Because we hold our pets dear, the fear of being separated from them can be a terrifying thought. Being proactive about your pet’s security is the best option for their safety and your peace of mind.
Nutrition & Weight Management
In the modern age, pet owners have almost complete control over their pet’s typical diet. This can make a big difference in a cat or dog’s overall health and lifespan, and it is crucial to be informed and aware of your pet’s individual dietary needs.
Regular exercise and proper nutrition will keep your pet healthy and happy. It is also important to take into consideration any specific needs that your pet may have. For example, younger pets need food that will help them to grow bigger and stronger, and older pets may need food targeted to their individual health concerns. Health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, allergies, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer each may be partially subdued in part by a specific nutrition plan.
The nutrition services at 5280 Veterinary Care include:
- Everyday health and wellness advice
- Information about food trials and diet choices
- Nutritional advice for pets with concerns such as allergies
- Guidelines and types of food, quantities, and feeding schedules
- Individualized nutrition plans for pets with chronic illness
Pet Obesity
Pet obesity, in particular, is a growing concern. Approximately 35% of dogs and cats are overweight—and overweight pets have shortened life expectancies and a diminished quality of life. Diabetes, arthritis, joint pain, mobility issues, heart disease, high blood pressure, and skin issues are all more likely to plague overweight animals. This means that many pet owners may be feeling frustrated or concerned about weight management. Thankfully, if you are an owner faced with these issues, we are here to help. Veterinary examinations are important for every dog and cat, but with the extra health considerations obesity causes, more routine visits are even more essential.
Here are a few tips from us for getting your pet fit:
- Select a clinically-approved pet food. We can help by recommending the best brand for your pet’s size, breed, sex, and special health concerns.
- Track the weight loss success as your pet drops pounds by regularly weighing them and taking progress pictures. Regularly bring your pet into the clinic so we can help adjust goals and nutrition with you in accordance with their physical changes.
- Follow the recommended daily feeding guide. Measure your pet’s food and avoid “free feeding,” which is when you leave food out for whenever your pet wants it.
- Do not allow your pet access to “table scraps” or any food that is not specifically formulated for their species.
- Play food puzzle games to slow down how quickly they eat while also stimulating their mind. Many dogs and cats scarf down their food as fast as possible, but this is not a good habit!
- Provide them with adequate exercise. Dogs can enjoy a regular schedule of outdoor activities. For cats, 15 minutes of active indoor play is recommended. This should be a fun chance for you to bond with your furry friend! Figure out how they love to play best, and feel encouraged to ask for any recommendations.
