We know how busy this time of year can get between work, kids’ school and sports activities, and all the fun autumn activities that fill up our weekends. However, we can’t let the needs of our furry family members get pushed to the sidelines.
Just like us, our dogs and cats need regular preventive care to avoid common illnesses – especially ones that can be difficult and expensive to treat. During National Pet Health Month this October, the team at Hawthorne Animal Hospital offers three steps you can take this fall to protect your pet all year long.
1. Schedule their yearly check-up. If it’s been over 12 months since your dog or cat visited the vet, book their annual wellness appointment as soon as possible. A complete nose-to-tail exam can uncover any hidden health issues before they become a life-threatening problem.
A quality check-up should consist of a health history, a physical examination, including a check of your pet’s ears, eyes, and teeth, a parasite fecal exam, and if needed, an early detection panel if your vet spots any warning signs. Pets also need to be placed on a preventative for heartworm disease, which can be spread by mosquitos even in the fall and winter months.
2. Make sure their shots are up-to-date. A yearly exam should include vaccinations to boost your pet’s immune system. We recommend that every adult dog receive three core vaccines each year – DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvo), Bordetella (kennel cough), and canine influenza – as well as a parvo vaccination every three years. Cats need a yearly FVRCP vaccine, which protects them against respiratory disease and feline distemper. Both cats and dogs should also be vaccinated against rabies every three years.
Like the COVID and flu vaccines we get each year, your pet’s vaccinations won’t offer 100 percent protection against common viral and bacterial infections, but they will ease the severity of symptoms if your dog or cat is exposed.
3. Consider a personalized Wellness Plan. At Hawthorne, we want to make caring for your pet as easy and affordable as possible. With our Wellness Plans, you can break down the cost of recommended preventive care and treatments, including vaccines, exams, nail trims, and diagnostic bloodwork, into budget-friendly monthly payments. Add-on services, such as dental procedures, microchipping, and flea and tick preventative, are also available for a minimal monthly fee.
Pet parents who enroll their dog or cat in a Wellness Plan save more than $200 a year in fees and enjoy peace of mind that their best friend is receiving high-quality care attuned to their specific health needs. No matter how full your fall schedule gets, it’s crucial to fit your pet’s care into your calendar. Hawthorne understands your time is limited and offers extended weekday and weekend hours for your convenience. To book your pet’s wellness check-up and vaccines, contact us at 618.288.3971 from 7 am to 10 pm.