Preventative Care

Pet wellness isn’t just about making a sick pet better. It’s also about preventing your pet from getting sick in the first place. In the long run, following preventative care not only saves you money, but can also save your pet’s life. Firestone Animal Hospital in Downey, CA, lists some of the many types of preventative care for pets.

Wellness Exams

Also called check-ups, wellness exams let our vet near see how well your pet is doing now and how much better, or worse, he was doing a year ago. Many symptoms of illnesses or other health problems are so slight that they are not readily noticeable. Our vet can pick up on these subtle signs.

Fecal Exams

Examining a stool sample, usually as part of a wellness exam, also helps tell our vet how well your dog or cat is doing. Not only is the stool sample checked for worms, but the sample’s consistency and color also speak volumes about your pet's health.

Complete Blood Tests

Blood tests should be performed at least once a year to help check on many things, such as how well your pet’s inner organs are doing, and to screen for heartworms. Some illnesses do not show early warning signs, but can register changes in your pet’s blood cell count.

Vaccinations

Your dog is legally required to have the rabies vaccine in the state of California, although your cat should get it as well, even if you have an indoor cat. Other vaccines protect your pet from getting the most common diseases in your area and across the nation. Many of these diseases, like rabies, are incurable.

Parasite Prevention

Parasites like fleas and ticks are not just creepy, they can spread disease. You can help prevent them from bothering your pets and you with chewable tablets or spot-on treatments from your vet. Some of the tablets also kill juvenile heartworms. If they don’t, it is best to also get heartworm prevention medication, especially for dogs. Heartworms can kill your pet by clogging up the heart and blood vessels leading to the heart.

Pet Care Packages

A veterinarian near me and you may offer package deals that help your dog or cat get great health protection while also saving you money. Plans can include vaccines or boosters, complete blood tests, fecal exams, teeth cleanings, and a complete physical exam.

Serving Your Pet Care Needs in Downey, CA

If you want to know more about how to prevent many health problems in your pet and live in the Downey, CA, area, contact Firestone Animal Hospital by emailing [email protected] or by calling (562) 928-1341 to make an appointment today.