10 Apr Care and Cost: The basics of the best vet care!
A Caring Pet Vet for Cats and Dogs
1. The comprehensive physical exam
2. Blood work
3. Heartworm test (primarily for dogs)
4. Vaccinations
For canines, we have what is called core vaccinations. This includes vaccines such as Rabies and DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza). We also vaccinate dogs based on lifestyle, such as leptospirosis, bordatella (kennel cough), influenza, and others.
For feline patients, we vaccinate for Rabies and FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia). We also vaccinate for feline leukemia in kittens and for pets that go outside.
After a puppy or kitten has had their initial series of vaccines, we can give a 3-year vaccine for most of our inoculations at one year and older. We want to maximize protection against these sometimes fatal and zoonotic diseases, and we want to protect the animals and people!
5. Fecal test
During this annual exam, we check the pet’s stool to determine if they have any intestinal parasites. Parasites can be prevented with heartworm prevention, which also prevents intestinal parasites that can make pets sick. Another reason we do not want them to get worms is that these parasites are transmissible to humans, and children are usually the ones prone to getting them. When humans contract these parasites, they can cause blindness – which is one of the most severe effects.
These are the basics of a pet’s annual visit. Depending on what was done before adoption, a puppy or kitten may need additional basics of vet care.
SOOOO, all of this comes with a cost. At Modern Vet, our annual visit costs in the mid $400 range for dogs and in the mid $300 range for feline fur babies.
The annual visit is also a good time to purchase heartworm, intestinal parasite, flea and tick preventions! Fleas and ticks carry harmful diseases that can seriously affect pets. These diseases can also affect humans negatively. Preventions come in oral, injectable, and topical forms. Our veterinarians will direct you to the best one for your pet; the cost is usually around $20 per month, per prevention, per pet.
Care for your furry loved ones is a big consideration when choosing to own a pet. You must plan and budget for their health and well-being just as you would for a member of your family.
So, schedule a veterinary visit for your fur baby and come see us at Modern Vet. Springfield, Tennessee’s premier fear-free veterinary clinic for dogs and cats. We would love to take care of all of your pet care needs!
