Adult Dog and Cat

• Recommendations for Puppies

• Recommendations for Kittens

• Recommendations for Adult Cats and Dogs

• The Value of Twice Yearly Examinations

• Frequently Asked Questions

PREVENTION AND WELLNESS IN THE ADULT DOG AND CAT
For millions of health-conscious Americans, the annual checkup has become a routine practice. Just like people, animals benefit from routine wellness exams. However, there is an important difference to keep in mind – dogs and cats age much faster than people.

On average, most dogs and cats reach adulthood by age two. Once our best friends reach an age of four, most are considered middle aged. By age seven, most dogs, particularly larger breeds, have entered their senior years.
Because dogs and cats age seven times faster, on average, than people, significant health changes can occur in a short amount of time. The risks of cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart disease, metabolic problems and other serious conditions all increase with age.

Many pet owners are not aware that taking their best friend to the veterinarian once a year is the same as a person seeing their doctor or dentist once every seven years. With this in mind, the Black Horse Pike Animal Hospital’s Health Care Team recommends that pets have a wellness exam twice a year, so that our staff members have the opportunity to detect, treat or, ideally, prevent problems before they become life-threatening.

Prevention is the real goal of our wellness exams. When our Health Care Team sees a pet on a regular basis, we can help pets avoid some preventable illnesses and diseases. Plus, we hope our patients will never have to suffer from pain that could have been treated or prevented.

At Black Horse Pike Animal Hospital, wellness exams include screenings for a variety of potential diseases. These screenings are usually accompanied by an individualized risk assessment of your pet's environment - where you live, emerging disease risks in your community, your pet's interaction with other pets and wildlife, travel plans, and other lifestyle considerations.

Pet wellness exams also help our staff determine a proper prevention program, including a vaccination schedule tailored specifically for your pet. By using personalized pet health protocols, our Health Care Team can pinpoint specific preventive health care needs for your pet.

Our mission is to be the best source of information for your pet’s wellness needs and preventive health care. Through twice yearly examinations, we will know your pet's specific medical history, current health status, and the potential risks your pet faces. Our goal, by focusing on prevention and wellness, is to help your pet live a longer, healthier life. Thank you for visiting our site. We hope to see you soon.

Here is a list of some of the most important health screenings for cats and dogs. Our Health Care Team may recommend additional tests depending on your pet’s health history and other factors.

Click here for more prevention and wellness information for your puppy or kitten.