Routine Wellness and Preventive Care

Located in Hollis Center, ME, we provide top-notch care for dogs and cats, focusing on preventive measures to keep your pets healthy and happy.

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Routine Wellness and Preventive Care:
Keeping Your Pets Healthy and Happy in Hollis Center, ME

Routine wellness and preventive care are the foundations of a long and happy life for your furry friends. At Hollis Animal Clinic, we prioritize the health and well-being of your furry family members. Our routine wellness and preventive care services are designed to ensure that your pets live fulfilling lives.

The Importance of Routine Wellness and Preventive Care

Just like humans, your pets also need regular check-ups and vaccinations. This will help in early identification of potential health issues which significantly improve the prognosis and reduce treatment costs and maintain your pet’s overall health. These visits allow our veterinarians to establish a baseline of your pet’s health, monitor changes over time, and provide timely interventions.

Routine Wellness Exams

Our routine wellness exams include a thorough physical exam where we assess your pet’s overall health. This includes:

Eyes

Checking for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, or other eye conditions affecting vision and comfort.

Ears

Examining for infections, mites, or other issues that may cause hearing loss or discomfort.

Oral Health

We look for signs of plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and other oral health issues that may be linked to systemic health issues.

Skin and Coat

Evaluating the skin and coat for signs of allergies, parasites, infections, or other skin conditions.

Heart and Lungs

Listening to the heart and lungs to identify any irregularities such as heart murmurs, arrhythmias, or respiratory problems.

Abdomen

By palpation, we check for any abnormalities in the internal organs, including the liver, kidneys, and intestines.

Musculoskeletal System

We examine the muscles, bones, and joints for signs of arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other orthopedic conditions.

Weight and Body Condition

We evaluate your pet’s weight and body condition score to ensure they are maintaining a healthy weight.

During these exams, we also discuss your pet’s diet, behavior, and lifestyle to identify any areas that may require attention.

Core Components of Preventive Care

Vaccinations and Immunizations

Vaccinations are a critical component of preventive care. They protect your pets from a variety of serious and potentially fatal diseases. At Hollis Animal Clinic, we ensure that your pet receives the necessary vaccines. We offer both core and non-core vaccines:

Core Vaccines

Regardless of lifestyle, these are very important for all pets. They include vaccines for diseases like Distemper, Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and Rabies. These vaccines are necessary due to the severity of these diseases and their potential to spread to humans.

Non-Core Vaccines

These vaccines are given based on your pet’s specific needs and lifestyle. For example, if your dog frequents boarding facilities or dog parks, we may recommend the Kennel Cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica) For cats that go outdoors and live in a house full of cats, the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is highly recommended to fight against infection.

Parasite Prevention

Fecal Exams

Regular fecal exams protect your pet and your family from harmful parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and giardia. Symptoms may be diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and a poor coat condition. We recommend bringing a fresh stool sample during your pet’s wellness visit. If parasites are detected, we provide appropriate deworming treatments.

Heartworm Testing and Prevention

Heartworm disease is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition caused by parasitic worms. It is spread through mosquito bites, making prevention crucial. Our heartworm testing involves a simple blood test to check for the presence of heartworm larvae. We also provide preventive medications like Heartgard to protect your pet from heartworms.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks can cause a range of health problems, from skin irritations to severe diseases like Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis. We offer a variety of preventive treatments, including:

Nexgard: A chewable treatment for fleas and ticks.

Bravecto: A chewable treatment for fleas and ticks.

Nexgard Plus: Combines flea, tick, and heartworm prevention in one convenient treatment.

Personalized Preventive Care Plans

Every pet is unique. Our veterinarians at Hollis Animal Clinic work with you to develop personalized preventive care plans tailored to your pet’s specific needs. These plans may include recommendations for diet, exercise, dental care, and more.

Nutritional Counseling

Proper nutrition is vital for your pet’s health. We evaluate your pet’s diet and make recommendations to ensure they receive balanced nutrition. We can advise on portion sizes, supplements, types of food, and special dietary needs.

Behavioral Counseling

Behavioral issues can affect your pet’s quality of life and your relationship with them. Our veterinarians provide guidance on common issues like house training, separation anxiety, and aggression. We can offer tips to manage successfully.

Dental Care

Oral health is often overlooked but is essential for your pet’s overall well-being. Dental disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, and systemic health issues. During routine wellness exams, we assess your pet’s dental health and recommend preventive measures such as regular brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings.

Cancer Screenings

As pets age, they are prone to getting cancer. Early detection of cancer can help you get more treatment options and better prognosis for your pet. Our routine wellness exams include checks for signs of cancer – palpation, visual inspection, oral examination and auscultation. If your pet has a family history of cancer or shows symptoms, we recommend additional screenings. Our comprehensive cancer screenings cover common types of cancer in pets, such as lung cancer and colorectal cancer.

Preventive Services for Chronic Conditions

Just like humans, pets can suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes. Early diagnosis and management are to prevent complications. Our preventive care services include screening for chronic conditions, providing necessary treatments, and advising on lifestyle changes to manage these conditions effectively.

Why Hollis Animal Clinic is Right for You

Our dedicated team at Hollis Animal Clinic is a committed provider of the best veterinary care for your pets. We customize our services to meet their individual needs. Regular check-ups and preventive care are a foundation to ensuring your pet’s long-term health.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, please contact us at (207) 929-8989. We look forward to caring for your pets.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Routine Wellness and Preventive Care

What are core vaccines, and why are they important?

Core vaccines protect pets against severe and common diseases such as Distemper, Lepto, Lyme, and Rabies. These vaccines are crucial for your pet’s health. Rabies is often required by law.

What is the difference between core and non-core vaccines?

Core vaccines are essential for all pets due to the high risk of exposure and severity of disease. Non-core vaccines, like Kennel Cough, are given based on your pet’s specific risk factors and lifestyle.

How often should my pet have a wellness check-up?

We recommend annual wellness check-ups for all pets. Puppies, kittens, senior pets, and those with health issues may require more frequent visits.

What is involved in heartworm testing?

Heartworm testing involves a simple blood test to check for the presence of heartworm larvae. It’s a crucial part of your pet’s preventive care routine.

Why is parasite prevention important?

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms can cause serious health issues for your pets. Some of these parasites (such as fleas) can even transmit diseases to humans, so by protecting your pet, you are protecting your family. Preventive medications like Nexgard, Bravecto, and Heartgard keep your pets safe from these harmful parasites.

Routine Wellness and Preventive Care