Our Services
Pet Preventative Care at Alamogordo Animal Hospital in Alamogordo, NM
Ensure your pet’s long-term health and happiness with comprehensive pet preventative care at Alamogordo Animal Hospital in Alamogordo, NM. Our dedicated team of veterinarians and staff are committed to providing the best possible care through regular check-ups, vaccinations, dental exams, and parasite prevention.
Importance of Pet Preventative Care
Our pets are very good at masking illnesses, and disease may be present even in pets that appear healthy. The purpose of the annual wellness exam and wellness testing is for your veterinarian to establish a baseline for your pet’s general health condition, focus on preventive care, and provide recommendations to maintain or improve their health. These exams and tests provide the chance to get ahead of any ailments before they become severe.
A wellness exam is recommended yearly, and in some cases of senior pets, bi-annually. Your veterinarian will discuss this with you to find the best standards for your pet. A wellness exam entails many of the following:
Review of medical history, including feeding routines, urination, drinking, and presenting concerns.
Mobility, body posture, behavior, body condition, coat condition, and interaction with surroundings.
Temperature, pulse, respiration, and weight.
Includes auscultating the heart and lungs, palpating the abdomen, checking teeth, tongue, gums, ears, and eyes, and assessing thyroid glands, bladder, and kidneys for signs of pain.
- CBC – Complete Blood Count
- Biochemistry Profile
- Urinalysis
- Fecal Testing
- Thyroid Hormone Testing
Your veterinarian will collaborate with you specifically concerning your pet. Call to schedule today! We look forward to caring for you and your pet.
Vaccination Recommendations
As pet owners, you want nothing less than the best for your pet companions. Your top priority for your pets is their health and happiness and ensuring their well-being as part of your family. One crucial part of this is to stay up to date with vaccinations. Vaccinations not only protect your pets from serious diseases but also contribute to the overall health of our communities.
Vaccinations are essential for preventing a variety of diseases that can be harmful or even fatal for our pets. Just as with humans, vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, providing immunity against specific diseases. By vaccinating our pets, we not only safeguard their health but also contribute to the concept of herd immunity, helping to protect vulnerable animals in our communities.
Puppy and Kitten Vaccinations
Puppies and kittens typically receive a series of vaccinations starting at around 6-8 weeks of age. These vaccinations, referred to as “core vaccines,” protect against common and potentially deadly diseases such as canine distemper, parvovirus, and rabies in dogs, and feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, and herpesvirus in cats.
It is crucial that your pet receives these vaccines timely to ensure proper immunity development. Usually, when the vaccine series is started, it continues every 3-4 weeks apart until the puppy or kitten reaches the age of 16 weeks.
After the initial series of vaccinations, booster shots are necessary to maintain immunity. Booster scheduling can vary depending on the type of vaccine and the lifestyle of your pet. However, it is typically annually or every three years for the core vaccines.
At Alamogordo Animal Hospital, we are offering puppy/kitten wellness packages at a discounted rate! Ask your technician or doctor at your next appointment!
Lifestyle and Risk-Based Vaccinations
As previously mentioned, depending on the lifestyle of your pet, there may be additional vaccinations, as well as the time in between vaccines, that your veterinarian will recommend. If your pet, either dog or cat, spends any time outdoors or at kennels, they may need vaccines for exposure to other risks. These risks include Bordetella (kennel cough) and leptospirosis for dogs, or feline leukemia virus for cats. Discussion with your veterinarian can determine the extent of the risk and the proper way to protect your pets.
Rattlesnake Vaccine
Further consideration for your pet would be the Rattlesnake vaccine and boosters. For healthy dogs that are adventurous, enjoy hiking with their owners, are allowed off-leash, or clients that have seen or heard Rattlesnakes in their neighborhood, are more likely a candidate for the Rattlesnake Vaccine.
Puppies should be older than 4 months old before receiving this vaccine.
Any dog that is ill or has been suffering from a chronic illness or other condition should not be vaccinated. Any history of vaccination reactions should be evaluated carefully before proceeding with this vaccine.
Our recommendations for dogs who have never received the vaccine is to receive the first booster, then 3-4 weeks later receive the 2nd booster. After that, it is recommended to have an annual booster every spring, before peak rattlesnake season, or if determined by the doctor, every six months.
The vaccine’s protective effect is most evident 4-6 weeks after vaccination and declines over time. Dogs exposed to rattlesnakes for more than six months of the year may require boosters twice a year.
Furthermore, a pet owner may develop a false sense of security after having their dog vaccinated with rattlesnake vaccine and decide not to seek immediate veterinary care if their dog is bitten, resulting in suffering and possible death. This vaccine should never be considered the sole means of protection against rattlesnake bites.
Unfortunately, the vaccine cannot be administered to cats. However, cats can still get bit by a rattlesnake. The factors for their treatment and survival depend on where they were bitten, how much venom they received, and the cat’s health. Cats are bitten less frequently than dogs and their bites usually occur on the owner’s property.
As with all vaccinations, assessment, evaluation and discussion with your veterinarian is critical for administration of all vaccinations. We look forward to discussing your pets’ health and best determine proper vaccinations for your pet.
Dental Exams
Dental health is often overlooked, yet it is vital for your pet’s overall well-being. Regular dental exams and cleanings prevent oral diseases that can lead to serious health problems. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 70% of adult cats and 80% of adult dogs show signs of oral disease by the age of two! Our dental care services include:
- Routine Cleanings: Removing plaque and tartar to prevent gum disease.
- Examinations: Identifying and treating dental issues such as broken teeth or infections.
- Home Care Guidance: Advising on effective home dental care practices to maintain oral health.
Parasite Prevention
Parasite prevention is essential for keeping your pet and home safe from fleas, ticks, and other pests. Effective prevention not only keeps your pet comfortable but also prevents the spread of diseases that these parasites can carry. Our services include:
- Flea and Tick Prevention: Customized plans to keep your pet parasite-free.
- Heartworm Prevention: Regular medication to protect against heartworm disease.
- Intestinal Parasite Control: Preventative measures and treatments for worms and other internal parasites.
Benefits of Preventative Care at Alamogordo Animal Hospital
- Experienced Veterinary Team: Our knowledgeable veterinarians are dedicated to your pet’s health and well-being.
- Comprehensive Care: We offer a full range of preventative services to address all aspects of your pet’s health.
- Customized Health Plans: Tailored care plans that fit your pet’s specific needs and lifestyle.
Proactive care is the key to a healthy and happy life for your pet. Schedule an appointment with Alamogordo Animal Hospital today to ensure your pet receives the best preventative care available. Contact us for more information or to book an appointment.