Skip to main content

Health & Wellness

Preventative Care

Proactive steps to keep your pet healthy, happy, and thriving for years to come. From vaccines to dental care.

Dog Wellness

Protect your dog with core vaccinations, year-round parasite prevention, and routine checkups.

Read Dog Guide

Core Vaccinations

  • Rabies: Required by law in most areas.
  • DHPP: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza.
  • Non-Core: Bordetella, Lyme, Leptospirosis depending on lifestyle.

Parasite Prevention

Monthly flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is essential year-round, regardless of your dog's primary environment.

Dental Care

Daily brushing and regular professional cleanings prevent periodontal disease, which can affect the heart and kidneys.

Cat Wellness

Even indoor cats need vaccinations and preventative care to ward off common diseases and hidden illnesses.

Read Cat Guide

Core Vaccinations

  • Rabies: Essential even for indoor-only felines.
  • FVRCP: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia.
  • FeLV: Feline Leukemia Vaccine (Core for kittens; lifestyle-dependent for adults).

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Outdoor cats require broader parasite control and regular screening for FIV/FeLV. Indoor cats still need flea/heartworm prevention as bugs can come inside.

Hidden Signs

Cats are masters at hiding pain. Annual vet check-ups (bi-annual for seniors) are critical to catch kidney disease or hyperthyroidism early.

Small Mammals

Learn about dental hygiene, nail care, and proper habitat maintenance to prevent respiratory and skin issues.

Read Small Mammal Guide

Dental Health

Rabbits and guinea pigs have continuously growing teeth. Provide abundant chewing materials (safe wood, high-quality hay) to prevent malocclusion.

Habitat Maintenance

  • Bedding: Avoid pine/cedar shavings which cause respiratory distress. Use paper-based bedding.
  • Cleaning: Spot clean daily and deep clean weekly to prevent ammonia buildup and bumblefoot.

Birds & Reptiles

Understand the critical roles of UV lighting, humidity, and regular checkups for exotic pets.

Read Exotics Guide

Avian Care

Birds need regular beak and nail trims. Avoid Teflon pans, aerosols, and air fresheners as their respiratory systems are extremely fragile.

Reptile Environment

  • UVB Lighting: Must be replaced every 6 months, even if it's still glowing, to ensure proper D3 synthesis.
  • Humidity & Shedding: Improper humidity leads to retained sheds and respiratory infections. Measure with a reliable hygrometer.

Important Notice

These guides are for informational purposes. The best preventative care always starts with establishing a relationship with a licensed veterinarian who can tailor recommendations to your pet's specific needs.