Prevention is the key to a long and healthy life.

Even when your cat or dog doesn’t appear sick, they can still benefit from regular veterinary care. Pet exams give our doctors at Poway Animal Hospital an opportunity to inspect them from nose to tail and look for any abnormalities or signs of trouble. Pets are good at hiding discomfort, and many health issues aren’t apparent until they become more advanced. By bringing your pet in for annual wellness exams, we can prevent a myriad of health problems to help them live the happiest, healthiest life possible. Call (858) 748-3326 to book an appointment for your pet!

Our wellness checks begin by weighing pets in and taking their vital signs. Our vets then give all pets a thorough physical, checking their heart, ears, eyes, mouth, coat, skin, limbs, abdomen, and back. After all pet exams, we brief you on our findings and make recommendations for any further treatment. Common follow-up treatments include blood, urine, and fecal testing. Blood and urine testing can be performed the same day in our in-house lab, along with allergy testing, digital X-rays, and ultrasounds. Wellness exams are also the ideal time to have your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention treatments boosted.

Wellness Care For Every Stage Of Life

We recommend all pets be brought to see us once a year. However, most cats and dogs need extra care at certain stages of their lives. Therefore, we have special recommendations and services tailored to puppies and kittens, adults, and senior pets.

Protect your pet’s health with vaccines.

When you visit us with your pet for the first time, we’ll talk more in-depth about a vaccination schedule that will suit their needs. Certain diseases, such as rabies, are often fatal to household pets and can be spread via contact with an infected wild animal. Also, rabies is transferable and potentially fatal to humans, so always make sure to keep your pet’s shots up to date!

Our vaccines for dogs include:

• Rabies vaccine – The rabies vaccine is required by law for dogs. We administer this vaccination when puppies are four months old.
• Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus combo – This highly recommended core vaccine provides protection against four potentially fatal diseases.
• Bordetella – Protect your dog against the respiratory disease known as “kennel cough.” Since this infection is highly contagious, it is recommended for all social dogs.
• Influenza – This offers protection against the canine influenza virus (CIV). This highly contagious respiratory virus causes flu-like symptoms and is different from Bordetella. We recommend the influenza vaccine for all dogs that are social and frequently board, visit the dog park, and travel with their owners.
• Rattlesnake vaccine – Provides protection from the venom of the American Diamondback Rattlesnake. However, you still need to seek medical attention if a rattlesnake bites your dog.
• Lyme – Protects against Lyme disease, which is spread by ticks. This is recommended for dogs who may be traveling to the East Coast or other areas where Lyme disease is prevalent.

Our vaccines for cats include:

• Rabies vaccine – The rabies vaccine is also required by law for cats. Kittens should receive this vaccination at four months old.
• Feline Distemper (FVRCP) – A core vaccination which provides protection against three diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.
• Feline Leukemia – Because this virus is spread from cat to cat, we recommend this vaccine for any cat that spends time outdoors.