Regular Dental Care
There are lots of things to be done here just at home. Brushing, using CET chews, chew toys etc, etc, etc. Everything and anything to help prevent the slow but inevitable development of tartar and with tartar gingivitis and periodontal disease. More chronic, heart, liver and kidney problems are directly related to poor dental condition than any other factor. Some pet will just have to undergo anesthesia, scaling and polishing and it really helps to use sealant afterward. Dental disease comes in grade 1-4. At the annual physical exam we can help guide you on what the next step should be.

Nutrition
A high quality food, made with the best ingredients is the surest way to ensure continued good health for your pet. Of course there are many foods available and yes we have some that we prefer over others but the bottom line is the better the quality of the food (i.e. the better the quality of the ingredients) the healthier the pet. By feeding the best diet possible you can keep the immune system strong and the pet at its healthiest.

Annual Fecal Exams and Regular Monthly Wormings
Heartworm presently is much of a problem in the Pacific Northwest but that doesn't mean that there are not other parasites that we need to be concerned with. Studies have shown that pets do best when wormed on a monthly interval. This monthly interval is also recommended by the Center for Disease Control to help prevent the possible transmission of intestinal to us humans. We can help you with this with a variety of easy to use but effective products.

Regular Lab Analysis of Blood and Urine
Many times there are hidden conditions that don't present either through the history or the physical exam. Doing this sort of work on blood and urine on an annual basis, especially for older pets, can make a big difference in how healthy we can keep you pet. Disease caught early is often disease that we can cure or treat with minimal problem. This step becomes most important in those pets that are over 8 years old.

Vaccines
We now know that some vaccines last longer than a year. In the young getting a good start on the right vaccination program is essential. After that initial young pet phase is done with than a discussion should take place between the owner and the veterinarian to determine how often and what vaccines need to be given.

So that's it. These are the steps that we recommend. Somewhat in order of importance, vaccines being more important in the young than the old, but you should get the idea here about what we think is important to us here at North Creek Pet Hospital in regard to keep your pet a healthy, viable member of your family for a good long time.

More Questions?
Please email us with any questions you may have and we will respond promptly. Thank you from the staff at North Creek Pet Hospital!