WELLNESS EXAMINATIONS

Pioneer Animal Hospital recognizes that pets age faster than people. Due to this rapid change, your pet needs wellness examinations every 6 months. The following is a list of our general recommendations for dogs and cats. Every pet is unique, however, and this list is only a guideline. Your pet’s lifestyle and unique risks will be taken into consideration and may change from year to year.

Dogs:

  • DA2PP – begin at 6-8 weeks of age and continue every 3 weeks until 16 weeks old. Booster once at 1 year old then every 3 years thereafter.
  • Bordetella – begin at 6-8 weeks of age. Two vaccinations in the initial series 3 weeks apart then once every 6 months.
  • Rabies – initial vaccination at 12+ weeks of age. Booster at 1 year old then every 3 years thereafter. (Acceptance of 3-year vaccine varies from state to state)
  • Leptospirosis - begin around 10-12 weeks old.  Booster 3 weeks later then omce yearly.
  • Fecal Flotation (Parasite check) – Twice in the puppy series then once yearly.
  • Heartworm Prevention – Preventative is needed starting at 8 weeks old and continuing montly for the rest of the dog's life.  Heartworm blood tests should be started at 6-12 months old depending on when the dog initially is acquired.  Test should be performed every year.
  • Dental cleanings – Most dogs will need their teeth cleaned at around 2 years old.  We will help you asses your dog's teeth at every visit.  Some dogs may need cleanings more frequently.  See our dental page for more information.
Cats:
  • FVRCP – begin at 6-8 weeks of age and continue every 3 weeks until 16 weeks old. Booster once at 1 year old then every 3 years thereafter.
  • Rabies – initial vaccination at 12+ weeks of age. Booster at 1 year old then every 3 years thereafter. (Acceptance of 3 year vaccine varies from state to state)
  • Feline Leukemia (FeLV)– For cats that are allowed outdoors unattended or for cats that have routine contact with other cats allowed outdoors unattended. Two vaccinations in the initial series 3 weeks apart then booster yearly.
  • Felv/FIV Blood Test – once for cats during the initial visit for cats that remain indoors exclusively. Yearly for cats that are allowed outdoors at all or are in contact with cats allowed outdoors.
  • Fecal Flotation (Parasite check) – Twice in the kitten series then at least once yearly.
  • Heartworm prevention – Preventative is needed starting at 8 weeks old and continuing montly for the rest of the cat's life
  • Dental cleanings – Most cats will need their teeth cleaned at around 2 years old.  We will help you asses your cat's teeth at every visit.  See our dental page for more information.