Preventing problems is always preferred to treating a problem, so we emphasize a total preventative health plan for all pets. Since not all pets live in the same environment they don't all need the same preventative health plan. We individualize the plan to fit the pet's age, lifestyle and environment. At each visit we will reassess your pet's specific needs and develop a vaccination plan and schedule, along with appropriate laboratory testing and parasite prevention. In order to identify problems early, we recommend a thorough physical examination every 6 months. Compared to people, a dog or cat ages approximately 5 to 7 years for every calendar year. Several things can change in that period of time. Early detection can make treatment more successful and rewarding for many diseases. This is especially important as pets age. Various laboratory tests are important at different stages of life. A fecal check for intestinal parasites is recommended every 6 months. A blood test for heartworms is required yearly for dogs. As your pet ages, a blood chemistry profile and complete blood count may be recommended. These tests give important information about the functioning of several organs, including the liver and kidneys. A thyroid test is often recommended for senior pets. All of these tests can be used to detect common aging diseases in cats and dogs. There has been a lot of controversy over the necessity of vaccinations in the past several years. Because of a lack of good studies, we still feel the results are inconclusive and we will continue to vaccinate pets, though in some pets we may choose to extend the time period between boosters. Your veterinarian can discuss with you if your pet is a good choice for this extension, depending on risk factors. Please contact us for more information