Arrowhead Animal Hospital - Don Pfretzschner

We recommend an annual health examination, and vaccinations for all pets. For dogs, we suggest annual heartworm testing and preventatives. Puppies, kittens and newly acquired pets should be screened for intestinal parasites. New cats and kittens should be tested for feline leukemia. We strongly recommend spaying and neutering for non-breeding pets.

Since your pets can't talk to you when something is wrong with them, it can be hard to determine whether or not they are feeling well. Any change you see in your pet's typical eating habits should warrant a visit to the veterinarian. While the actual cause of the eating habit changing is a case by case scenario based on many factors, it is important to understand why your pet has the eating habits it does and when your pet's doctor believes you should be concerned.Depending on your location, this could be a result of the weather or climate that you are living in, but for most, excessive thirst and drinking can be a sign that something is going on in your pet's body.

Dental care is an important and often overlooked factor in keeping your pet healthy and happy. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by three years of age. Consistent home dental care and routine professional examinations can help prevent problems like bad breath or oral infections.

Pet vaccinations are important for all dogs and cats; even the ones that remain indoors most, if not all, of the time because they could still catch an airborne virus from outside at potty time or through an open window or door screen. More often than not, viruses are spread due to contact with other infected animals that are wild or whose owners did not elect to keep their pet vaccinations up to date.