During the last couple decades, we have seen major advances in pet health care.  This coincides with a shift in practices that emphasizes prevention of disease.
THE IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATIONS:
 Regular physical exams, including fecal testing and vaccinations are the most important preventative measures you can take to ensure the health of your pet.  Schedules vary by pet, but in general, vaccinations of puppies should begin at 6-8 weeks and continue at 3-4 week intervals until your pet is 16 weeks or older.  A physical exam precedes the actual vaccine administration to ensure your pet is healthy enough to be vaccinated.   Dogs should have certain vaccines  boostered every 1-3 years, based upon a discussion of lifestyle risks..

--Distemper: a widespread, high-mortality neurologic viral disease.
--Parvovirus: causes profuse bloody diarrhea & vomiting.  Often leads to death
from dehydration and secondary bacterial infections in young puppies.
--Leptospirosis:  typically causes liver and kidney failure.  Spread in the urine
of wild animals, it is a zoonotic (potential risk to humans) disease with  out-breaks
in the Battle Creek area in recent years.
--Infectious hepatitis:  an adenovirus (type 1) infection causing potential
permanent organ damage or death.
--Parainfluenza/Adenovirus (type 2)/Bordetella:  components
of Infectious Tracheobronchitis (”Kennel Cough”), a highly contagious disease,
spread indirectly by water droplets in the air; notable for a persistent harsh, dry
cough lasting up to 3 weeks or more.
--Rabies:  another potential zoonotic disease which is usually fatal if contracted.
--Lymes disease:  a disease of skin and joints; spread by deer ticks.

Heartworm Disease  
              
Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and are considered a major problem in Lower Michigan. They cause severe illness and can potentially become life-threatening. A simple blood test is recommended annually. Although these worms can be treated, it is much healthier to prevent the parasites with a safe and easy once-a-month preventative medication.
   
Nutrition   
              
Providing a complete and balanced diet is essential to maintenance of good health. All dogs should be on a quality diet made specifically for dogs. The doctors can talk to you about your pet's dietary needs in more detail and make recommendations, as needed.
     
Intestinal Parasites 
              
Intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms) and other intestinal parasites (coccidia and giardia) frequently cause serious disease of the gastrointestinal tract. A stool sample is tested upon your pet's first visit and then annually.
    
Dental Care 
              
Dental care is also emphasized at an early age; we recommend prophylactic brushing at home to lessen the accumulation of tartar and plaque that will lead to periodontal disease. We recommend that pets have annual dental check ups. Professional dental cleanings are recommended, as needed, performed under general anesthesia.
   
Fleas and Ticks
              
Fleas and ticks are common problems for potentially every pet owner. New advances in parasite control products are now available, making treatment and prevention of these troublesome and disease-carrying pests much easier than in the past.

SENIOR CARE & YEARLY WELLNESS EXAMS:
 A yearly physical exam is perhaps the most important key to maintaining the heath of your pet  After your pet’s 7th birthday, he or she is considered a “senior”.  Since we see increased age-related problems after this age, exams are advised every 6 months.