Preventative Care

Preventive care is an essential part of keeping your pet happy and healthy. It will give you peace of mind and increase the odds of detecting underlying health conditions before they become advanced and expensive.

How often should my pet see a veterinarian?

At Hopmeadow Animal Hospital, we make our preventive care recommendations using the guidelines established by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). From there, our veterinarians further customize their suggestions based on hereditary factors including your pet’s age, lifestyle, and medical history.

Typically, we suggest scheduling at least one annual exam during which one of our veterinarians will review your pet’s medical history, assess their behavior, make dietary recommendations, and evaluate any known health conditions they may have. 

What should I expect from a wellness exam?

Think of your pet’s annual exam like your own yearly physical. At the appointment, we’ll check their weight, examine their eyes, ears, teeth, and skin, listen to their heart and lungs, and evaluate their joint health. 

You can also expect your veterinarian to make recommendations for:

• Vaccines based on your pet’s lifestyle.
• Parasite prevention products to keep your pet safe from fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworm disease.
• Diagnostic testing to identify any health conditions that cannot be detected during a physical exam and to confirm your pet is free from internal parasites.

At your pet's annual exam, your veterinarian will answer any questions you may have and discuss other services that could improve their overall health