Preventive and Wellness Care
Preventive and Wellness Care
Our cats and dogs need regular health checkups, too! Because pets age much faster than people, big changes can happen in just a year. By bringing your pet to Bangor Veterinary Clinic for annual or twice-yearly wellness visits, we can protect their long-term health and often stop major problems before they even begin.
As a locally owned practice, our promise to Bangor families is simple: proactive care that is focused on keeping your pets healthier, longer.
Why Preventive and Wellness Care Matters
Wellness care is the foundation of a long, healthy, and happy life for your pet. By keeping up with your scheduled wellness visits:
- You help your pet live longer, more comfortable lives.
- We can catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly to treat.
- You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re doing everything possible to protect your pet companions.
What is involved during a Preventive and Wellness Visit?
Each visit is tailored to your pet’s needs, but discussions often focus on:
- Whole-Pet Exams: A nose-to-tail check of your pet’s physical health, mental well-being, and lifestyle.
- Behavioral Support: Identifying changes that may signal health or comfort issues.
- Dental Health: Oral exams to spot dental disease early, with cleanings scheduled as needed at our sister clinic, Gobles Veterinary Clinic.
- Nutrition Counseling: Weight management and dietary guidance for preventive health.
- Parasite Prevention: Protection against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites.
- Screenings: Bloodwork, urinalysis, and fecal exams to detect hidden problems.
- Vaccinations: Core vaccines plus lifestyle-based protection tailored to your pet.
Recommended Preventive and Wellness Care for Every Life Stage of Pets
Dogs
Puppy (Birth - 12 months)
- Exams every 3–4 weeks until ~16 weeks old
- Core vaccines: Distemper/Parvo (DHPP), Leptospirosis, Lyme, Rabies, Bordetella (dogs)
- Parasite prevention: heartworm, flea, tick
- Fecal testing & deworming
- Microchipping
Adult (1 – 6 years)
- Annual wellness exam
- Annual core vaccines + lifestyle vaccines (lepto, Lyme, influenza as needed)
- Year-round parasite prevention (heartworm, flea, tick)
- Annual fecal exam & bloodwork
- Dental cleaning as needed
Senior (7 – 9 years)
- Wellness exam every 6–12 months
- Bloodwork & urinalysis to screen for organ function
- Weight & nutrition counseling
- Arthritis/orthopedic evaluation
- Continued parasite prevention & vaccines
Geriatric (10+ years)
- Exams every 6 months
- Comprehensive senior panels (blood, urine, blood pressure, thyroid)
- Pain management for arthritis/orthopedic disease
- Vision, hearing, and cognitive function checks
- Strict parasite prevention
Cats
Kitten (Birth - 12 months)
- Exams every 3–4 weeks until ~16 weeks old
- Core vaccines: FVRCP, rabies, FeLV
- Parasite prevention: flea, tick, heartworm
- Fecal testing & deworming
- Microchipping
Adult (1 – 6 years)
- Annual wellness exam
- Annual vaccines (rabies, FVRCP; FeLV if outdoors)
- Year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
- Annual fecal exam & bloodwork • Dental cleaning as needed
Senior (7 – 9 years)
- Wellness exam every 6–12 months
- Bloodwork & urinalysis
- Weight & nutrition counseling
- Arthritis & mobility checks
- Continued parasite prevention & vaccines
Geriatric (10+ years)
- Exams every 6 months
- Senior health panels
- Pain management for arthritis or chronic illness
- Vision, hearing, cognitive checks
- Strict parasite prevention
Risks for Pets in Southwest Michigan
Our environment presents unique challenges for pets, which is why year-round prevention is so important:
- Heartworm Disease: Spread by mosquitoes, even in cooler months. Just one bite can infect your pet. Heartworms can involve lengthy and costly treatment for dogs and can even be fatal. There is no cure for heartworms in cats once they are diagnosed.
- Ticks: Found in backyards, fields, and wooded areas. Ticks spread serious diseases like Lyme and ehrlichiosis.
- Fleas: Thrive indoors and outdoors, leading to itching, skin infections, and infestations in the home.
- Leptospirosis: A dangerous bacterial disease carried in standing water or wildlife urine. This zoonotic disease can affect both pets and people.
At Bangor Veterinary Clinic, preventive care is never one-size-fits-all. Each wellness plan is designed around your pet’s age, lifestyle, and unique needs with clear options for your family. Together, we’ll keep your pets healthier, happier, and part of your family for as many years as possible
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