2 Continental Drive, Exeter, NH 03833 | Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Ph: (603) 519-4160

2 Continental Drive, Exeter, NH 03833 | Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Ph: (603) 519-4160

Wellness & Preventative Care

Wellness & Preventative Care

The saying goes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and we couldn’t agree more! At The Veterinary Wellness Center, preventative medicine is the cornerstone of our care. This includes pet wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite testing and prevention, and more.

Our wellness care services allow us to see pets at their healthiest and then give you strategies to keep them there, integrating both holistic and more conventional modalities. Regular exams for your pet not only let us establish what’s normal for them, but they also allow us to catch health issues early, while they’re most treatable, and before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems.

Protect and Prevent

We recommend annual pet wellness exams and blood testing for most adult animals, though that may vary by species and age. As a rule, puppies and kittens need to see the vet more frequently during the first year of their lives for vaccinations and parasite treatment. For senior pets—for dogs and cats, that generally means any pet over seven—we suggest twice-yearly visits, as pets age much faster than we do, and therefore, disease and illness progress much quicker as well. 

Your pet’s wellness exam is also a great time to discuss any changes you may have observed in them, physically or behaviorally. Pets can be very good at hiding signs of pain or illness, and regular wellness and preventative care are crucial to ensuring they stay healthy and happy. 

Vaccines

Young animals are like kids–keeping them safe and happy is an ongoing job. Vaccinating your pet is a relatively inexpensive but significant way to protect their health!
 
In addition to preventing many life-threatening illnesses, vaccinations can prevent diseases prevalent in wildlife and those that can be passed to humans. It’s essential to administer vaccinations when pets are puppies and kittens because their young immune systems are still developing and need protection to stay healthy.
 
We’ll work with you to tailor a vaccination plan that works with your pet and your lifestyle. Which vaccines should your pet have? Generally, “core” vaccines are those recommended—and possibly mandated by law—for most pets.

Core vaccines include:

  • Rabies (dogs and cats)
  • DA2PPV – Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo and Parainfluenza (dogs)
  • FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (cats)

Other non-core but highly suggested vaccinations for cats include FIV, which protects against feline immunodeficiency virus, and FeLV, which protects against feline leukemia. Bordetella and canine influenza shots are recommended for dogs who frequent dog parks, boarding kennels, or any place where they socialize with other canines.
 
Your VWC veterinarian will advise you which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle, taking into account a holistic view of their well-being.