Canine Wellness Care - Animal Health Center of Salisbury - Salisbury, MA
WELLNESS EXAMS
Regular physical examination is of the utmost importance – often problems are detected that, if untreated, would progress to serious illness. A complete physical examination is done routinely and involves assessment of all body systems. READ MORE.
VACCINATIONS
By vaccinating our pets, we are ensuring that they are immune to different, possibly fatal diseases if/when they get exposed to them. Vaccinating our animals prevents spreading of these diseases. Also, if you think of it from a cost-standpoint, it costs less to prevent diseases than it does to treat them. READ MORE.
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FLEA/TICK & HEARTWORM
In New England, with our always changing weather, fleas/ticks & mosquitoes can potentially be found all year round. READ MORE on why Parasite Prevention is important for your canine!
CANINE DENTISTRY
In an added effort to provide your pet with quality care, we offer pet dental services in our veterinary office. It is estimated that 80% of pets exhibit the beginning stages of periodontal disease by age 3, which is why dental exams and teeth cleanings are essential. READ MORE about our dental services.
NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING
Nutrition, including controlling your pet’s weight, seriously affects pet health, especially as your pet ages. Weight management is one of the most critical factors in maintaining pet health. READ MORE.
Dental Care
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In an added effort to provide your pet with quality care, we offer pet dental services in our veterinary office. It is estimated that 80% of pets exhibit the beginning stages of periodontal disease by age 3, which is why dental exams and teeth cleanings are essential. Also, studies indicate that pets with good oral hygiene tend to live 2 to 4 years longer than pets who neglect dental care. While periodontal disease is entirely preventable, when left untreated it can lead to cardiac disease, kidney infection, liver infection, or stroke.
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Some simple home hygiene tips are:
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Brushing your pet’s teeth as little as one time a week can cut down on 50-60% of tartar build-up.
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Dental products specifically designed for pets, including Oravet and CET, can help protect gums and lessen tartar.
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Dry pet food is better for teeth than canned food; it causes abrasion to tooth surfaces when chewed, helping remove tartar build-up. Other treats such as raw-hide can also help remove built-up plaque.
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There are many pet toys that support dental health. Buying your pets these toys not only entertains them, but offers a dual purpose in helping clean teeth.
Spay & Neuter
In an effort to help your pet live a healthy life, we provide spay and neuter services. Choosing to spay or neuter your new pet is one of the most responsible decisions you can make as a pet owner. Spaying and neutering pets is estimated to add years to your pet’s life in decreasing or eliminating their chances of getting certain cancers; it also helps decrease the amount of animals in shelters and the number of euthanized pets each year.
With statistics indicating that nearly 4 million pets in the United States are put down annually, we believe spaying and neutering animals is a productive initiative. In providing these services, we hope to prolong pets’ lives and help the community in preventing pet overpopulation.
Reasons to spay or neuter your pet:
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Decrease aggressive behaviors in male pets.
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Decrease desire for pets to roam and find mates.
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Decrease pet overpopulation and pet euthanasia.
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Decrease risk of mammary gland tumors.
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Eliminate heat cycles, bleeding, and yelling for a mate.
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Eliminate or reduce marking and spraying.
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Reduce risk of ovarian and uterine cancers.
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Reduce risk of prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Nutritional Counseling
Nutrition, including controlling your pet’s weight, seriously affects pet health, especially as your pet ages. Weight management is one of the most critical factors in maintaining pet health. Giving your pet unlimited access to food (free feeding) is one of the worst things you can do. The standard serving for felines and canines is 120-170 calories per pound of body weight. If you’re trying to help your pet gain weight, increase caloric intake, and if you’re wanting your pet to lose weight, decrease caloric consumption. During a routine exam, we can discuss the exact amount of food to add or subtract from your pet’s diet based on breed, activity level, and current weight. Remember that overweight pets are more likely to suffer from arthritis, certain cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and skin problems
