A complete physical examination is performed by our doctors before any vaccines are administered. Standard vaccination protocols are currently under professional evaluation, and while our doctors believe strongly in the importance of vaccines (especially after seeing an increase in distemper cases in the past several years), they considers the vaccination needs of each animal individually. For instance, those dogs which travel with their owners to Mexico, or go hiking in the mountains, may be more at risk for encountering certain diseases then a dog who rarely leaves his owners home.

Regardless of your pet’s personal vaccination schedule, it is very important that your pet receive an annual physical exam. Because animals age faster than people, a yearly check-up for your pets is the equivalent of you getting a physical every seven years! During the exam, the doctors will listen to your pet’s hearts and lungs, check his ears, eyes, and teeth and palpate (examine by touching) your pets abdomen to make sure all is normal. This is the perfect time to tell our doctors about anything different you may have noted in your pet’s regular routine, or ask any questions about his (your pet’s, not the doctors) health or behavior.