Tampa vet, veterinarian in Tampa, FL

Routine Preventative Care

Examinations
We recognize that pets age 7 times faster than humans. Due to more rapid aging, we feel pets should come for an exam once every six months and sooner if a problem arises. A complete physical examination checks your pet from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail and all areas in between.

Vaccinations
Our vaccination protocol is customized to each pet's personal exposure and risk. We educate our clients about the various vaccinations available and then determine which vaccines are best suited for that pet. Routine vaccines for dogs include: Rabies, Distemper combo (distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza and coronavirus), Leptospirosis, Lyme (if deemed appropriate) Giardia (if deemed appropriate, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough vaccine). Routine vaccines for cats include Rabies, Distemper combo (Panleukopenia, Calici, Chlymidia and Rhinotracheitis), Leukemia, FIP (if deemed appropriate) and Giardia (if deemed appropriate).

Deworming and Fecal Checks
Fecal testing and deworming is very important for all pets and we follow the guidelines established by the Companion Animal Parasite Council. Fecal testing of all pets, regardless of housing status, is needed every 6 months. Parasitic zoonotic diseases infect millions of people each year. Mostly children. While we normally associate parasites, such as roundworms, giardia, coccidia, tapeworms, and hookworms with cats and dogs, people can accidentally be infected with the same parasites. Regular fecal testing can help determine if your pet has parasites that cause disease, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anemia, intestinal blockage, etc. Treatment is needed if parasites are diagnosed. Regular deworming is the best way to prevent parasitic disease and the transmission of intestinal parasites from pets to people. It also prevents the shedding of parasite eggs, which contaminate yards or any place a pet defecates. The use of a monthly broad spectrum heartworm/intestinal worm preventative (Heartgard, Sentinel, Interceptor, Tri-Heart) is advised to help prevent exposure to heartworm disease in dogs and (Heartgard, Interceptor and Revolution) in cats, but also helps to prevent roundworms and hookworms, the 2 most common of the intestinal parasites.

Puppies, kittens, and pets that test positive for internal parasites require several rounds of deworming and repeat fecal tests to ensure that the parasites have been eliminated.

Routine Bloodwork
Wellness lab testing is essential for all pets. Wellness lab tests are performed when a pet isn't showing signs of illness as these tests are establishing baseline lab values, searching for trends in abnormalities and searching for hidden or subclinical disease.

Based on age and age classification (Junior, Senior, Geriatric) a blood and urine panel should be performed on all pets. We advise yearly testing, especially since dogs and cats age 7 times faster than we do. These tests allow us to perform a virtual internal examination of the pet and their body or organ functions, test for anemia, infection or laboratory signs that may indicate the need for further testing of hidden diseases or disorders. These blood panels also test for heartworm disease, which affects both dogs and cats.

Preventative Medications
We recommend that all dogs and cats be on yearly prevention for heartworm, fleas, and ticks. Again, these are guidelines established by the Companion Animal Parasite Council. We sell a variety of preventatives and will be happy to help you determine which is best for your companion.