Pets age faster than people, so regular veterinary care is very important for your pet’s health. In addition, your pet cannot tell you how he’s feeling and it’s natural for pets to mask their illnesses as a means of self-protection. Sometimes the only way to tell if your pet is not well is through a veterinary examination. Either an annual visit or a twice-a-year visit for pets over age seven is important to ensure your pet is healthy and to detect any illness as early as possible. Our doctors perform a tip-of-the-nose to tip-of-the-tail exam. We may recommend regular blood work or urinalysis to assess organ function. Our advocates are available to help you schedule appointments according to your pet’s needs.
Keeping your pet’s vaccinations current is an important part of an overall health program to protect your pet against disease and illness. There are several vaccines that may be required and our veterinarians will determine your pet’s needs based on his age, size and living arrangements. Our doctors always perform an examination of your pet before giving vaccines to ensure there are no health issues that would suggest that vaccinations should not be given.
The State of Texas requires rabies vaccination for dogs and cats. In addition, your dog may need some or all of the following vaccines: distemper, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, canine influenza, and kennel cough. Rattlesnake vaccine is now available to protect dogs if they are bitten and we recommend all hunting dogs receive this vaccination. Cats may need vaccination against distemper and feline leukemia, especially if they spend time outdoors.
Puppies need vaccinations every 3-4 weeks, starting at 6-9 weeks of age and continuing until at least 16 weeks of age. At each visit, a veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination and discuss nutrition, parasite control, as well as answer any questions about your puppy’s behavior. We will be happy to discuss any additional questions you may have regarding the new addition to your family.
Kittens need vaccinations every 3-4 weeks, starting at 9 weeks of age and continuing until at least 16 weeks of age. At each visit a veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination and discuss nutrition, parasite control, as well as answer any questions about your kitten’s behavior. Additionally, kittens will need a feline leukemia and feline aids test at the first visit and a follow up test two months later.
Adult dogs and cats: We try to minimize the amount of vaccinations that we give to reflect the specific needs of each pet. Some of the vaccinations for dogs and cats can be given every three years after initial boosters are complete. At one year of age, however, your veterinarian will consider your pet’s lifestyle to decide which vaccinations are right for your pet. A yearly exam by a veterinarian and parasite checks are still vital to maintaining a healthy friend for years to come.
Seniors pets: Dogs and cats age faster than people, so regular veterinary care is very important for your pet’s health. Not only can your pet not tell you how they feel, but they often will mask their symptoms. This is why we recommend exams twice yearly and regular blood work and urinalysis at least once yearly. This way we have a better chance of catching changes in organ function and therefore a possibility of slowing down damage with diets and medications.
Babcock Hills Veterinary Hospital, your San Antonio veterinary hospital at 6600 Prue Road.