Usually annual exams involve a nose-to-tail check. The veterinarian is going to peer into your pet’s baby browns, greens, golds, or blues to ensure their eyes are well. Next, a good look checking for dental health and a quick peek into the ears. And, of course, a listen to heart and lung sounds and palpation of internal parts to make sure everything feels right.
We recommend pets have lab work done to establish baseline records, which will help our clinical team to monitor any changes in systems throughout their life. This includes kidney and liver values, blood cell counts, and more. More frequent visits may be suggested for pets based on age, lifestyle, health, or for specific breeds.
Exams are great times to put into place health protocols, such as flea, tick and parasite prevention, best dietary choices, and exercise routines. It’s also the perfect opportunity to have any non-urgent questions answered to help you be the best pet parent!
Vaccinations create protective immune responses to help fight future infections. They trigger the production of antibodies that will be able to quickly attack and destroy all or most disease-causing entities that have entered the body.
This can provide complete immunity against certain diseases, or decrease the gravity of the infection. Properly administered vaccinations:
Because of their immature immune systems and therefore susceptibility to illnesses, young puppies and kittens require a series of carefully timed vaccinations. The initial dose helps build up their immune systems after the antibodies they received through their mother’s milk begins to wane. Subsequent doses continue to stimulate their systems. Therefore, it is important to complete the series to ensure full protection for your young pet.
Core Vaccines are recommended for all pets under our care, regardless of age or health status. They are effective in keeping pets safe from conditions they are bound to come in contact with at some point in their lives. Certain vaccinations, like Rabies vaccine, are required by law.
Non-Core Vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle factors. For instance, if your pet spends a lot of time with other pets, stays at boarding facilities and day cares, and spends a lot of time outdoors.
When you visit TotalBond Veterinary Hospital at Davidson, Dr. Hay will establish a vaccination requirement and series protocol that is right for your pet, as well as discuss the benefits and any potential risks which are associated with them.
Collars and tags fall off, but microchips are forever. It’s a well-known fact that found microchipped animals, whose humans have kept their registration information up to date, have a much higher chance of being reunited with their families regardless of distance or time.
A rice-sized electronic chip is activated and transmits a unique identification number to a special scanner. The microchip can be implanted by a veterinarian or veterinary technician, using a specialized hypodermic needle, during a routine visit or while under anesthesia for a surgical procedure. Insertion can cause a bit of discomfort, but it is quick and relatively painless.
The microchip itself contains only an identification number. That number is stored in a microchip registry database along with your contact information. For this reason, it's critical that you provide your contact information and keep it updated should you ever move or change phone numbers.
If your pet is found and taken to an animal rescue or animal hospital, their unique microchip will be scanned to find out who the owners are. At this time, either the rescue, hospital, or registry will attempt to get in contact with you.
Please note, your information is secure and the registry will not give out your information to the general public. Microchips are recommended for all pets!
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" -Hippocrates
Good nutrition is a necessary foundation and is inextricably linked to your pet’s quality of life and can even improve life expectancy.
While some people may find a chubby cat or dog to be cuter or more cuddly, in actuality, excess weight can open the door to a number of painful, and life-shortening health issues and risks.
Underweight and overweight pets have a higher risk of developing a number of conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory diseases, kidney diseases, and even some cancers. By helping to keep your pet at an ideal body weight, your pet's joints, muscles, and bones will be healthier and under less stress. This is especially true for pets suffering from conditions such as arthritis.
When you visit us at TotalBond Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Hay can determine what your pet’s ideal weight and body condition are. Hopefully within the “ideal” range, but if not, he will help create a plan for diet and exercise that will help bring your beloved pet to optimal health and fitness.
Our brand new, bigger, state-of-the-art facility is located less than a mile from our previous location. We are now located at 2073 Mecklenburg Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115.
Phone: 704-892-1992
