Learn about the recommended care for adult and senior dogs.
Questions? Call us at 415-554-3030
Adult Wellness Examinations
• For dogs up to 8–10 years of age
• Frequency: Once a year
• Nose to tail examination
• Discuss dental care, ongoing parasite prevention, nutrition, behavior and lifestyle; address any concerns
• Adult vaccination boosters as needed
• Screening for intestinal parasites and heartworm
Senior Wellness Examinations
• For dogs 8-10 years and older
• Frequency: Once to twice a year depending on age and health
• Thorough senior wellness examination focusing on senior dog issues
• Discuss dental care, ongoing parasite prevention, nutrition, behavior, mobility, and lifestyle; address any concerns
• Senior laboratory testing
• Adult vaccination boosters as needed
Vaccinations
DA2PP Vaccination: Protects against several potentially deadly viruses including Canine Distemper Virus and Parvovirus. All adult dogs should receive this vaccination once every 3 years.
Rabies Vaccination: Protects against Rabies, a fatal infection that can affect all mammals including people. All dogs in California are legally required to have this vaccination. It is given once every 3 years for adult dogs.
Leptospirosis Vaccination: Protects against a serious bacterial infection that occurs from exposure to infected wildlife or contaminated water. We recommend this vaccine for most dogs. It is given as a series of two vaccines 3 to 4 weeks apart, followed by a once a year booster vaccination.
Bordetella Vaccination: Helps to protect against “kennel cough”, a contagious respiratory infection that commonly affects dogs. We recommend this vaccination for most dogs. It is given once a year.
Parasite Prevention
Deworming*: Most dogs are at risk of becoming infested with intestinal parasites. Adult dogs should receive regular monthly intestinal parasite deworming.
Flea Prevention*: Fleas are small parasites that live on the skin and generally cause itching and scratching. Fleas are commonly found in California and all dogs should be on a monthly preventive to control fleas.
Tick Prevention*: Ticks are parasites found all over Northern California, including in San Francisco. Their bite can transmit disease. All dogs should have regular tick control if their lifestyle is likely to lead to tick exposure.
Heartworm Prevention*: Heartworm is a parasite transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected mosquito. Heartworm disease is present throughout Northern California, as well as many other states. All dogs should receive a regular monthly heartworm preventive.
Additional Care
Microchipping: Microchipping increases the likelihood that your dog will be returned to you by 2.5 times if lost. Microchips are inserted using a needle, similar to a vaccination. We strongly recommend all pets be microchipped.
High Quality Nutrition*: All dogs benefit from eating an appropriate amount of a high quality dog food formulated for either adult or senior dogs. Measured feeding to maintain an optimal, lean body weight will help sustain your dog’s long term health.
Heartworm and Intestinal Parasite Screening: We recommend regular testing (annually to every 2 years) for heartworm and intestinal parasite infestation, based on your dog’s lifestyle and your regular use of heartworm and intestinal parasite preventives.
Senior Laboratory Testing: Common diseases affecting senior dogs can often be found early through routine laboratory screening. Senior laboratory testing is recommended annually once your dog reaches 8 to 10 years of age.
*It’s important to discuss your pet’s specific needs with your veterinarian, who can recommend the safest and most effective products