Wellness & Vaccinations
Wellness and preventive care are the most important parts of your pet’s medical care, and we aim to make the experience for you and your pet extraordinary.
Supporting Your Pets in Cape Cod, MA
When your pet comes in for their annual or bi-annual exam at Sandwich Animal Hospital, we don’t just give them a once-over and a few shots; we spend the time to evaluate them holistically, catch any small concerns or changes early, and make sure you know what to expect at each stage of their life.
Our appointments are longer than you might be used to at other veterinary clinics, because we take the time to listen, to talk through questions you have, and thoroughly create a care plan for your pet’s unique needs.
What’s Included in a Wellness Exam?
During a wellness exam, we will:
- Perform a nose-to-tail exam, making note of any changes or concerns that have arisen since your last visit
- Discuss any questions or concerns about diet, weight, activity, and overall lifestyle habits
- Take a look inside their mouth to ensure their teeth and gums look healthy, or recommend any treatment they may need
- Listen to their heart and lungs to ensure everything sounds healthy
- Evaluate their skin, coat, ears, and eyes for anything abnormal
- Discuss and/or administer any vaccines they are due for, or we recommend for their lifestyle
- Discuss parasite prevention methods that fit your lifestyle
Pet Vaccines
Every dog and cat is unique, so we never take the same approach when it comes to vaccination recommendations. Before we recommend a plan, we’ll consider your pet’s age, overall lifestyle, where you live, travel plans, daycare or boarding needs, and exposure risks. We always take the time to explain why we are suggesting a vaccine, how it will benefit your pet’s health, and any risks to be aware of.
We use non-adjuvanted vaccines, which are designed to provide protection, without added ingredients, that help stimulate the immune response. This can be especially beneficial for cats to help reduce unnecessary inflammation at the injection site. Our goal is to make vaccination as safe and effective as possible for each pet.
We’ll discuss:
- Core vaccines
- Lifestyle vaccines based on risk
- Timing and spacing of the vaccine administration
- Puppy and kitten schedules or senior needs
Why Wellness Visits Matter
Regular wellness exams are the best way to prevent health concerns from turning into bigger and more expensive issues for both dogs and cats. Our pets are pros at hiding when they’re in pain or uncomfortable, and even small changes in their health and appearance can be early warning signs of underlying problems. Thankfully, our highly skilled team is trained to spot them and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Staying on top of your pet’s wellness visits keeps your pet happier and healthier, and gives you peace of mind.
When to Schedule Wellness Visits
We recommend that most young, healthy dogs and cats be seen once a year for a wellness visit. For seniors or pets with health conditions, we may recommend more frequent visits. No matter your pet’s age or health condition, we’re here to help.
If it’s been a while or you’re not sure what your pet is due for, reach out to us, and we’d be happy to help you plan your next visit. Want to learn more about what to expect at your visit?