Physical Exams

To maintain your pet’s good health, Aspen Vet recommends annual preventive veterinary care appointments. Regular physical examinations are an important aspect of preventive veterinary care, or “veterinary wellness care.” During an exam, the veterinarian will check your pet thoroughly, noting any abnormalities, signs, or symptoms of illness. We will examine your pet’s eyes, ears, nose, mouth, chest, abdomen, skin and paws. Our doctors also check the pulse, heart rate and rhythm, weight and body condition of your pet.

Our wellness programs are tailored to the specific needs of your pet during their different life stages. With each program, we will provide your pet with the preventive veterinary care needed to promote their optimal health. As a part of your pet’s preventive health care, we recommend the following schedule for check-ups:

• Adult dogs and cats: Once yearly
• Older dogs and cats: Twice yearly
• Puppies and kittens: At 6-8 weeks of age and every 4 weeks* until the pet is over 18 weeks

Adult Annual Wellness Visit

• Physical  examination
• Vaccinations-dog or cat
• Annual Deworming
• Canine Heartworm testing
• Parasite Control and Treatment
• Behavior counseling
• Dietary counseling
• Chronic condition evaluation
• Diagnostic and Treatment recommendations

Adult Wellness Testing Package:

• Abdominal and Chest Radiographs
• Hematology Panel
• Diabetes Screening
• Chemistry panel for liver and kidney disease detection
• Glaucoma Screening
• Adult patients completing wellness package receive 20% discount on dental prophylactic/surgical procedures. As this is a great work up to ensure anesthesia safety.

Comprehensive Puppy/Kitten Wellness Package:

• Puppy DAPP/Bordetella and Kitten FVRCP and Leukemia vaccination ever 4 weeks
• Rabies vaccination
• Intestinal deworming 1st and second visit
• Fecal testing for protozoal, nematodes, other parasites
• Microchip permanent identification
• Developmental exam every monthly visit
• Behavioral Counseling
• Dietary counseling
• Treats and socialization.

*Puppies and kittens grow at such a fast pace and many things can change in the course of four weeks. Immune systems are developing, dietary needs are changing, and they are growing. Regular monthly appointments allow us to ensure your puppy or kitten’s development is normal and that your pet is progressing in a healthy way.

Pet Vaccinations

Adult dogs and cats have individually-tailored vaccine programs based on their age and lifestyle. Puppies and kittens should be vaccinated every four (4) weeks, starting at eight (8) weeks of age until they reach over 18 weeks of age. The state of Nevada requires by law that your dog and cat be current on his/her rabies vaccination.

Some vaccinations require boosters on an annual basis; others have a longer period of efficacy; and yet others are only given if your dog or cat has a lifestyle need. For example, a dog that spends time in the woods has a higher risk of leptospirosis (a serious bacterial infection) than a dog that receives leash walks in the city. Dogs that are boarded regularly will need to remain updated on kennel cough vaccinations, while dogs that do not go to daycare or boarding facilities will not. Your veterinarian will discuss your pet’s lifestyle with you and make recommendations for your pet’s vaccine protocols.

Reactions: A small percentage of animals may show signs of a vaccine reaction that may include facial swelling, breathing abnormalities, vomiting, or lethargy. If a vaccine reaction occurs, it will usually be within 48 hours of being vaccinated and minimal medical treatment is normally required. There are simple preventive measures our vets can take when we are aware of any previous allergic reactions.