1441 Bridgetown Pike, Feasterville, PA 19053
Comprehensive Dog Care in Family Pet Clinic
Most of the health problems we treat in dogs are easier to manage, and less costly to treat, when they are caught early. That is the entire idea behind preventive dog care at Family Pet Clinic. Rather than waiting for a limp, a cough, or a change in appetite to bring your dog in, our veterinarians build a wellness plan around your dog's age, breed, lifestyle, and risk factors, so small issues get addressed before they become emergencies.
Our team has cared for the dogs of Feasterville for more than 25 years, and every doctor and technician on staff is Fear Free certified, meaning your dog's annual visit is designed to be calm and low stress rather than something to dread.
What a Preventive Care Visit for Dogs Includes
A wellness exam is more than a quick look and a shot. Our veterinarians perform a nose-to-tail physical exam, checking heart and lung sounds, joint mobility, body condition score, skin and coat health, ears, eyes, and oral health. We ask detailed questions about your dog's diet, activity level, and any behavior changes you have noticed at home, since owners often catch subtle shifts before a doctor would see them in a single visit.
Core vaccinations (rabies, distemper/parvo combination) and non-core vaccines such as bordetella, leptospirosis, or canine influenza are recommended based on your dog's lifestyle. A dog who boards, goes to daycare, or visits dog parks has different exposure risks than one who stays mostly at home, and we tailor the vaccine protocol accordingly rather than applying a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Core and Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your dog's age, lifestyle, health, and risk of exposure, while core vaccines are considered essential for nearly every dog.
Core Canine Vaccines
- DHPP protects against four diseases: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Almost all dogs will be exposed to at least one of these diseases at some point, which makes this vaccine especially important.
- Rabies protects dogs against rabies, a fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans. This vaccine is required by law.
Non-Core Canine Vaccines
- Bordetella protects against kennel cough, a highly contagious condition that causes a dry, hacking cough that can last more than a month. We recommend this vaccine for dogs who frequent boarding facilities, dog parks, or other pet-friendly locations.
- Leptospirosis protects against a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals, which can survive in water or soil for weeks or even months. This disease can also spread from dogs to humans.
- Lyme protects against disease transmitted by a specific tick species.
- Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) protects against the spread of flu among dogs.
Parasite Prevention in Feasterville
Heartworm disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, is a year-round concern in Pennsylvania, and we recommend annual heartworm testing paired with monthly prevention. Fleas and ticks are equally common in our wooded and suburban neighborhoods, and ticks in this region carry Lyme disease, a condition we see regularly in local dogs. We discuss which flea, tick, and heartworm products fit your dog's size, health history, and household (including whether there are cats or small children at home) before making a recommendation.
Prevention is always easier than treatment. At Family Pet Clinic, we use a two-step approach: continuous preventative medication paired with annual parasite testing through a fecal or blood exam at your dog's yearly visit.
Fleas
Fleas are most common in warmer months but can be present year-round. They reproduce quickly and can be transferred between animals and people. Flea bites can lead to tapeworms, allergic reactions, and bacterial infections, and in severe cases can become life-threatening.
Ticks
Ticks can transmit serious conditions including ehrlichiosis, Bartonella, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, tick paralysis, and Lyme disease. Check your dog for ticks after any time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas where ticks are most prevalent.
Heartworms
Heartworms are among the most dangerous parasites dogs face. They settle in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, where they can cause irreversible damage and, without treatment, a slow death. Dogs are more commonly affected than cats, which is why monthly preventatives are so important.
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites are common in dogs and can cause serious illness if left untreated. These include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and giardia and coccidia. Dogs are typically exposed through contact with contaminated soil or the stool of other animals, so any outdoor access increases risk. Puppies are especially vulnerable due to their immature immune systems, which is why early testing and treatment are so important for new dogs.
Because some intestinal parasites can also affect people, keeping your dog on a consistent preventative plan helps protect your entire household. We recommend good pet hygiene, including handwashing after handling a dog who has been outdoors.
- Roundworms resemble angel hair pasta and may occasionally be visible in a dog's stool.
- Hookworms resemble small fish hooks, about one inch long, and can attach to the stomach lining and cause painful ulcers.
- Whipworms are curly shaped and typically two to three inches long.
- Tapeworms are common in dogs and can lead to gastrointestinal blockages.
- Giardia and coccidia more often affect younger dogs and aren't visible to the naked eye. Symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhea.
Ready to Schedule Your Dog's Wellness Exam?
Call Family Pet Clinic at (215) 357-6357
or book online to schedule a preventive care visit for your dog at our Feasterville location. Same-day appointments are often available.