534 2nd Street Pike, Southampton, PA 18966
Comprehensive Dog Preventive Care for Southampton Pet Parents
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 care for dogs 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 dog preventive care plan around your dog's age, breed, lifestyle, and risk factors, so small issues get addressed before they become emergencies.
Our Southampton hospital is Fear Free certified, which means every doctor and staff member is trained to keep your dog's visit calm and low stress. If your dog is new to us, we also offer an offer on the first exam so you can get to know our team before committing to a full wellness plan.
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 in Pennsylvania.
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.
- 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.
- 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 Southampton
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 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. 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.
Microchipping for Dogs
Every year, one out of every three pets goes missing, gets lost, or is stolen, which adds up to roughly ten million pets annually. As part of preventive care for dogs, we recommend microchipping as a reliable, permanent form of identification that greatly improves the odds of a lost dog making it back home.
The insertion process is quick, easy, and virtually painless, and can be done at any age or paired with another visit, such as a dental cleaning or wellness exam. Once your dog's microchip is in place, you register your contact information in a national database, which you can update anytime you move or change your phone number. If your dog is ever lost and brought to a shelter or clinic, a quick scan of the microchip pulls up your information so you can be reunited quickly.
We also recommend pairing a microchip with a collar and ID tag. Neither method is completely foolproof on its own, but together they give your dog the best chance of a safe return home.
Nutrition and Weight Management for Canine Companions
Obesity is one of the most common and preventable health issues we see in dogs, and it's a key part of any dog preventive care plan. Excess weight can lead to joint problems, diabetes, heart and respiratory issues, and a shortened lifespan, so we monitor your dog's body condition at every wellness visit and offer guidance to help keep them at a healthy weight.
A few common contributors to weight gain in dogs include:
- Extra food and treats. Table scraps and a few extra treats may seem harmless, but the added calories add up quickly over time.
- Lack of exercise. Even dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors may not be getting the physical activity they need. A daily walk goes a long way toward keeping weight in check.
- Medications. Some medications can increase appetite or affect metabolism, leading to weight gain as a side effect.
If you have concerns about your dog's weight, our team can help build a nutrition and exercise plan tailored to your dog's age, breed, and lifestyle.
Ready to Schedule Your Dog's Wellness Exam?
Call Family Pet Clinic at (215) 357-2885
or book online to schedule a preventive care visit for your dog at our Southampton hospital, located at 324 2nd Street Pike, Southampton, PA 18966. Same-day appointments are often available.