Yearly checkups and vaccinating against contagious diseases may be two of the most important things you ever do for your pet. When you bring your precious bundle in for an annual exam, you can expect a thorough, expert evaluation. We will check eyes, ears, nose, and mouth for signs of ulceration, discharge, impending infection, or tooth/gum concerns. We will also check coat and skin for overall condition. Legs, paws, and gait will be evaluated for any abnormalities and, yes, we do check under the tail too (how embarrassing!)... Please let us know if you or your pet have any particular concerns--they cannot talk, and you know your friend best. Here are some items of significance:

• Have any aspects of your pet's behavior changed recently?
• Has food/water intake increased/decreased?
• Have there been any changes in urine/stool production? Consistency?
• Have there been changes in diet?
• Has there been any sudden weight loss or gain?
• Is your pet on any medications?
• Has your pet recently wandered from your yard or been otherwise unsupervised?
• Has your pet had any dietary indiscretions recently? (i.e., getting into the garbage, taking table scraps)
• Has your pet gotten into any toxic substances or human products not listed for pet consumption?
• Have you noticed any new lumps or bumps?
• Does your pet's breath smell bad?
• Has your pet been vomiting frequently?
• Does your pet "scoot bottom" on your carpet or upholstery?
• Have you noticed small moving creatures the size of grains of rice on your pet's bottom or any wormlike creatures in vomit/stool?

If your pet checks out healthy, our veterinarians will then booster any vaccinations that are due and deworm as needed. By keeping your pet up-to-date on vaccinations, you are being socially and personally responsible. By immunizing your pet/s, you can help us to keep disease from being contracted or spread. A good tick and flea protection regiment is also highly recommended, and we have several excellent products for easy application and reliable results. Ask at the front desk for more details.