Your pet's annual wellness exam is the foundation of a successful preventative care plan. This exam allows us to determine the overall physical health of your pet. During your pet's exam, you can expect your veterinarian to examine your pet from nose to tail, looking for the warning signs of health problems. As in all health evaluations, early detection of disease is key because it allows for more and better treatment options. At Hiram Animal Hospital, we also like to use your pet's wellness exam to talk about at-home health care and offer suggestions on how to meet your pet's individual health needs.
Many diseases that were once deadly for pets can now be prevented completely with vaccines. It's important to make sure that your pet has the proper vaccinations to protect them from these diseases. We provide all core and many non-core dog and cat vaccines, including those for rabies, canine and feline distemper, lyme disease, and more. Your veterinarian can recommend the proper vaccination program for your pet based on his or her individual needs.
Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms are more than just a nuisance; they are extremely dangerous for pet health. Ticks transmit Lyme disease and a variety of other diseases, fleas carry tapeworms and Bartonella, and heartworm disease damages the lungs and heart. During your pet's wellness visit, you can expect your veterinarian to look for the signs of parasites; however, these signs often cannot be detected until the parasite has already begun to harm your pet. That's why we recommend medication to prevent parasites for all our patients. Parasite preventatives come in many different forms, including chewable pills and topical medicines, so that you can choose the one that is best for your pet. We can provide a preventative medicine, as well as educate you on ways to control parasites in and around your home.
Sadly, every year thousands of pets are lost and never make it back home. Don't let your pet be one of them. The best way to ensure your pet's safe return is microchip identification. Collars and tags are important, but a collar can break and a tag can fall off or become damaged, meaning that they don't guarantee your pet will be able to be identified. A microchip is a tiny identification device injected under your pet's skin so that it can never be lost. Veterinary clinics and animal shelters across the country are equipped with scanners that can read the information on a microchip and identify your pet. This means that when your lost pet is found, the microchip company will contact you and make sure your pet is returned safely to you. Remember, it's never too late to microchip a pet. The procedure is fast, virtually painless, and one you certainly won't regret.
Proper nutrition is an essential component of your pet's overall health. Are you feeding your dog a healthy diet? Your veterinarian can recommend the proper diet for your pet based on important factors such as age, health, weight, and breed. If your pet needs to gain or lose weight, we can suggest special diets and tips to help you manage your pet's weight.
Behavior problems can often be the indicators of health concerns. We are trained to recognize these warning signs so that we can get started on your pet's treatment right away. Other times, healthy pets need behavioral training to make living with them more pleasurable. We can offer suggestions and advice to aid you in the training process.
Located between Bill Carruth Parkway and Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway on Hiram Douglasville Highway (GA-92).
Phone: 770-439-1117
