As loving pet parents, we want our animal companions by our side for as many years as possible. At Angel Animal Hospital, we're dedicated to helping you achieve that goal.
The single most effective way to protect your dog or cat from illness and prolong their lifespan is through regular preventive wellness care. Routine physical examinations allow us to detect potential health conditions long before outward symptoms appear.
Our wellness services include thorough physical examinations from nose to tail, customized vaccination protocols, intestinal parasite testing, heartworm screenings, microchipping, and age-specific diagnostic bloodwork.
Vaccines are tailored specifically to your pet's unique risk factors, including age, breed, health status, and whether your dog or cat spends time outdoors, goes to boarding or grooming facilities, or travels.
Why Annual Wellness Exams Matter More Than You Think
Pets age significantly faster than humans—a single calendar year equals roughly four to seven years of aging for a dog or cat. Because companion animals instinctively hide weakness, subtle signs of arthritis, heart murmurs, dental disease, or kidney impairment can quietly progress without noticeable symptoms until the disease is advanced.
At Angel Animal Hospital, Dr. Candace Fisher performs a comprehensive 12-System Nose-to-Tail Physical Examination during every wellness appointment. We carefully inspect:
- Eyes: Checking for corneal cloudiness, cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, and retinal changes.
- Ears: Otoscopic examination of ear canals for yeast, bacteria, ear mites, polyps, or inflammation.
- Mouth & Teeth: Evaluating tartar buildup, gingivitis, loose or fractured teeth, oral tumors, and sublingual masses.
- Cardiovascular & Respiratory: Stethoscope auscultation to detect heart murmurs, arrhythmias, lung crackles, or wheezes.
- Abdominal Palpation: Feeling the liver, kidneys, spleen, stomach, intestines, and bladder for enlargement, pain, or abnormal masses.
- Musculoskeletal & Joints: Checking range of motion, assessing joint swelling or crepitus, and identifying early osteoarthritis.
- Integument (Skin & Coat): Checking for fleas, ticks, dander, dryness, hot spots, lumps, and skin infections.
- Lymph Nodes: Palpating submandibular, prescapular, and popliteal lymph nodes for enlargement.
Customized Canine Vaccination Schedule
Vaccines stimulate your dog's immune system to build protective antibodies against deadly infectious diseases. In accordance with American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) guidelines, we divide vaccines into core (essential for all dogs) and lifestyle (recommended based on exposure risk in Central Ohio):
| Vaccine | Classification | Target Diseases | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHPP (5-in-1) | Core (Mandatory) | Canine Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus-2), Parvovirus, Parainfluenza | Puppy series (8, 12, 16 wks), 1-yr booster, then every 3 years |
| Rabies | Core (Ohio Law) | Fatal viral zoonosis transmitted through wildlife bites | First at 12–16 wks, 1-yr booster, then every 3 years |
| Bordetella | Lifestyle | Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) | Every 6 to 12 months for dogs boarding, grooming, or dog park visitors |
| Lyme Disease | Lifestyle | Tick-borne Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted by Ohio deer ticks | Initial 2-dose series, then annual booster |
| Leptospirosis | Lifestyle / Regional Core | Bacterial infection from wildlife urine found in Ohio soil and standing water | Initial 2-dose series, then annual booster |
Customized Feline Vaccination Schedule
Cats require protection against severe respiratory viruses and fatal systemic infections:
- FVRCP (Feline 3-in-1 Core): Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus-1), Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (feline distemper). Given as a kitten series, followed by a 1-year booster and every 3 years thereafter.
- Rabies (Core): Mandated by Franklin County public health ordinances. Both indoor and outdoor cats must be immunized against rabies, as bats and rodents can enter homes.
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Strongly recommended for all kittens and any adult cats that spend time outdoors or live in multi-cat households with exposure to other felines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my strictly indoor cat really need vaccines?
Yes. By Ohio law, all cats must be vaccinated against Rabies. Furthermore, deadly airborne viruses like Panleukopenia can be inadvertently brought into the home on shoes and clothing, and bats occasionally enter living spaces.
What are the common side effects after vaccination?
Most pets experience no adverse effects. Some may feel slightly sleepy or have mild tenderness at the injection site for 24 hours. Serious allergic reactions (facial swelling, hives, vomiting) are rare; if they occur, contact us immediately.