Preventive Care for Dogs

Commit to a lifetime of health.

Preventive care plays an important role in keeping your dog healthy, comfortable, and thriving throughout their life. In addition to offering peace of mind, routine preventive care helps us identify potential health concerns early—often before they become more serious or costly to treat.

How often should my dog see a veterinarian?

At East Towne Veterinary Clinic, our preventive care recommendations are guided by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). From there, our veterinarians tailor care to your dog’s individual needs, taking into account factors such as age, lifestyle, breed, and medical history.

In most cases, we recommend scheduling at least one comprehensive exam each year. During this visit, your veterinarian will review your dog’s medical history, assess behavior and overall wellness, discuss nutrition, and monitor any existing health conditions.

What should I expect from a preventive care exam?

Your dog’s annual exam is similar to a yearly physical for people. During the appointment, we’ll check their temperature, examine their eyes, ears, teeth, and skin, listen to the heart and lungs, and evaluate joint and mobility health.

Your veterinarian may also make recommendations regarding:

• Vaccinations based on your dog’s lifestyle or breed
  Core vaccines typically include rabies, distemper, and Leptospirosis, with additional vaccines such as canine influenza, Bordetella, or Lyme recommended when appropriate.

• Parasite prevention to protect against fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworms.

• Diagnostic testing to detect conditions that may not be visible during a physical exam and to ensure your dog is free from internal parasites.

At the end of the visit, your veterinarian will take time to answer any questions and discuss additional services that may benefit your dog’s long-term health, such as spay or neutering, microchipping, and dental care.

To schedule your dog’s annual exam, call us at (262) 241-4884 or request an dog exam appointment online.