Preventive and Wellness Care
Preventive and Wellness Care
Our cats and dogs need regular health checkups, too! Our pets age much faster than people, and a year in their lives can mean big changes. By bringing your pet for annual or twice-yearly wellness visits, we can support their long-term health and often prevent major problems before they even start. At Gobles Veterinary Clinic, our commitment to our community is to provide proactive care for your pets, preventing problems before they start rather than reacting after it’s too late.
Why Preventive and Wellness Care Matters
First and foremost, by bringing your pet in for yearly or twice-yearly checkups, you are helping your furry family members live longer, healthier, and more comfortable lives. Over time, by preventing and catching possible concerns earlier, you will save your family the stress, worry, and costs associated with treating problems once they’ve progressed.
What is involved during a Preventive and Wellness Visit?
Each visit is tailored to your pet’s needs, but discussions often focus on:
- Behavioral Support (catching changes early that may signal health concerns)
- Dental Health (oral exams and cleanings)
- Nutrition Counseling (weight management and specialized diets)
- Parasite Prevention (fleas, ticks, heartworm, intestinal parasites)
- Screenings (bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal exams)
- Vaccinations (core and lifestyle-based)
- Whole-Pet Exams (annual or twice yearly, depending on age/needs,) looking at your pet’s physical health, mental wellbeing, and lifestyle.
Recommended Preventive and Wellness Care for Every Life Stage of Pets
Dogs
Puppy (Birth - 12 months)
- Exams every 3–4 weeks until ~16 weeks old
- Core vaccines: Distemper/Parvo (DHPP), Leptospirosis, Lyme, Rabies, Bordetella (dogs)
- Parasite prevention: heartworm, flea, tick
- Fecal testing & deworming
- Microchipping
Adult (1 – 6 years)
- Annual wellness exam
- Annual core vaccines + lifestyle vaccines (lepto, Lyme, influenza as needed)
- Year-round parasite prevention (heartworm, flea, tick)
- Annual fecal exam & bloodwork
- Dental cleaning as needed
Senior (7 – 9 years)
- Wellness exam every 6–12 months
- Bloodwork & urinalysis to screen for organ function
- Weight & nutrition counseling
- Arthritis/orthopedic evaluation
- Continued parasite prevention & vaccines
Geriatric (10+ years)
- Exams every 6 months
- Comprehensive senior panels (blood, urine, blood pressure, thyroid)
- Pain management for arthritis/orthopedic disease
- Vision, hearing, and cognitive function checks
- Strict parasite prevention
Cats
Kitten (Birth - 12 months)
- Exams every 3–4 weeks until ~16 weeks old
- Core vaccines: FVRCP, rabies, FeLV
- Parasite prevention: flea, tick, heartworm
- Fecal testing & deworming
- Microchipping
Adult (1 – 6 years)
- Annual wellness exam
- Annual vaccines (rabies, FVRCP; FeLV if outdoors)
- Year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
- Annual fecal exam & bloodwork • Dental cleaning as needed
Senior (7 – 9 years)
- Wellness exam every 6–12 months
- Bloodwork & urinalysis
- Weight & nutrition counseling
- Arthritis & mobility checks
- Continued parasite prevention & vaccines
Geriatric (10+ years)
- Exams every 6 months
- Senior health panels
- Pain management for arthritis or chronic illness
- Vision, hearing, cognitive checks
- Strict parasite prevention
Southwest Michigan Environment and Parasite Risks
- Heartworm Disease: Spread by mosquitoes, still a threat even during cooler months. All it takes is one bite for an indoor or outdoor pet, who is not protected year-round, and they are at risk of heartworms.
- Heartworms can be fatal in dogs, requiring complex treatment.
- In cats, there is no cure. Once a cat has heartworms, it is fatal.
- Ticks: Found in woods, fields, and backyards. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.
- Fleas: Thrive indoors and outdoors, leading to itching, skin infections, and infestations in the home.
- Leptospirosis: A serious bacterial disease spread through standing water, puddles, or wildlife exposure. This disease can affect both pets and people.
Related Services
Dental Care
