Adult Dog & Cat Care:
An Ounce of Prevention Goes a Long Way
Adult dogs and cats are in the prime of their lives. It's a perfect time for families to enjoy the energy and enthusiasm of their furry companions, while also taking the appropriate steps to ensure pet wellness for many years to come.
Pet Health Exams
At Sharon Lakes Animal Hospital, we recommend that our pet patients come in twice each year for wellness exams. Keep in mind that for cats and dogs, every 6 months is roughly equivalent to 3.5 human years. Our veterinarians and staff want to monitor your pet's health so that if a problem should arise, we can diagnose and treat it as early as possible. Not only will this protect your pet's overall health and comfort, it also helps to keep veterinary costs down.
During each wellness exam, your pet will be given a complete physical. Our veterinarians will review your pet's external appearance, including his or her eyes, ears, and nose. You pet's coat and skin will be checked, as well as his or her mouth, teeth, and gums. We also will feel for any unusual lumps or bumps, listen to the heart and lungs, and check to see if there any physical or behavioral cues indicating discomfort or potential disease.
Because our veterinarians treat cats and dogs exclusively, we are especially attuned to the potential pet health issues they may have. We also have breed-specific expertise, having worked extensively with English bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles spaniels, to name just two.
Heartworm & Parasite Screenings
Once each year, your pet will be tested for heartworms and intestinal parasites. Gastro-intestinal parasites are very common in this part of the country, and they are dangerous to both pets and humans. Because of the warm and humid Charlotte, North Carolina climate, it's essential that both dogs and cats be kept on heartworm preventive year-round. Even a cat that lives exclusively indoors should still be protected - all it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito to cause irreparable harm, and in some cases even death from heartworm disease.
Our veterinarians also will discuss flea treatment and prevention methods to ensure your pet is protected from these troublesome parasites.
Pet Vaccinations
At Sharon Lakes Animal Hospital, we believe in providing individualized pet care to our patients. While certain vaccinations - such as rabies - are required for all pets, others may only be necessary for pets whose lifestyle or risk factors necessitate them. Our veterinarians will carefully review your pet's activities and living environment during each wellness exam to see if any changes to his or her vaccination protocol are needed. To learn more about the vaccinations we administer and when they are recommended, please visit our puppy and kitten care section.
Pet Dental Care
Since dental disease afflicts more dogs and cats than any other disease, it's essential that your pet be given the dental care he or she needs. During your pet's wellness exam, our veterinarians will conduct a thorough oral inspection. We will provide counseling about the steps you can take at home to assist in your pet's oral care. If a dental cleaning is required, rest assured that we have the experience and veterinary diagnostic tools necessary to provide the best cat and dog dental care.
Pet Nutrition
Once pets reach adulthood, their nutritional needs will change depending upon their activity level, health issues, and lifestyle. Our veterinarians are happy to provide nutritional counseling to ensure your pet is receiving the appropriate nutrients and calories he or she needs. With more than 54% of cats and dogs being overweight or obese, the sooner pet weight is managed, the easier it will be to prevent more serious pet health issues from developing.
Spay or Neuter Surgery
If your pet has not yet been spayed or neutered, our veterinarians are happy to speak with you about the health benefits of this procedure. Sometimes pet owners are concerned that the surgery will result in a change in pet personality. Rest assured, your cat or dog will still possess the same charisma and charm he or she always had. In addition, your pet will now be protected from the risk of certain cancers, infections, and diseases. We have advanced veterinary surgical tools and protocols in place to ensure that the procedures are safe and recovery is rapid. Please contact us if you would like to schedule an appointment to learn more.
Microchips
In the event that your pet becomes lost, whether at home or while on a trip, a microchip offers a permanent means of identification that will not slip off the way collars often do. Animal shelters across the country check to see if animals have a microchip when they first arrive. Taking this simple step will provide you with peace of mind and your pet with an added level of protection. Microchips are especially important for cats, since they rarely wear collars! Our veterinarians would be happy to speak with you about this simple procedure.