Wellness and Preventative Medical Services are intended to keep your pet well. We spend considerable research efforts evaluating what services, products, and assays are worthwhile (and which one's are not!) for your family. Basic guidelines and recommendations follow. More detailed information may be available from our Pet Health Library.

• Immunizations stimulate your pet's immune system to ward off infectious diseases.  Pediatric core vaccines should start at 6-8 weeks of age and be boosted every month until four months of age.  Adults need boosters every 1-3 years based on vaccine type and risk factor assessment.  Specialty vaccines are considered on a case by case basis.
• Physical examination / consultations include review of history and animal care, as well as assessment of physical problems.  The rapidly changing pediatric patient needs this every month for 2-4 months.  Young adults (1-7 years of age) need annual evaluations and senior pets (those over 8 years old) need to be evaluated twice yearly.  Remember, animals age at the rate of approximately seven physiologic years to our one calendar year so an 8 year old dog would be like a 54 year old person.  Don't wait until he's 62 for another check-up!
• Laboratory Screening & Geriontology is designed to detect medical conditions that may not be apparant on history and exam.  Early diagnosis then can offer change therapy and improve prognosis.  This starts in the pediatric period by serial intestinal parasite screens.  Juveniles need blood screens prior to elective surgery (spay/neuter) to assess for congenital problems and anesthetic/surgical suitability.  Healthy adults should get periodic tests, especially prior to anesthesia.  Seniors (those over eight) need full blood screens with thyroid and urinalysis annually.
• Parasite Control Programs include routine laboratory screens such as for intestinal and blood parasites (heartworms, Lyme disease, felione leukemia) as well as measures to prevent and control these infestations.  Thanks to scientific and technologic advancces in the last decade, we have an array of safe and effective products to keep your pet free from parasites.  No pet deserves the irritation or potentially life-threatening effects of parasites, and no families should be exposed to these parasites, some of which can infest people.  That is why the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends strategic parasite control for veterinary patients.  We can design an effective parasite control program for your pet(s), based on their individual and environmental risks.
• Behavioral Services as a wellness issue stems from the fact that behavioral problems account for an increasing number of pet loss statistics.  Consider that up to 20% of the urban United States' pets pass through an animal shelter.  Add to that the sad fact that the Austin Town Lake Animal Center must destroy 10,000 unwanted pets per year, and the problems perspectives magnify significantly.  Check out this sites Pet Health Library for common behavioral problem resources.   We can also help with behavioral problem assessment and treatment by ruling out medical conditions that can mimic or cause behavior problems, consult about behavior modification techniques, and prescribe behavior influences and pharmaceuticals when needed.  Referral to behavioral specialists is sometimes needed to help with more difficult cases.
• Dental Services are considered a wellness service because their importance for the overall health of the patient goes much beyond shiny, white teeth and the restoration of "puppy breath."  Increasingly, data is showing correlations between poor oral hygiene and chronic degenerative diseases like kidney disease and cardiopulmonary problems, as well as the obvious gum infections and tooth loss.  We have excellent personnel and equipment including dental radiology to provide a high level of dental care.  Specialty referrals are also available for advanced care such as root canals.