Importance of Fall Check-Ups for Richmond Area Pets

Fall is the perfect time to give your pet a clean bill of health, so usher in autumn with a thorough nose-to-tail wellness check for your furry family member! At Capital Home Veterinary Care, we bring the care to you, which makes these vital visits as convenient and as stress-free as possible for you and your pets. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of wellness checks for pets.

Wellness Checks: The Foundation for Optimal Health

An annual wellness check is the single most important step you can take toward protecting your pet’s health. Senior pets and those with chronic health problems may need more frequent visits. At your pet’s wellness check, our veterinarian will inspect your pet’s eyes, ears, teeth, gums, skin, and coat; check vital signs, weight, and overall body condition; and make recommendations for important preventive treatments and diagnostics. 

Disease Prevention Through Proper Protection

Fall is a wonderful time to explore the great outdoors with your four-legged adventurer, and your veterinarian can recommend the necessary immunizations and preventive care to protect your pet from pests, parasites, and diseases lurking in the wilderness, including the following: 

• Leptospirosis is a potentially deadly infection spread through wild animals like raccoons and skunks. Dogs can become infected by digging in the dirt, drinking from puddles, and picking up something with their mouths. Ask us about protecting your dog with a leptospirosis vaccine.

• Cooler temps can give us a false sense of security when it comes to fleas and ticks, but those little pests can impact pets well into the fall season. Ticks spread Lyme disease, which can lead to kidney failure if left untreated. We can recommend the best flea and tick prevention for your pet.

• Mosquito season can last well into autumn, spreading heartworms to dogs and cats. We are happy to discuss the most appropriate preventive measures for your pet. Available options include monthly chewables, injectable medications, and monthly topical treatments.

Snuff Out Fall Allergies

If your pet suddenly seems extra itchy, it may be because common environmental allergens like mold spores, tree pollen, and dust mites tend to peak in the fall. Your pet’s fall wellness check is the perfect time to discuss these seasonal allergies, which can cause chronic ear infections and skin conditions.

Take a Bite Out of Dental Problems

The best treatment for dental disease is to nip it in the bud as early as possible. At wellness checks, we examine the teeth and gums for early warning signs of dental disease, and we will make a recommendation regarding professional dental cleanings and measures you can take at home.

The Care You Need, Where You Need It

We are dedicated to providing exceptional care for the beloved pets of Richmond and the surrounding areas. If it’s time for your pet’s wellness check, please contact our caring team at (804) 432-2534.