The best medicine is prevention. Regular wellness care helps us catch potential health problems early, before they become bigger (and more expensive) issues. At Groton City Animal Hospital, we take the time to get to know your pet so we can tailor a care plan that fits their age, breed, lifestyle, and individual needs.
Wellness Exams
A comprehensive physical exam is the foundation of your pet’s health care. During a wellness visit, your veterinarian will evaluate your pet from nose to tail — checking for everything from skin issues and ear infections to heart abnormalities and dental health. Many health problems aren’t obvious from the outside, which is why we may also recommend:
- Bloodwork to screen for conditions like anemia, kidney disease, liver dysfunction, and thyroid issues
- Urinalysis to identify bladder infections, kidney disease, or early signs of other conditions
- Fecal testing to check for internal parasites that can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting
At home, keep an eye out for changes in your pet’s weight, appetite, water intake, energy level, or bathroom habits. These subtle shifts are often the first clue that something’s going on. When in doubt, give us a call — we’d always rather see your pet sooner than later.
Vaccinations
Not every pet needs the same vaccines on the same schedule. We tailor our vaccine recommendations to your individual pet based on their age, health status, and lifestyle risk factors.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines protect against the most serious and widespread diseases.
Dogs: The DAPP vaccine covers distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus, and parainfluenza in a single injection. Rabies vaccination is required by New York State law. We also recommend Leptospirosis and Lyme disease vaccinations for all dogs in our area — central New York’s wildlife, standing water, and tick populations make both diseases a year-round concern for most of our patients.
Cats: The FVRCP vaccine protects against panleukopenia (feline distemper), calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis (herpes virus). Rabies vaccination is also required by New York State law.
Ferrets: Core vaccines include ferret distemper and rabies.
Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your pet’s exposure risk.
Dogs: We may recommend Bordetella (kennel cough) for dogs who visit daycares, dog parks, or boarding facilities.
Cats: Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccination is recommended for cats at risk of exposure, particularly those who spend time outdoors or have contact with other cats.
Flea & Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks aren’t just annoying; they carry diseases that can affect both your pet and your family. Here in the Finger Lakes region, tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease are a real concern. The good news? Prevention is simple and effective. We carry a range of topical, oral, and collar-based products for both dogs and cats. No single product is right for every pet, so talk to our team about the best option for yours.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm disease is a serious, life-threatening condition spread by mosquitoes. It affects both dogs and cats, and symptoms often don’t appear until the disease is well advanced. Early signs include fatigue, exercise intolerance, coughing, and difficulty breathing. We recommend annual heartworm testing for dogs and year-round prevention for all pets. Heartworm disease is much easier (and cheaper) to prevent than it is to treat.
Is your pet due for a wellness visit? Call us at (607) 898-4482 or book an appointment online.