While adult pets may not change as rapidly as puppies and kittens, their health needs will evolve over time. Our veterinarians understand this and will work with you to establish a proactive pet wellness plan.
Comprehensive Physical
It’s important that you bring your pet in for a complete physical each year. During this appointment, our veterinarians will examine your pet from nose to tail, including his or her eyes, ears, skin, hair coat, teeth, mouth, and gums. In addition, we will listen to the heart and lungs, palpate the abdomen, check the lymph nodes, and more.
Our veterinarians will also speak with you about any changes in your pet’s appetite, drinking habits, or behavior you might have noticed. Depending upon your pet’s breed, age, and lifestyle factors, we may recommend selected lab tests be performed to screen for potential conditions or diseases, as well as establish baseline measurements for future use.
Pet Vaccinations
At Northwest Neighborhood Veterinary Hospital, we understand that there’s a fine line between protecting pets from disease and over-vaccinating them. Our veterinarians regularly review our vaccination protocols to ensure we are keeping up with current veterinary research and the guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners.
To learn which vaccines we recommend for your adult pet, please visit our pet vaccination section.
Pet Dental Care
Did you know that periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs and one of the most common in cats? Establishing good oral care is essential for your pet’s health.
Our veterinarians and staff have extensive veterinary dentistry training and experience. We will evaluate your pet’s mouth and advise you regarding appropriate at-home care. Should a pet dental cleaning be required, we will perform it using state-of-the-art equipment and compassionate care.
Pet Nutrition Counseling
Annual pet wellness exams enable us to monitor your pet’s weight and physical condition. Our veterinarians will be happy to provide nutritional counseling to ensure your pet is obtaining the appropriate nutrients and calories, based on his or her species, breed, age, activity level, and other health factors.
Parasite Screenings
Portland has a large population of both domestic and wild animals, so we have a high incidence of parasites including Giardia, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Because these parasites are transmittable to humans, it’s vital that your pet have an annual fecal test.
Heartworm preventives offer pets protection from not only heartworms, but also from the most common intestinal parasites as well. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) strongly recommend that all pets be on a heartworm preventive year round regardless of heartworm risk.
Our veterinarians will be happy to discuss the various pet medications available and which one might be best for your pet. We will also assist you in determining whether flea treatment would be beneficial to your pet, based on his or her lifestyle and exposure risk.
Microchips
If your pet has not been microchipped, our veterinarians can perform this service for you. It’s a quick procedure that ensures your pet is permanently identified, even if his or her collar is removed. Should your pet ever become lost while hiking or on vacation, a microchip will enable a shelter or veterinary hospital to contact you so that you may be reunited.