Health & Wellness for Pets of Any Age
Pets are like humans in the sense that the issues involving their health evolve as they age. At Meriden and Wallingford Veterinary Associates, we personalize your pet’s medical treatment based on age and lifestyle, ensuring his or her optimal health and happiness.
Puppies and Kittens
Puppy and kitten are somewhat ambiguous terms, due to the fact that dogs and cats transition to adulthood individually, not as species or breeds. Generally speaking, your pet’s first year is a time of rapid growth and many changes. Digestive and immune systems are beginning to evolve, meaning diets should be closely managed and core vaccines need to be administered.Adult Pets
Your pet may have celebrated his or her first birthday, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he or she has stopped growing. Diet will most likely be changing at this point, making weight management and exercise important subjects. Equally as important will be his or her booster vaccines and decisions about non-core vaccines. Regular pet dental cleaning and comprehensive checkups are also a must.
Senior Pets
Your pet is aging and you’re beginning to notice changes in everything from appetite and energy level to the quality of hearing and sight. Just because your pet is slowing down, doesn’t mean he or she is unable to lead a quality and happy life. But, it does mean that you, as the owner, need to care for your pet with diligence and compassion.
Flea, Tick & Heartworm Prevention
Given the local ecosystem, flea and tick prevention is important for all our patients. Controlled in combination, removing the threat of fleas and ticks not only alleviates potential discomfort for your pet, but it also lessens the odds of more serious conditions such as Lyme disease.
Heartworm is another serious issue that affects both dogs and cats in our area. As a parasite, heartworm resides in the lung arteries of animals, affecting the vessels and tissue. Gone untreated, heartworm can migrate, causing your pet serious illness and even death.