Battle Ground Veterinary Clinic, P.C.
Wellness Care
Annual Exams and Vaccinations
When are my pet’s vaccinations due? Adult dogs and cats need a physical exam and vaccinations
each year to stay up to date. If you were previously seen by a doctor at Battle Ground Veterinary
Clinic you should receive a reminder card in the mail. Otherwise, you should contact your
previous veterinary clinic and ask for a copy of your pet’s medical records. If you are not sure of
your pet’s medical history, it is better to re-vaccinate to ensure protection. We see patients for
exams and vaccinations by appointment Monday through Saturday. Late hours are available on
Tuesdays and Thursdays.
What does my pet get at the annual visit? All pets are given a comprehensive physical wellness
exam. During this exam, the eyes, ears, teeth and gums, skin, muscles, heart, lungs, and lymph
nodes are checked for any abnormalities. If your pet appears healthy we will then evaluate your
pet’s medical history and lifestyle to determine which vaccines are needed. We also request for
our clients to bring a fecal sample with their pet so we can microscopically check for internal
parasites. If needed, blood and urine tests can be sent to an outside lab for analysis. This enables
detection of problems in the internal organs which may begin long before an animal shows any
physical symptoms.
Dogs: In addition to the above, your dog will receive an annual booster of the DAPP
vaccination which protects against the common viruses of distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis),
parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Leptospira bacterin is also given for dogs at risk of exposure. A 1
or 3 year rabies vaccination is administered as needed accompanied by a tag for your dog and a
certificate for your records. If you plan on taking your dog to classes, the groomer, a dog park,
or a boarding kennel, a bordatella vaccination is needed to protect against kennel cough. We also
recommend an annual heartworm test which will be sent to an outside lab. Results from this
blood test typically are known by the next business day.
Cats: In addition to the above, your cat will receive an annual booster of the FVRCP vaccination
which protects against the common viruses of feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and
panleukopenia. A feline leukemia vaccination is given go outdoor cats due to their increased risk
of exposure. A 1 or 3 year rabies vaccination is administered as needed accompanied by a tag for
your cat and a certificate for your records.
Why does my dog need a heartworm test? Although you may administer a heartworm
preventative each month there is always the possibility of your pet secretly spiting out his/her
pill or you may have unintentionally missed a dose. It is especially important to take this test if
missed months are known for sure. Giving a heartworm preventative to a heartworm positive
dog is potentially fatal. (see our Heartworm link for more details)
Why should my pet have a fecal exam? Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms,
whipworms, and tapeworms are commonly found in animals but rarely seen by the naked eye.
These parasites not only affect your pet’s overall health but can also pose a health risk to you
and your family. (see our Intestinal Parasite link for more details)
What’s the advantage of a 3 year rabies vaccination? A rabies vaccination proven to proved
protection for 3 years is now available. It is still necessary to have a physical exam and
DAPP/FVRCP vaccination each year, but in most cases there is an option between a 1 or a 3
year rabies vaccination. Reducing a rabies vaccine administration to every 3 years results in fewer
annual injections for your pet and in turn reduces the risk of adverse vaccine reaction.