Wellness
At Serenity Vet Care we believe that regular wellness care is the foundation for a happy, healthy life. Our in-home wellness services include vaccinations, bloodwork, parasite prevention, and much more to support your pet’s health.
What is wellness care?
At its simplest, wellness care (also called “preventative care”) refers to regular medical evaluations of your pet, taking into account their individual risks for acute and chronic conditions. It is part of a multifaceted approach to health that allows veterinarians to identify, prevent, and treat conditions proactively, before they become more advanced and difficult to manage.
Why is it necessary?
Unfortunately, most animals will instinctively hide or downplay signs of illness and discomfort. Often, it can be difficult to tell if an animal is feeling unwell or is in pain until an illness has progressed to a significant degree.
This is one of the many reasons veterinarians have to go through years of medical training to identify underlying issues. Studies have shown that only about 1 in 5 of animals presenting for annual wellness examinations are completely free of health issues. Many of these problems are chronic and not necessarily obvious at first glance, including dental disease, ear infections, or parasite infestation.
How often should my pet receive wellness care?
The American Animal Health Association (AAHA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) both recommend that every pet have a full veterinary wellness exam yearly.
These exams are a great time to update vaccines and discuss parasite prevention, as well as address questions regarding routine care such as diet, exercise, weight management, and behavioral issues. Regular yearly exams also help build a stronger relationship between you, your pet and your family veterinarian, which can greatly reduce stress for all parties if your pet ever requires more serious or invasive care.
All of the veterinarians at our clinic have years of real-world clinical and diagnostic experience to ensure that you receive the most out of your visit.
What if an illness/issue is found during my pet’s wellness visit?
We regularly treat some of the most common issues that affect companion pets, such as ear infections, skin infections, minor wounds, and diarrhea. Unfortunately, working out of our vehicle does have some limitations. We do not have large imaging equipment (such as x-rays or an ultrasound), the ability to perform surgery, or stabilize emergently ill pets. Your pet’s health and safety is our number one priority, and if we feel that we are limited by our unique service, we will direct you to a facility where your pet can get the care that they need.
More than a wellness visit...
At Serenity Vet Care, your pets’ comfort and ease is one of the most important aspects of our visits.
Our goal is to proceed through a wellness exam at whatever pace is most comfortable for your pet. We employ positive reinforcement and fear-free tactics to minimize any anxiety associated with the visit. We also understand that every pet’s personality is different and in-home visits may not be a practical choice for some animals or their owners. In such cases, we are happy to communicate with your referring veterinarian, ensuring you and your pet get the best care possible.