Montville Veterinary Group

Yearly physical examination and age-appropriate blood work: A thorough yearly physical examination is one of the most important means for the early detection of medical problems. Based on your dog's age and physical examination findings, age-appropriate blood screening may be recommended.

• DHPP vaccination (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza): This vaccine protects against five highly contagious infections that can cause serious illness in dogs. As a puppy, this vaccination is a series of injections 2-3 weeks apart until approximately 16 weeks old, followed by boosters every 3 years (or as deemed appropriate based on your dog's risk of exposure).

• Leptospirosis vaccination: Leptospirosis is a contagious bacterial disease that can cause organ failure (primarily of the liver and kidney). Vaccination is strongly recommended for dogs that are deemed to be at risk for this disease (e.g. spend significant time outdoors). This vaccination is an initial series of 2 injections 2-3 weeks apart followed by yearly boosters.

• Rabies vaccination: This vaccine is mandated by state law as Rabies is a prevalent and fatal disease. The first vaccination is given at 3 months of age. A second vaccination is given one year later and repeated every 3 years thereafter. This vaccination must be current for the entire year for licensing purposes.

• Bordetella ("Kennel Cough") and Canine Influenza: These vaccines may be recommended for your dog based on his/her exposure to these infectious diseases. Dogs that board, groom, and/or frequently socialize with other dogs are generally at higher risk for these diseases.

• Lyme Disease: Tick control (Frontline Plus) is the best means of preventing this serious and prevalent disease. In addition, vaccination against Lyme Disease is strongly recommended for dogs that are exposed to ticks. This vaccination is an initial series of 2 injections 2-3 weeks apart followed by yearly boosters.

Heartworm Disease is a serious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. All dogs should be on monthly heartworm preventative. The heartworm preventatives that we prescribe have the added benefit of also preventing gastrointestinal parasites (roundworms and hookworms) that can cause illness in both dogs and people.

Monthly flea and tick preventative (Frontline Plus or Nexgard) is strongly encouraged. Fleas and ticks are carriers of many infectious diseases that are harmful to both humans and dogs. Preventing exposure to these agents helps protect the health of your dogs and your family.

Snap 4DX Testing for Heartworm, Lyme, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia: Yearly screening for heartworm and these three tick-borne diseases endemic in the northeast is recommended annually.

Spaying/neutering at 4-6 months of age is strongly recommended to prevent unwanted pregnancies as well as for the prevention of multiple health problems as your pet ages (e.g. mammary and testicular cancers, uterine and prostatic infections).

At least two fecal examinations are recommended for puppies. Stool analysis is recommended at least once a year for adult dogs to screen for intestinal parasites (worms) that may otherwise not be detected.

A tiny computer chip that is encoded with a unique identification number can be implanted under the skin. It can be a valuable tool in helping return your dog to you if he/she is ever lost. All humane societies and shelters have scanners capable of reading microchip ID numbers. We strongly recommend this very safe and easy procedure.

Obedience training is strongly recommended. Please consult our staff for local schools/trainers.