Preventive Care at Minnehaha Animal Hospital
Preventive care plays a vital role in helping your dogs and cats live long, healthy lives. At Minnehaha Animal Hospital in Minneapolis, we are committed to providing the best care for your furry friend. By focusing on proactive healthcare, disease prevention, and regular wellness exams, we can address potential health issues before they become significant problems. Whether you have a young puppy or kitten, an active adult pet, or a beloved senior companion, our experienced team provides individualized care tailored to your pet’s life stage.
Puppy & Kitten Wellness Care
Getting your new puppy or kitten off to a healthy start is one of the best ways to ensure a lifetime of happiness and vitality. By starting veterinary care early, we can detect potential health issues, prevent common diseases, and guide pet owners in raising their young pets with healthy habits. During your early visits, our team at Minnehaha Animal Hospital performs:
General health evaluations to check for congenital problems.
Vaccinations to protect against common diseases.
Parasite screenings and flea/tick prevention.
Behavior and training guidance to support healthy habits.
Nutritional counseling to ensure proper growth and development.
These visits also provide an excellent opportunity for pet parents to ask questions and learn about the specific needs of their puppy or kitten. We cover important topics like house training, litter box habits, and grooming routines (such as ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care). Each new pet owner receives a customized puppy or kitten kit with helpful resources.
Adult Pet Preventive Care
As your pet transitions from a playful puppy or kitten into adulthood, regular veterinary care remains crucial. Annual wellness exams help us monitor your adult pets’ health and catch any potential issues before they become serious. During these visits, our veterinarians perform a comprehensive physical exam, update vaccinations, and conduct health screenings.
By carefully examining your pet and running tests, we can detect early signs of chronic diseases, nutritional imbalances, or other health concerns that may develop as your pet ages. We also discuss your pet’s lifestyle, behavior, and diet to ensure they are receiving the best possible care.
Key components of adult pet preventive care include:
Comprehensive Physical Exams: To assess overall health
Early Detection Wellness Screening: Blood work and fecal evaluations
Vaccination Updates: To protect against diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.
Parasite Prevention: Including heartworm, flea, and tick control
Dental Care: Looking for signs of periodontal disease, tooth decay, or oral infections.
We also focus on preventive medicine by addressing lifestyle factors that impact your pet’s long-term health. From weight management to mental and physical health, our veterinarians at Minnehaha Animal Hospital are here to provide guidance and support throughout your pet’s adult years.
Senior Pet Wellness
Aging pets have unique needs. At Minnehaha Animal Hospital, we recommend bi-annual check-ups for senior pets to closely monitor their health and detect any age-related issues early. Senior pets often benefit from more frequent health assessments, as early detection of conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, or heart problems can make a big difference.
Key components of senior pet preventive care include:
Senior Wellness Blood and Urine Evaluations: To screen for underlying diseases.
X-Rays and Imaging: To detect changes in internal organs, joints, or bones.
Diet and Nutritional Supplements: To support joint health and mobility.
Pain Management: For pets with arthritis or other chronic conditions.
Behavioral Evaluations: To monitor for changes in cognitive function or quality of life.
Monitoring for Age-Related Conditions: Kidney disease, arthritis and heart problems.
As pets age, regular monitoring of their health becomes even more critical. Our goal at Minnehaha Animal Hospital is to ensure that your senior pet remains comfortable, happy, and healthy throughout their golden years.
Preventive Care at Minnehaha Animal Hospital
Early detection wellness screening is the cornerstone of effective preventive care. Regular health screenings, including annual blood tests and fecal evaluations, help us identify abnormalities and signs of illness, allowing us to take immediate action. This proactive approach helps us manage conditions more effectively and provide treatments to improve your pet’s quality of life.
Benefits of early detection wellness screening include:
Establishing baseline health values for your pet.
Detecting diseases in their earliest stages, when treatment is most effective.
Monitoring your pet’s internal organ systems for signs of disease.
Adjusting preventive care recommendations based on your pet’s health status.
At Minnehaha Animal Hospital, we suggest annual wellness screenings for pets of all ages. These screenings are especially important for senior pets, who are more prone to developing chronic conditions such as kidney disease, arthritis, or cancer. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, improving your pet’s comfort and lifespan.
During these screenings, our veterinarians will conduct a variety of tests, including:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Blood Chemistry Panel
Urinalysis
Fecal Examination
By making wellness screenings a routine part of your pet’s care, we can track changes over time, adjust their care plan as needed, and ensure that they receive the preventive care they need to stay healthy.
Why Choose Minnehaha Animal Hospital for Preventive Care?
Experience the difference at Minnehaha Animal Hospital. We are dedicated to your pet’s long-term health through compassionate, personalized care. Let us show you why we’re the ideal choice for your pet’s needs.
Experienced Team
Our skilled veterinarians, backed by years of experience, ensures top-quality treatment for your pets.
Preventive Focus
We prioritize early detection and proactive care to prevent illness and promote long-term health.
Comprehensive Services
From vaccinations to senior wellness, we offer a full range of preventive services to meet your pet’s needs.
Personalized Care
We tailor our services to meet your pet’s unique needs, from wellness to nutrition.
Advanced Technology
Our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools allow us to provide accurate and effective care.
Client Education
We empower pet owners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their pet’s health.
Prioritize Preventive Care | Contact Us for an Appointment
Proactive healthcare is the best way to keep your pets healthy and happy throughout their lives. At Minnehaha Animal Hospital, we are here to partner with you in providing the preventive care your pets need at every stage of life. Schedule a wellness exam today to ensure your pet is receiving the care they deserve. Contact us at (612) 825-4427 to book an appointment, or click here to schedule online. Let’s work together to keep your dogs and cats in excellent health for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Care
How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
For adult pets, we recommend annual wellness exams. Puppies and kittens should be seen more frequently during their first year, while senior pets benefit from bi-annual check-ups to monitor age-related changes.
What is included in a preventive care visit?
Preventive care visits include a comprehensive physical exam, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and health screenings such as blood tests or fecal evaluations. Our veterinarians also discuss diet, exercise, and lifestyle factors to help keep your pet healthy.
Why is early detection wellness screening important?
Early detection wellness screening allows us to identify health issues before they become serious. Routine blood tests and health screenings help detect diseases early, leading to more effective treatment and better outcomes for your pet.
What vaccines does my pet need?
The vaccines your pet needs depend on their age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Common vaccines include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and Bordetella for dogs, and rabies, feline distemper, and feline leukemia for cats. Our veterinarians will guide you on the appropriate vaccine schedule for your pet.
How can I help my senior pet stay healthy?
To keep your senior pet healthy, schedule regular veterinary visits, provide a balanced diet, consider joint supplements, and monitor for changes in behavior or mobility. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized care plan for your senior pet.