Preventive and Wellness Care
Preventive and Wellness Care for Dogs and Cats
A Proactive Approach to Your Pet’s Health
Preventive care is the foundation of your dog or cat’s lifelong health. Regular wellness visits allow our veterinary team to monitor your pet’s development, detect subtle changes early, and help prevent many common illnesses before they become serious. These visits also help pets become more familiar and comfortable with visiting the vet, creating calmer, more positive appointments over time. When pets are relaxed, we can obtain more accurate readings and perform a more thorough exam.
At University Animal Clinic, we focus on proactive care for pets throughout Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and surrounding communities. From early puppy and kitten visits to senior and geriatric wellness care, our goal is to support your pet’s health through every stage of life.
Comprehensive Wellness & Preventive Care
Wellness care often includes physical exams, dental health checks, vaccinations, parasite prevention, diagnostic testing, and conversations about nutrition, behavior, and lifestyle. With regular checkups and personalized care plans, our team helps pets stay healthy, active, and comfortable for years to come.
If your pet is due for a wellness exam or vaccinations, our team is here to help you schedule their next visit.
Preventive Care Just Got Easier! Learn more about The Prevention Club. Our wellness plans make preventive care simple and predictable, helping your pet stay healthy while spreading the cost of routine care into convenient monthly payments.
Preventive Care Through Every Life Stage for Dogs
Regular checkups give us the opportunity to follow your dog’s health as they grow and change. During these visits, we can evaluate weight, mobility, skin and coat health, and overall wellness while keeping vaccines and preventive care up to date. Over time, these routine visits also help your dog become more familiar with the veterinary environment, making future appointments easier and less stressful.
Dog Wellness Visits Through Life
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Vaccines help protect puppies from several serious diseases while their immune systems are still developing.
6 to 8 Weeks
Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHPP), and Bordetella
10 to 12 Weeks
DHPP, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, depending on lifestyle
14-16 Weeks
DHPP, Leptospirosis, Rabies
Adult Boosters
DHPP, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Rabies as recommended
Lifestyle-Based Vaccinations
Some dogs may benefit from additional protection depending on their lifestyle. Dogs that spend time outdoors, travel, or visit boarding facilities may be candidates for vaccines such as:
- Canine influenza
- Lyme disease
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Rattlesnake vaccine
During your dog’s wellness visit, we will review lifestyle factors to help determine the most appropriate vaccination plan.
Preventive Care for Every Life Stage for Cats
Cats are masters at hiding signs of illness, which is why regular checkups are so important. During wellness visits, our team takes a close look at your cat’s weight, coat condition, mobility, and overall health while making sure vaccinations and preventive care stay current. These visits also give cats the chance to become more familiar with our team and the clinic environment, helping future appointments feel calmer and more comfortable for both cats and their caregivers.
Cat Wellness Visits Through Life
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Kittens receive a series of vaccines to help protect them from common infectious diseases.
Some cats may also benefit from additional vaccines depending on their environment.
6 to 8 Weeks
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
10 to 12 Weeks
FVRCP booster
14-16 Weeks
FVRCP booster and Rabies
Adult Boosters
FVRCP and Rabies as recommended
Lifestyle-Based Vaccines for Cats
Cats that spend time outdoors or interact with other cats may be recommended to receive protection against:
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
Our team will discuss your cat’s lifestyle to determine whether this vaccine is appropriate.
What Happens During a Wellness Visit
A preventive care appointment is more than just vaccines. It is a comprehensive look at your pet’s overall health.
During your pet’s visit, our team may evaluate:
- Weight and body condition
- Heart and lung health
- Skin and coat condition
- Dental health
- Mobility and joint function
- Parasite prevention needs
These visits also give you the opportunity to discuss any changes you’ve noticed at home, such as changes in appetite, behavior shifts, or decreased activity.
Preventive Care That Supports Lifelong Health
Preventive care may also include:
- Parasite prevention for fleas, ticks, and heartworms
- Diagnostic testing and lab work
- Nutritional guidance
- Dental health monitoring
- Microchipping for permanent identification
Together, these services help protect your pet’s health while allowing us to detect potential concerns as early as possible.
A Lifetime of Health Starts with Prevention
Routine wellness visits allow us to monitor your pet’s health, detect problems early, and keep vaccinations and preventive care up to date. Schedule your pet’s wellness visit today and take a proactive step toward lifelong health.