Routine Health Examinations
At Montclair Veterinary Associates, ensuring the well-being of your furry companions is our top priority. Our comprehensive pet routine health examinations in Montclair, NJ, are designed to provide proactive care and early detection of potential health issues.
Routine Health Examinations
Montclair Veterinary Associates provides routine pet health examinations for cats and dogs in Montclair, NJ. We promise your first visit will be a pleasant, informative experience for you and a happy experience for your pet. You will be greeted warmly and taken care of by our friendly receptionist, and your pet will be cared for by Dr. Waxman and our compassionate technicians.
We recommend you have your new pet examined as soon as possible. A thorough exam can determine if your pet has any infections or genetic problems. We can also test for parasites, contagious diseases, and other internal illnesses.
Important Routine Health Examination Facts for New Dog & Cat Owners
- Puppies should receive DHPP (Distemper-Hepatitis-Parainfluenza-Parvo) vaccines at 6-8 weeks and then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age.
- Rabies vaccine should be given between three and six months of age. A puppy’s first Rabies vaccine is effective for one year, and subsequent vaccines last three years.
- We may recommend the Bordetella vaccine if your dog has regular, close contact with other dogs at the park or daycare.
- If your dog is boarding or visiting the groomer, we also may recommend the Canine Influenza Virus vaccine.
- The Lyme vaccine is recommended if your dog will be exposed to ticks. This is common on hikes or when visiting heavily wooded suburban areas of NJ/NY.
- Puppies should begin heartworm preventative monthly at 3-4 months old and should continue this medication monthly for their lifetime. A blood test for heartworm is required annually.
- Kittens receive Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis-Calici-Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccines at 6-8 weeks and then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age, and Rabies at 16 weeks. Your cat should be tested for Feline leukemia virus and Feline AIDS. Feline leukemia virus vaccination should be considered if your cat is exposed to other felines or goes outside.
- We recommend neutering male dogs at 6-12 months of age. We recommend spaying female dogs before the first heat at 6-8 months of age or after the first heat at about 1 year of age. Dr. Waxman is happy to discuss the age of spaying and neutering for different breeds.
- We recommend spaying/neutering cats at 6 months of age.
- It’s a good idea to bring a stool sample at your pet’s first visit so that we can check for internal parasites. Yearly fecal exams are recommended, as well as monthly flea and tick prevention year-round.