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Small Animal Health & Wellness


Benewah Veterinary Clinic provides complete wellness programs for dogs, cats and other small animals upon request. Once your pet has it's first vaccine you will receive a reminder by text, email or postcard for an annual wellness visit and the next vaccines that will be due. Please update our office with contact information changes, so you don't miss out on the reminders.

The following is our protocol for basic annual health care in dogs and cats. If you do not see the information you are looking for please contact our clinic.

Puppies:

Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo and Parainfluenza (DHLPP) vaccine is given in a series every 3-4 weeks, beginning at 6-8 weeks of age and ending at a minimum of 16 weeks of age to ensure immunity. The final vaccine of the series is boostered in 1 year, and then given every 3 years.
Dewormer given for round worms is administered two or more times during the series of vaccinations, and broad spectrum deworming to include tapeworms is given at the final vaccine of the series.
Rabies vaccine to be given at approximately 15 weeks of age and boostered 1 year later.
Spay or Neuter recommended at 5 to 6 months.

Adult Dogs:

Annual Wellness Exam
Leptospirosis vaccine given yearly.
Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo and Parainfluenza (DHLPP) vaccine  is given every 3 years after initial vaccination
Rabies vaccine is given every 3 years after initial vaccination.
Bloodwork  and urinalysis screening and Dental cleaning as needed.

Geriatric Dogs (over 7 years):

Annual or Semi-Annual Wellness Exam
Leptospirosis vaccine given yearly.
Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo and Parainfluenza (DHLPP) vaccine is given every 3 years
Rabies vaccine is given every 3 years
Annual blood work and urine screening is recommended
Screening radiographs as needed
Dental cleanings as needed

Dogs of all ages may need additional tests or medications if traveling to other regions of the country (i.e. heartworm) or if they acquire parasites such as fleas, ticks or worms. All dogs with increased exposure to other dogs (i.e. grooming, daycare, kenneling) should be vaccinated yearly for Bordetella (kennel cough).

Kittens:

Rhinotracheitis, Calici, Chlamydia, Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine started at 6-8 weeks of age followed by a booster at 10-12 weeks. A third FVRCP booster may be given by the recommendation of your veterinarian depending on the kitten's age and risk factor.
Feline leukemia vaccine at 9 weeks (or at time of second FVRCP booster) if going outdoors. A booster for leukemia should be given 3-4 weeks later.
Dewormer is given for round worms at time of 1st & 2nd vaccinations.
Rabies vaccine to be given at 16 weeks and boostered 1 year later.
Spay or Neuter recommended at 5 to 6 months. (possibly earlier under special circumstances)

Adult Cats:

Annual Wellness Exam
Rhinotracheitis, Calici, Chlamydia, Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine given yearly.
Leukemia vaccine given yearly (for cats going outdoors)
Rabies vaccine to be given every 3 years (after initial vaccine and 1 year booster)
Bloodwork screening and Dental cleaning as needed.
Cats that hunt need to be dewormed every 3-4 months.

Geriatric Cats (over 7 years):

Annual Wellness Exam (more frequently for those with health issues)
Rhinotracheitis, Calici, Chlamydia, Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine given yearly.
Leukemia vaccine given yearly (for cats going outdoors)
Rabies vaccine every 3 years
Cats that hunt need to be dewormed every 3-4 months.
Annual blood work screening (more frequently if needed)
Dental cleaning as needed
Screening radiographs as needed

Cats of all ages may need additional tests or medications if traveling to other regions of the country or if they acquire parasites such as fleas or worms. If you are unsure if your cat needs additional care, please talk to your veterinarian at the next visit.