Pet Wellness
Care
Keeping your pet healthy starts with consistent preventive care.
Dogs and cats age faster than people, which means their health can change quickly. We work with you to keep your companion feeling their best through routine exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, diagnostics, and other preventive measures. Our approach to pet wellness care in Tinley Park is all about prevention.
Annual Veterinary Exams
An annual vet exam is what most owners think of as preventive care for dogs and cats. During these visits, a veterinarian and staff perform a thorough physical examination to evaluate your pet’s overall health and identify any early signs of illness or discomfort.
Our comprehensive exams include carefully assessing many aspects of your pet’s health, including eyes, ears, teeth and gums, skin, coat, lung function, weight, mobility, and more. These visits give us the opportunity to discuss changes you may have noticed at home, too.
Our comprehensive exams include carefully assessing many aspects of your pet’s health, including eyes, ears, teeth and gums, skin, coat, lung function, weight, mobility, and more. These visits give us the opportunity to discuss changes you may have noticed at home, too.
Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats
Vaccines play a role in protecting pets from diseases.
During wellness visits, we will review your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors to determine which vaccines are appropriate. Core vaccines are recommended for all pets because they protect against diseases that are widespread and/or potentially severe. Non-core vaccines may be recommended depending on your pet’s lifestyle, travel habits, or exposure to other animals.
Core Pet Vaccines
- Cats: Rabies and FVRCP
- Dogs: Rabies, DAPP/DHPP, Leptospirosis, and Lyme
Non-Core Pet Vaccines
- Cats: FeLV
- Dogs: Bordetella and Canine Influenza
Parasites are a health concern for cats and dogs.
Parasite prevention is a part of routine wellness care. Fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworms can all affect pets in our region and may cause serious health problems if left untreated.
Preventive medications protect pets from these parasites, reducing the risk of illness. In addition to causing discomfort, some parasites can transmit diseases or affect your pet’s long-term health.
Parasite prevention protects pets and their families because some parasites can infect other pets or even people (in certain cases). Our team can recommend the most appropriate preventive products based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Preventive medications protect pets from these parasites, reducing the risk of illness. In addition to causing discomfort, some parasites can transmit diseases or affect your pet’s long-term health.
Parasite prevention protects pets and their families because some parasites can infect other pets or even people (in certain cases). Our team can recommend the most appropriate preventive products based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Routine Diagnostic Screenings at the Vet
Why did my veterinarian recommend diagnostics for my healthy pet?
Routine diagnostics give valuable insight into your pet’s internal health, even when they appear perfectly healthy. Bloodwork and other screening tests evaluate organ function, detect early signs of disease, and monitor changes that may occur as pets age. These tests are especially helpful for identifying conditions before noticeable symptoms appear.
Diagnostic recommendations from our veterinarian may vary depending on factors such as your pet’s age, breed, medical history, and lifestyle. For example, senior pets often benefit from screenings to monitor for age-related changes. We always use these tools with the goal of keeping your pet healthy!
Diagnostic recommendations from our veterinarian may vary depending on factors such as your pet’s age, breed, medical history, and lifestyle. For example, senior pets often benefit from screenings to monitor for age-related changes. We always use these tools with the goal of keeping your pet healthy!
Preventive Care FAQs
How often should my pet see a veterinarian?
Most healthy adult pets benefit from a yearly wellness visit with an exam. However, senior pets or animals with certain ongoing health conditions should be seen twice a year or more. This is because a pet’s health can change rapidly in that time.
Is an annual vet exam really worth it?
Absolutely. A veterinary team is highly trained to identify health concerns that pet owners might not be able to spot. Even if your pet isn’t due for anything specific and they don’t have a health issue, an annual exam is a chance to set a baseline for your pet. Plus, it’s an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your companion’s care!
What is the typical vaccine schedule for puppies and kittens?
Puppies and kittens usually begin their vaccinations around 6–8 weeks of age and receive a series of boosters every few weeks until about 16-18 weeks old. These early vaccines build immunity while a young pet’s immune system is still developing. During your visit, we’ll create a vaccine schedule for your pet. Stick to the schedule closely. Waiting too long will mean restarting the vaccine series.
Is my pet overweight?
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for your pet’s overall health. Excess weight can contribute to several health issues, including arthritis. It can sometimes be difficult for pet owners to tell if their dog or cat is overweight, especially because gradual weight gain can be hard to notice over time. During a wellness visit, we evaluate your pet’s body condition to determine whether their weight is healthy. If you are concerned about your pet’s weight, we welcome you to schedule a visit to discuss weight and nutrition.
Can I talk to the veterinarian if I have questions about my pet?
Yes! If you have questions about your pet during an annual wellness visit, please ask the vet or our experienced support staff. We are always happy to answer general health or home care questions. If you’re unsure whether your pet should be seen, we encourage you to contact our team. We can guide you on the next steps for your pet’s care.
Schedule a Pet Wellness Exam in Tinley Park, IL
Veterinary Clinic of Tinley Park takes pride in providing thoughtful pet wellness care in Tinley Park for the dogs and cats who share our community. If it’s time for your pet’s annual vet exam or you have questions about preventive care, we invite you to contact our clinic.
Veterinary Clinic of Tinley Park provides wellness care, including exams, vaccines, and parasite prevention, for dogs and cats from Tinley Park, Orland Hills, Arbury Hills, Alpine, Mokena, Marley, Homer Glen, Orland Park, Oak Forest, Palos Park, Palos Heights, Alsip, Blue Island, Matteson, Frankfort Square, Frankfort, New Lennox, and neighboring Illinois areas.