Preventative Care

Comprehensive Physical Exam:
An annual physical exam is key in providing preventive care.  A physical exam is a thorough evaluation of your pet's overall health performed by a veterinarian.  A physical exam not only determines if he or she is healthy enough to get any needed vaccines but also to diagnose any potential health problems.  Many health problems, if caught early, can be prevented or treated with the least discomfort to your pet.  Just think, each year of a dog or cat's life is equal to four human years and if your pet misses just on annual physical exam it would be as if you waited EIGHT YEARS TO SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR AN EXAM.

Heartworm Preventive:
We recommend that all dogs be on a monthly medication to prevent heartworm disease.   Heartworm disease is a serious, and sometimes fatal disease which is transmitted by mosquitoes.  When a mosquito feeds on a dog who has this disease the immature worms called microfilariae are taken in with the blood.  After living in the mosquito for 10-14 days, the microfilariae can then be injected into another dog when the mosquito feeds again.  Once injected into the dog's blood the microfilariae travel to the heart and become adult worms.  All this can be prevented!  Chewable treats are available to be given on a monthly basis! How can you start your dog on this preventive?   We need to have examined your dog within the past year and perform a heartworm blood test to be sure your dog is negative for heartworms prior to starting the medication.  Call us today for your dog's appointment!

Flea and Tick Control:
There are various products to help you control fleas and ticks from invading your pet and your home.  We can help develop a plan to for the specific needs of your pet and your own particular environmental situation.  

Vaccines:                                                                                    
Vaccinations are an important preventive measure you can take for the health of your pet. Health threats vary from city to city and even in various sections of cities. Therefore, our  veterinarians will tailor an immunization program for your pet based on our local conditions. Your dog or cat generally can be immunized for the following diseases: Dogs can be immunized against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus,  Bordetella, rabies, and Lyme disease. Cats can be immunized against feline panleukopenia (distemper), rabies, feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus,  feline leukemia. It is recommended that your pet visit the veterinarian every year for a comprehensive physical exam.  At that time, any needed vaccinations will be updated.

Dental Care

Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for dogs and cats visiting veterinary hospital today.  But many of the problems related to oral disease can be managed or even prevented.

Dental disease is caused by a build up of plaque and tartar.  Plaque is a colorless film composed of bacteria, proteins, sugars, white blood cells, minerals, and water.  It forms naturally and continuously on teeth and gums.   Invisible to the unaided eye for days or weeks, plaque accumulation may lead to mouth odor, pain, infection, and tooth loss.

As plaque builds up, the gums become red and swollen.  Pockets of infection may form around the roots of the tooth.  After mixing with food particles and minerals in saliva, some of the plaque will harden as it dries.  This hard deposit is called tartar, and like plaque it can contribute to gum disease.
Untreated tooth and gum disease may allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys.  All pets are at risk for developing these kinds of dental problems.  By the age of three 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of gum disease.  Don't wait for these signs - bad breath, a yellow-brown crust of tartar around the gumline, pain or bleeding when the pet eats or when you touch his or her gums. 

The Dental Procedure

Since some medical conditions may not be detectable by a physical exam and can effect the way in which anesthetics are processed by the body, we recommend that your pet have pre-anesthetic blood work prior to his or her dental procedure.  We also recommend that your pet be started on antibiotics two days before the dental procedure.  This is to protect against the bacteria that can be released during the process of removing plaque and tartar.  Your pet will be admitted to the hospital the morning of his or her procedure. He or she will be under general anesthesia during the dental procedure and due to modern gas anesthetic techniques the anesthesia is very safe.  During the procedure each tooth will be cleaned with an ultrasonic scaler and then polished.  Any infected, loose, or damaged teeth may be extracted.  Usually, your pet is able to be discharged the same day.  Written aftercare instructions for your pet will be given to you at discharge time.   We recommend that a dental home care routine be continued to help prevent future build up of plaque and tartar. 

Behavior Counseling

Puppy Kindergarten                                                                           
Do you have a Puppy between the ages of 7 - 14 weeks old?  Join our Puppy Kindergarten Class.  Each class is for six weeks and meets on Sunday mornings.   The focus of this class is to provide socialization, obedience, and proper canine manners while we help our human members understand  "puppy hood" and how to effectively communicate with your puppy in a positive manner.  Besides, everyone has lots of  FUN!  Call us to see when the next class begins.

Puppy Counseling
From deciding on which breed of dog to bring home to all aspects of puppy training, we can help!  We have a collection of videos on training techniques for loan.  We also have training books for sale and the Gentle Leader Training System.

Looking for help training your puppy who to old to join our Kindergarten Class?   We can supply you with a list of local obedience trainers who offer group classes and in-home training.  Call one of our receptionist at 845-628-1834.

Cat Medical Boarding

Check your cat into the "Meow-iott" at South Putnam Animal Hospital for a pampered vacation of their own.

• Quality Care
• Convenient drop off an pick up times
• Play sessions

All guests will be required to have a current rabies and distemper vaccination.  Guests will dine on premium diets.  If preferred you may bring your own pet foods.  Should your pet require a prescription diet, please discuss it with the receptionist when making the reservation.  Guests will be checked for fleas upon arrival.  If fleas are found, he or she will be treated at an additional expense.

Medical boarding is also available for cats who require medical attention due to illness or a health condition.  Cats will be monitored daily for changes in their condition, and any medication, or special treatments will be given as needed.

Nutritional Counseling
From pediatric to geriatric, each pet has specific nutritional needs and we can help you determine what is best for your pet!  Nutritional needs are based on your pet's history and the findings of his or her latest physical examination.

Prescription Diet:

Some pet's require a special prescription diet to help with illness and/or disease.  These diets would be prescribed by the veterinarian and would be specially ordered for you.  Food orders are placed weekly and are delivered within 2-3 days. 

Weight Loss Program:  

 For those pets diagnosed as being overweight, we have our own program to help you manage their weight loss.  Our receptionist, Jen  will set up your program and monitor your pet's success!