Products & Care
Products Available:
Veterinary Diets
Hill's Science Diet
Hill's Prescription Diets
Harrison's Bird Foods
Flea and Tick Control
Frontline Plus
Preventic Collars
Revolution® (for cats)
Capstar®
Comfortis™
Heartworm Prevention
(by prescription only)
Interceptor®
Sentinel®
West Kendall Animal Hospital's Recommendations
for Healthy Pet Care
Dogs
At West Kendall Animal Hospital, we recommend that a healthy canine have an examination every six months. Your dog’s annual check-up includes a physical examination by the veterinarian, having blood drawn for an occult heartworm test, and having a stool specimen examined microscopically for intestinal parasites. Most dogs are then vaccinated for Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Coronavirus, Parvovirus, and Bordatella. All adult dogs also receive a dental examination to determine whether they are in need of an ultrasonic cleaning, other dental care, and to discuss preventative dental care.
At the six-month wellness checkup, your dog receives a physical examination, has his stool checked again for intestinal parasites, and receives booster vaccines for Bordatella and Canine Porphyromonas (“Dog Dental vaccine”).
Senior and Geriatric Care for Dogs – Older pets, ages 4 to 8 years, have a Wellness CBC performed as part their annual check-up. This basic blood count measures white blood cells, red cells, platelets, and protein. The results of the test provide a baseline “wellness” for the veterinarian to monitor as the pet ages. Pets 9 years and older, have a complete Geriatric Screen performed at their annual check-up. This includes the Wellness CBC, additional blood chemistry analysis, and a urinalysis. Together, the results of these tests allow the veterinarian to identify early signs of disease before the pet might become symptomatic, and provide a more comprehensive wellness baseline for a senior pet.
Cats
Healthy feline patients at West Kendall Animal Hospital are seen annually until they are four years old. At their annual checkup, the veterinarian gives the cat a complete physical examination and a stool specimen is taken and examined microscopically for intestinal parasites. Vaccinations for Rabies, Distemper, Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis, Feline Leukemia, and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) are discussed and administered at appropriate intervals. Cats that are 4 years and older, are additionally seen for a 6-month check-up, which includes a physical examination and an intestinal parasite check.
Senior and Geriatric Care for Cats – The recommendations for older cats are the same as those for dogs (see Senior and Geriatric Care for Dogs, above.) For cats that are 9 years and older, we recommend the addition of a Thyroid Test, since older cats have a higher incidence of this disease. For thyroid problems, early detection allows better treatment. 
Puppies and Kittens
All puppies and kittens should be wormed and have their stool checked for intestinal parasites during the first four months of life. Worming can be started as early as three weeks old. Vaccinations for both puppies and kittens should begin at six-to-eight weeks old. Booster vaccines are given every three weeks (on average) from the first vaccination date, until 16 weeks of age for puppies and thirteen weeks old for kittens. At that time, both are old enough to receive their first rabies vaccination.
Birds
West Kendall Animal Hospital recommends an annual physical exam for most pet birds. The veterinarian may also recommend an annual culture and sensitivity, Chlymidia Serology, and stool analysis.
Ferrets
Ferrets at West Kendall Animal Hospital receive an annual examination, a stool specimen is examined for intestinal parasites, and vaccines are given for Distemper and Rabies.
For other pets, including rabbits, snakes, and most reptiles, periodic physical examinations should be performed; the first one at the time of purchase and thereafter as discussed with the veterinarian. Owners need to closely monitor their pet's environment, eating habits, and behavior in order to be sensitive to any changes that might indicate illness.
Spays and Neuters
West Kendall Animal Hospital recommends that all pets be spayed or neutered. Puppies and kittens can be spayed or neutered beginning at six months of age, which is generally before the first "heat" for females and prior to the onset of sexually mature behavior in males.
There are many health benefits associated with spays and neuters, including a lower incidence of breast cancer in females and lower incidence of prostate disease and several cancers (including testicular and perianal) in males. The behavioral benefits for male dogs include reduced aggressiveness; benefits for male cats include reduced chance of behaviors such as "spraying" (urine marking) and fighting. For female cats and dogs, spaying eliminates her "heat" periods as well as eliminates the opportunity for unwanted pregnancies.
