Veterinary Care
Healthcare Tips

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You have a new dog or cat.  We will take good care of your baby!

What do you do now?  Your new pet will need:
  • Annual health exams until age 8.
  • Vaccination booster series immediately and then appropriate vaccinations as needed based on your pet's lifestyle.
  • Heartworm preventative and appropriate parasite check.
  • Keep coat clean and brushed, nails trimmed and feed quality food.
  • Provide shelter if your pet is outside. Be sure to have plenty of water and shade available at all times.
  • Start a behavior class.  You are never too old to learn what your pet needs you to know.
  • Spay or Neuter your pet around 6-8 months of age.  Print page coupon for savings on spay or neuter!
  • Flip their lip...notice any stains, bad breath, blood or tooth loss...visit the Dental Page for more info and savings.

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Your pet's happiness and quality of life will depend on you.  When your pet turns 3 years of age do all that you were doing the first 12 months of their life plus:
  • Have one of our doctors check their teeth.  Schedule their first annual routine teeth cleaning.
  • Don't wait for annual exams.  Watch for limping, lethargy, confusion, panting, excessive drinking, weight gain or loss, check eyes, ears or nose for discharge, look for changes in the stools or urination.  Make an appointment for an exam if you notice any of the above or feel like your pet is not acting "normal."  Pets cannot verbally communicate their medical issues.  Pets communicate through behavior changes.  We encourage you to watch your pet's behavior and seek medical advice for any concerns you may have regarding any changes you notice.
  • Feel for lumps and bumps.  Your pet will love to be touched.  Stroking your pet has been proven to help reduce your blood pressure as well.  So relax and enjoy the unconditional love your pet will provide while you are checking the health of their skin and coat.
  • By age 8 a dog is almost 50 years old.  Your pet is now officially entering the senior years.

Your senior pet's medical needs have changed.  We recommend the following for senior pets:
  • Your pet may become less active.  Reduce their food intake to avoid obesity.  Watch those love treats.  Obesity is a big health risk.  You can love your pet too much by giving treats that are fattening.
  • Arthritis presents as stiffness or debilitation, lagging behind on walks and difficulty climbing steps.  Catching it early can help relieve your pet's pain allowing them to enjoy a better quality of life.  Medication may be needed to help your pet remain active.
  • Body temperature changes for your senior pet.  Keep them warmer or cooler as the weather indicates.
  • Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) manifests itself as confusion, disorientation, or decreased activity.  Medication for CCD can help improve your pet's quality of life.

For more information and savings visit the Senior Care page.

Don't know when your pet needs a doctor right a way?  The information provided below in the table will help.

Watch for signs of a problem:

  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Diarrhea lasting over 3 days
  • Open scabs or sores
  • Lameness lasting 5 days or more
  • Increase of abdomen size
  • Persistent coughing or gagging (dog)
  • Seizures
  • Heavy breathing at rest (cat)
  • Excessive panting

Call us 480-545-8921 if you notice any of the symptoms listed above.

Caring Hearts Animal Clinic
3045 East Baseline Road
Gilbert, AZ  85234
480-545-8921
Hours 8am-6pm  Monday-Saturday
Sunday Closed
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